Aldryn – male, councilor, 

Zanfar – Male, dark elf,  military leader

Fervaysi – Female dark elf, alchemist

Elenea – Female dark elf, councilor

Ylgyne – sveekins

Scene

We should have been using that metal to forge weapons! Now look at us! Cornered like rats!

I disagree, Zannfar. That metal is the foundation of our economy. Without it, we are nothing more than vagabonds and bandits.
Regardless, it doesn’t matter now. We will have to find another way to deal with the Falmer.

Hold on…it looks like we’ve got guests.

player and ylgyne enter a room, and end up interrupting a town hall meeting in a dwemer city

Halt! Who are you? What are you doing here?

(Draws weapon) That depends on who’s asking.

This is our city, ape. I don’t have to answer your questions. You answer mine.

Oh, sheathe your blade Zannfar! They’re obviously just adventurers. Wouldn’t you agree, Councilor?

It would appear so. And given the circumstances, their timing is rather fortuitous.
Come forward, let me get a look at you.

forcegreet

Ah yes, it’s no coincidence you’ve come. The moonshadow herself must have brought you here.

The moonshadow brought me here?
Oh yes. In my darkest hour, Azura spoke to me.
She told of a great Dwemer ruin cleared by a single adventurer. A cavernous city waiting to be claimed. A city of our own.
So just as the prophet Veloth brought our ancestors to Morrowind, I rounded up my fellow Dunmer and led them here.

Close. It was actually Ylgyne who brought me here.
Your Nord friend, I presume. An Imperial soldier, by the looks of his posture. I assure you, that is no coincidence either.
For you see, it was a vision that led us here. Just as Veloth brought our ancestors to Morrowind, in these ruins, I foresaw a city of our own.

In Windhelm, we spent our lives in fear. It didn’t matter how much wealth you accumulated, or how much goodwill you spread.
Your entire life could be stolen away with a single decree.
Here, we are free to govern our destiny. We are allowed to reap what we sow.

But what about food? You can’t grow crops on stone.

Ha-ha-ha! Maybe not, Nord. But we still have our legs. This ruin has more than enough valuables to sustain us.
With Dawnstar only a day’s journey north, it’s not very difficult to trade for supplies.
The more pressing danger lies not beneath the ground, but behind the walls.

Behind the walls? I’m afraid I don’t understand.

Do you need things spelled out for you, monkey? He’s talking about the Falmer.
No matter how many we kill, more come to take their place. The whole city’s infested.

Nah-uh-uh…that’s where you and I disagree. According to my estimates, the group that drove us out of the city represents the last of their horde.
That’s why they haven’t pursued us. The pretty little things want to rebuild their numbers before they strike again.

In other words, if we attack now, we can eradicate them all.
However, this is not a task Zannfar can do alone. That is why I wish to enlist your help.

You can’t be serious! One of them is a bloody Nord ape!

You can’t be serious! They’re Nords! They can’t be trusted!

I’m sorry, but this is not up for debate. We can either trust them or try bargaining with the Falmer. And I doubt even you are stubborn enough to try that.

If it makes you feel better, you can let us handle it. My companion and I can clear the area on our own.

My love and I can clear the area on our own.

Not on your life, fetcher. I won’t let an outsider, let alone a Nord insult my pride. 

Then it’s agreed. The three of you together will clear the ruin.

But first, I’m sure you have questions regarding our presence here.
You can speak with me or any of the citizens. Just let me know when you’re ready to depart.

if you talk to Aldryn

You mentioned Veloth. Do you consider yourself a prophet?
No, far from it. I believe Azura chose me because I was best suited to lead. I do not speak on her behalf.
Thus, while some of the more enthusiastic citizens fashion me a prophet, I am far from infallible.

Who makes the decisions here?
While I may be the one Azura spoke to, I am hardly a despot. In fact, I set up a three person council to govern the city.
However, Councilor Elenea took ill recently, and has been taken to a healer on the surface.
Given the state of things, Zannfar and I make most of the decisions, but not before receiving input from the others.

What sort of casualties have you suffered since arriving here?
We’ve lost most of our mages, including Helfar, our resident expert on the Dwemer.
It’s almost as if they’re targeting the most important members of our group.

How long do you expect to live underground?
Much of that will be dictated by the available supplies, but it shouldn’t be too difficult given what’s here.
However, we will eventually need to create a renewable source of trade beyond selling Dwemer scraps.
Our council has already set up meetings to decide on what sort of economy we will foster.

What sort of economy do you think is best?
I haven’t decided. But whatever we decide, we must first exhaust the resources here, and use the gold to invest in education and trade.
Zannfar would have us forge the metal into weapons, which would decrease their value considerably.

Why not try farming the land?
The climate isn’t suited for that sort of thing, else the Nords would’ve settled here themselves.
The most logical solution would be to set up a mine, since the Dwemer likely chose this location for its metal.
But contrary to what Zannfar thinks, we can’t just start chipping away at the pipes.
There is a limited supply of metal, and we must sell it all if the economy is to flourish.

You should become hunters and scavengers.
Then we would be better off living outdoors, and in Falkreath.
Look around you. These are city Elves. They’re not accustomed to the vagaries of the wild.
Even if we were to follow Zannfar’s lead and arm them, what good would it do. If anything, we’re better off teaching them magic.

You could always sack caravans like bandits.
The moral implications aside, we’d have more luck engineering machines. Look around you. These people are hardly warriors.
This is what I keep telling Zannfar. The metal is better served for hiring mercenaries than arming the people.
But of course, that would mean soliciting help from outsiders.

What motivated you to bring your people here?
I suppose you can say they were an answer to a prayer.
Like many of my people, I made the pilgrimage to the Shrine of Azura merely to pay tribute.
But what began as a pilgrimage quickly turned into a plea.
As grateful as I was for having a place to reside, a part of me felt like we still hadn’t found a home.
And that’s when she granted me a vision of this ruin, so we could build a place of our own.

I’m ready to clear the ruin.
Excellent, but before you embark, I’d like you to speak with our resident alchemist, Fervaysi.
She may be able to provide some potions to help you fight the Falmer.

Zannfar, you stay here for a moment. I’d like a word.

(somewhat sarcastic/disgruntled) As you command, Councilor.

Hellos
Be careful in there. The Falmer are as cunning as they are dangerous.
Yes?
Mephala cloak you.
Azura watch over us all.
You are welcome to stay as long as you abide by our rules.
Safe journeys.
Thank you for your assistance.
Normally I don’t like relying on outsiders, but we have little choice in this regard.

Player is asked by Fervaysi to kill Zannfar. Player must clear Falmer and choose to spare Zannfar or follow through and kill him. Regardless, when he/she is done they return to main hall, Elenea has now returned

I’m sorry Elenea, we did what we could. Take comfort in the fact that she died to save our city.

I will do no such thing Councilor! You gave me your word he would be safe! Your word!
And fool as I was, I took it to be the gods’ own breath! But Zannfar was right along.
You are no prophet, Aldryn! You’re a liar and a murderer, and I will run you out of this city if its the last thing I do!

Your anger is misplaced, Councilor. After all, there’s really only one person responsible for the death of your daughter.

(Accuse Fervaysi)
And she’s standing right in front of you.

Zannfar…I’m surprised to see you made it out alive.
(glances angrily at the player) Very, very surprised.

What do you mean? What’s going on?

Well, it’s obvious Councilor, Zannfar has taken your adventurers and is leading a rebel-

Zannfar guts Fervaysi

By Azura!

(gasps)

Zannfar! How could you! I brought you in! Put you on the council!

Relax, Councilor. I did it for your own sake. The bitch was trying to kill me. She may have even killed Elenea’s daughter.

Outrageous! What possible motivation could she have for doing so?

If I died, who do you think would’ve taken my place? And the way she bewitched you, Councilor, she would’ve pretty much been in charge.

I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.

There’s no shame in it. Countless men before you have been duped by a pretty face. Some of them might have even been prophets.

I’m sorry Councilor, perhaps you have a point. But I’ll still require a full investigation before we clear you of this matter.

I’m not going anywhere.

My daughter! What about my daughter? 

We’ve already prepared the body for cremation, Elenea. I suppose at some point, we needed to find space to house the honored dead.

I want her close by! Near the plaza!

We’ll talk it about Councilor. It will be a decision made by the three of us.

forcegreet

Well, it seems Zannfar has some explaining to do.
Nevertheless, it’s hard to imagine he would do such a thing without just cause.
What exactly happened out there?

Fervaysi asked us to kill him. She said you ordered her to do it.
I see. And both you and Zannfar were able to deduce she was acting on her own.
I suppose I need to thank the both of you then for keeping a level head. It would have been very easy to assume she was telling the truth.

I know you ordered Zannfar’s death. But it’s best Fervaysi take the fall.
If you’re implying I knew anything about this then you’ve clearly lost your mind.
Moreover, if you intend to try and use this accusation to extort me, you will find I am not a willing partner.

Elenea’s daughter was killed by Falmer. Fervaysi tried to exploit that.
Yes, that’s the most likely story. The girl was obsessed with glory, and took her duty as a guard a little too seriously.
As for Fervaysi, I had no inkling she was even capable of such duplicity.
Given our experience in the Gray Quarter, I built this city on a foundation of trust and friendship. But for many Dunmer, the old ways run deep.

Fervaysi killed Elenea’s daughter and tried to setup Zannfar for the fall.
If so, the investigation will bear that out. While the punishment has already been served, Councilor Elenea has a right to know what really happened.

What happens now?
Well, we first need to reassure everyone that our leadership is stable.
If the three of us show we can work together in building this city, it will restore the people’s faith in the council.

Whatever. I still don’t trust you.
You’re an outsider, so I don’t expect you to. What matters is that I have the trust of my people.
With the Falmer gone, we can proceed to build a city infrastructure. And giving them a home is the best  way to restore their faith in the council.

The ape can stay. He’s earned his place.

Forcegreet by Ylgyne, part 1 of the quest ends

Anything I can do to help?
Well, for one, we need to start by building up a treasury. We have countless stores of Dwarven metal and no one to buy it.
I want you to talk to Sadri in Windhelm. I’ve already set up a deal to sell him our goods in bulk, but I needed to clear it with the council first.

With Zannfar dead, there are no more hurdles to closing this. You can tell him the deal will go through as planned.

Of course, how much we can sell will depend on how much sway I still have with Elenea.
I had planned on moving all of it, but now it seems I’ll likely have to compromise.

I’m afraid with Revyn Sadri dead, my main buyer is gone. It looks like Zannfar may get his wish after all.

I’ve spoken with Revyn Sadri and he’s agreed to sell your metal.
Excellent. You’ve done us a great service. Here’s you reward.

How will liquidating your assets help the city?
Having a steady cache of gold will allow us to quickly invest in better infrastructure.
Craftsman to build things, traders to sell them…merchants who have no interest in taking Dwarven metal as currency.
In fact, I think you’ll find your actions will quickly have a ripple effect throughout the city.

Walks out toward balcony to view city

Do you know anything about wolves, adventurer?
Most people know they hunt Elk, but their effect doesn’t stop there.
With less Elk, the plants grow, and the birds, insects, and smaller animals thrive.
As the vegetation flourishes, the banks around the rivers solidify, which provides better flow and irrigation.
That is what you have done here today. In many ways, you’re like the wolf. And your presence has changed this city for the better.

Hellos

There’s a reason I had Azarel doing supply runs. He isn’t the most sociable Dunmer.

I don’t know what Zannfar has planned for Azarel, but with Elenea in his pocket, it’s out of my hands now.

The council voted two to one in favor of turning Fervaysi’s laboratory into a barracks. I’m sure you can infer who voted for what.

 

(If you decide to spare Zannfar and accuse Aldryn of conspiracy)

 

Out of my way, n’wah! My business isn’t with you!

I’m sorry Zannfar, I’m pleased to see you’ve returned safely, but this is not the time!

No fetcher, this is precisely the time. See, I know you tried to have me killed.
Lucky for me, you overplayed your hand by trusting these outsiders.

What? Councilor is this true?

I have no idea what he’s talking about. I have led this group with the utmost integrity.

Mephala curse you! Even now you cling to your lies. But I will put an end to them all.

How dare you speak to me that way! I brought you in! Put you on the council!

It was about the only thing you’ve done right. Pray to Azura it was enough.

By Azura! What have you done!

I did what came natural. This n’wah tried to kill me. All I did was return the favor. 
Isn’t that right, Fervaysi?

Oh yes. It’s all true. Councilor Aldryn has been trying to have Zannfar removed ever since your daughter’s…untimely death.
He was worried you would cease to support him at the next council meeting.

You mean to tell me my daughter lost her life, and all he could think about was politics? That…that’s not the Aldryn I knew…

He had us all fooled, I’m afraid.

I’m sorry. This is all my fault. I should’ve never agreed to be on the council. My poor Avrusa…

Zannfar, it’s clear Councilor Elenea needs time to grieve. I think it’s best you take over as First Councilor.
You’ll need a second, of course. Someone to bounce ideas off of. 

Hmph. I take it you want to volunteer for that position.

Keep your friends close…as they say.

(Zannfar Dead Version)

I’m afraid Fervaysi’s right. As much as I hate to admit it, the evidence points to foul play.
Zannfar is responsible for your daughter’s death. It wasn’t an accident. It was a murder.

Murder? Why would he do such a thing?

It’s simple arithmetic. Two is more than one. He needed your vote.

Are you telling me he killed my Avrusa for political gain? Where is he!?!?!  By Boethiah, I will have that monster’s head!

Rest assured, when the situation with the Falmer is finished, he will stand trial for his crime.

Actually Councilor, the matter’s already been taken care of. I had the outsiders remove him during their little foray with the Falmer.

You did what? I never gave that order! Regardless of what you suspect he did, Zannfar was a member of the Council!

Well, you mentioned yourself that Zannfar was guilty. For all we know he would’ve killed you next.
We only had one shot at this, and I’m not a mind reader. At least, not professionally. Like it or not, a decision had to be made.  

Well I say good riddance. My daughter deserved better than what he gave her. She’s the victim here, not that heartless brute!

That may be true, but I will still have to reprimand Fervaysi for her actions.

I think the word you’re looking for Councilor, is “reward.” In fact, if you’re in need of a new council member, I can think of no better candidate.

Councilor Fervaysi. I like the sound of that. But really, I’m not the one you should be thanking.

forcegreet

Yes, and I for one am quite curious to hear what our “heroes” think of all this.

We were only acting on your orders, Councilor.
My orders, ha! I prefer using politics to bloodshed, but I confess the two are well acquainted.
And politically speaking, it doesn’t matter if I ordered it or not. If I condone the act, it’s virtually the same thing.
That’s why there’s no point hiding from what comes next. With Zannfar gone and Elenea ill, I must take charge of this council.

You little weasel. You’re trying to clean your hands of a death that obviously helped you.
Perhaps it seems that way to an outsider, but the people here know me to be incorruptible.
That’s why I have no problem taking charge of the council. Until Elenea recovers, I will decide what’s best going forward.

You need to own Zannfar’s death. Hedging makes you look weak.
Or I may look like a heartless dictator who cares not for the welfare of his citizens.
Trust me, with Zannfar gone, I am in complete control. My authority isn’t the issue here.

Don’t look at me, I’m just here to smash things.
Yes, Zannfar said the same before he got a taste of politics. I only chose him because I thought he was oblivious to such maneuvering.
Now that I’m once more in control of the council, I won’t make that mistake again.

Scene

Now, if I may have everyone’s attention. The city has been cleared of Falmer.
This means we can begin phase one of the rebuilding process tomorrow.
If you have any questions, you can speak to myself or Fervaysi. But for now, I suggest you all get some rest.

If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay and help. I’ve seen how your people have been treated, and I want to do my best to make things right.

Excellent. It will be good to have a Nord among us. Racial diversity will help the city appear less hostile to foreign traders.

Fervaysi, find something suitable for our Nord friend. He’s no longer an outsider. He’s an ambassador.

Right away, Councilor.

hellos

I didn’t anticipate Zannfar would resort to such duplicity. With your help, we were able to keep the council intact.

Some will suspect I had a hand in Zannfar’s death. But a small bit of fear may ultimately be a good thing.

Fervaysi may face some sort of punishment. Any perception that she undercut my authority must be eliminated.

What will your plans be for the city?
The backbone of our society will be Dwarven metal. Of course, eventually we will phase that out for more renewable goods.
Time is of the essence. Good metal is in high demand, and we need to sell off our stocks while the price is favorable.

Nevyn Aldryn Scene

Surprised to see you here, Councilor. 

There comes a time when every man turns to drink, Nevyn. I am no exception.

Tough day, Councilor?

They’re all tough. The only thing that changes is me.

Nevyn Aldryn Scene 2

Councilor, I was thinking. Most homes, they require upkeep. Maintenance. How is it this old ruin doesn’t need any of that?

You know, my father always looked older than he was. When he took me to the market, everyone would inquire whether I was his grandson.
But a strange thing happened as the years went by. As all of us grew older, his face never seemed to change.
It got to a point where I was certain he would outlive us all.
That’s what these Dwarven cities are like. They may look old, but fear not. They were here before us, and they’ll be here long after we pass.

 

Llondon scene 1

Councilor Aldryn! It’s always a pleasure to have you in my shop! I assure you, everything you buy will come with a discount.

There’s no need for that Llondon, I’m just another customer.

Nonsense! You’re a profit! You’ve made us all rich!

I think you’re slightly confused. They say I’m a prophet, which is different from making one.

Tell that to my coin purse, Councilor.

Llondon scenes 2

Are you getting your wares on time, Llondon?
Your store is the fulcrum for the entire marketplace, and delays can disrupt the entire economy.

What? Wares? Yes, we have wares, Councilor. You’re welcome to browse them. 
Although lately I’ve heard bandits have been sacking the caravans. It’s bad for business.

Well, then those caravans will have to higher better mercenaries. We can’t be responsible for their security.
We have enough problems dealing with Falmer attacks.

Fervaysi Scene

What is it Councilor? I’m rather busy at the moment.

Well yes, I was wondering if it would be possible to have people stop throwing away their trash in the river.
I’d much rather they throw it onto my front yard, where I can dig through it for useful ingredients.

We can address it when the council meets on Loredas. You can make your grievances known to everyone.

Nevyn

Nevyn, how’s business?

It’s been steady Councilor, but mostly on account of the locals.

I see. I’d hoped there’d be more outsiders flowing into the city by now.

It’ll happen Councilor. Just give it time.

Time, I’m afraid, is the one thing we don’t have.

Nelsie Scene

Blacksmith, I’m curious how much metal you’re getting from the miners.
The foreman gave me a report that showed our recent yield was much lower than expected.
I’m worried some of the recent attacks have led to more of it being reserved for weapons and armor.

I’m worried Councilor Zannfar has been encouraging them to have more of it set aside for weapons and armor.

I’m sorry Councilor, I don’t really keep track. I forge what they give me. But it does seem like I’ve been working harder as of late.

Thank you, that’s all I needed to know.

Nelsie Scene 2

Is it true what they say, Councilor? Are you planning on replacing the guard with mages?

At some point we may look into, yes. Why the concern?

Well, as a blacksmith, my job depends on forging weapons and armor for the locals.

Ah, I see. Well, let me ask you this. Were you born a blacksmith, my child?

No, I taught myself the craft.

Exactly. Rest assured, they’ll be another job for you. And I’m sure, given you’re talent, you’ll pick it up as quickly as you did smithing.

Tabythah Scene

How are your studies going, mage?

I don’t know councilor. Sometimes I feel like I’m making progress, and other times I feel totally lost.

I’m afraid that’s not a feeling exclusive to magic. The way forward often requires us to take a step back.
My advice would be to measure your progress not by the day to day, but by the long term.

Thank you, councilor, I’ll try to do that.

scene with shuril

How are you holding up, my dear?

We’re so thankful Councilor Aldryn. For everything you’ve done.

No need to thank me. Your presence alone gives hope to the group. 
We may have founded this city, but it’s our children who will allow it to prosper.

meeting start

If everyone can please be seated, we can begin the meeting shortly.

The first order of business is the state of the city economy. Councilor, do you have anything to report?

We’re currently working on a deal to sell our excess Dwarven metal. I should have more information shortly.

(alternate 1) Yes, I am pleased to announce we’ve made a deal with Sadri in Windhelm.
The funds will be used to address a number of projects, but first and foremost, the acquisition of softer beds.
I’m sure that is something many of the laborers will appreciate.

I’m more excited about the blankets. Is it true the thread count is close to a thousand per square inch?

I don’t know if it’s that many, citizen, but rest assured, they’ll be soft.

(alternate 2) Unfortunately, most of the profit from the sale will have to go toward the bare essentials. I’m afraid some of the requests, such as softer beds, will have to wait.

And I don’t want to hear anyone grumbling. You fetchers don’t know how lucky you are to even have beds.

(alternate 3) We’ve used up most of the surplus it seems. 
But fortunately, given the multitude of wars going on, the weapons and armor can be sold in an emergency.

We’ve got our own war to worry about. Right now, we need every blade, axe, and suit of armor we’ve forged. 

Not to say I’m not grateful for the security, but personally I’d rather serve my patrons a decent meal than be given another dagger.

I’m sorry, but you heard the councilor. It’s not an emergency yet. At least not until you’re all eating your shoes.

All right. Second order of business is the city name. I think we’re all in agreement that Mzinchaleft is far from ideal.

Has anyone come up with a suitable proposal?

Councilor Elenea has suggested doing something in honor of those who died for the city.

Well, quite frankly, I think that would be better served for the mausoleum. What do you think, Councilor?

I don’t care. Name it after the girl, or name it after yourself. It has no bearing on anything.

To be honest, I like the name Mzinchaleft, but that’s just me.

Well, we can table the option for now. If anyone has any suggestions, however, the council would appreciate them being brought forward.

All right, let’s move on to the final item of the day, proposals. Does anyone have any requests? If so, come forward and state your name.

meeting2

Can we start with an update on city security?

Yes, I want to make clear that contrary to rumors, the city is indeed safe.
However, this doesn’t mean normal precautions shouldn’t be taken.
Simple things like locking your doors at night and reporting suspicious behavior shouldn’t be neglected.

Especially given how many outsiders are walking about our city.

I’ll have you know citizen, that many of these outsiders have volunteered to serve as guardsmen.
Unfortunately, Councilor Zannfar has so far refused their aid.

Of course. You don’t ask the fox to guard the hen house.
Now unless you’re going to free up more funds, I suggest we move on to the next item.

(alternate1) I know the recent Falmer attack has everyone scared. And rest assured, I will increase the number of patrols.
But we can’t live in fear. There comes a point where we must sacrifice safety for the sake of liberty.

Well it isn’t just the Falmer. There’s also rumors of bandits gathering outside the ruin.
A lot of people are coming to the forge asking for weapons and armor, and they cite that as the reason.

The bandits are nothing to worry about. I should remind everyone that if you wish to enter and exit the city, you should always use the lift.
The ban on using the front entrance is designed for your safety.

(alternate2) So long as I’m alive, the city’s safe, Councilor. Next item.

Very well. Second order of business is the issue of water conservation. Does the council have a report?

I’ve done tests on the water, and it appears it’s okay to drink. 
There seems to be some filtration system running independently under the ground.

Excellent. We’ll still need to bottle the water and keep its provenance a secret from visitors.
Clean or not, I’m not sure this is something that tourists need to be aware of.

(alternate) Well, I’ve drank from it hundreds of times, and I’m still alive.

We all have. This meeting is as pointless as it is tedious.

Of course, there still may be long term effects that we aren’t aware of. I’m sure I’ll get around to testing it eventually.

meeting EXTRA

I’ve got a question for the council. Why are my taxes so much higher than everyone else’s?

I assure you, citizen, that is not the case. But I will remind you that as a vendor, you must pay the cost of renting the stall from the city.
Perhaps you have conflated the tax levied upon normal citizens with the cost of maintaining your business.
I think you’ll find that the taxes for all citizens are fair and mindful of your individual circumstances. However, if you are still having trouble paying your dues, come by my chambers later and we will discuss how to better manage your budget.

Marketplace hellos

We decided to build this statue of Azura as a tribute. Without her, this city would not exist.

A marketplace isn’t just a place of commerce. It’s the heart of the city, and it should reflect our history and culture.

It’s been a struggle to get Zannfar to buy into the vision I had for the marketplace. Some concessions will have to be made.

murder investigation

Do you know if anyone has a taste for Argonian Bloodwine?
Well, over the years I’ve had my share of wine and spirits, but Argonian drinks have always been a bit too coarse.
However, funny you should ask, I did keep a bottle stored away due to its alchemical effects, but I’m afraid it’s gone missing.
Which is strange, considering no one has been in my chambers since the attack.