SSS   H   H  IIIII  V   V  EEEEE  RRRR   IIIII  N   N   GGG
S      H   H    I    V   V  E      R   R    I    NN  N  G
S      H   H    I    V   V  E      R   R    I    NN  N  G
SSS   HHHHH    I    V   V  EEE    RRRR     I    N N N  G
S  H   H    I    V   V  E      R R      I    N  NN  G GGG
S  H   H    I     V V   E      R  R     I    N  NN  G   G
SSS   H   H  IIIII    V    EEEEE  R   R  IIIII  N   N   GGG
IIIII   SSS   L      EEEEE   SSS
I    S      L      E      S
I    S      L      E      S
I     SSS   L      EEE     SSS
I        S  L      E          S
I        S  L      E          S
IIIII   SSS   LLLLL  EEEEE   SSS
***********************
*TES IV: Shivering Isles*
***********************
********************************
The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion: Shivering Isles FAQ/Walkthrough
For Xbox 360 or PC
Version 1.55 (7/25/07)
Written by Brad Russell "TheGum"
(email at the bottom)
********************************
Version 1.0 - Finished body of work and the main quest; side quests are
optional (5/30/07)
Version 1.5 - Added side quests; think I'm done (6/1/07)
Version 1.55 - updated the contact info (7/25/07)
*****************
Table Of Contents
*****************
Use Ctrl + F to surf around dude!
Section:        Code:
1. A Brief Foreword
2. Controls             lortnoc
3. General Starter Tips     spitgen
4. Walkthrough             rhtklaw
1. A Door in Niben Bay            1001dnb
2. Through the Fringe of Madness    1002tfm
3. A Better Mousetrap            1003abm
4. Baiting the Trap            1004btt
5. Understanding Madness        1005usm
6. The Cold Flame of Agnon        1006cfa
7. Ritual of Accession            1007roa
8. Retaking the Fringe            1008rtf
9. Rebuiling the Gatekeeper        1009rtg
10. The Helpless Army            1010tha
11. Symbols of Office            1011soo
12. The Roots of Madness        1012trm
13. The End of Order            1013teo
14. The Prince of Madness        1014tpm
5. Side Quests            stseuqs
6. Enemies            seimene
7. Credits/Copyright
*****************************************************************************
* 1. A Brief Foreword                                                         *
*****************************************************************************
Ah, at last, my grand project begins. Here I go again with my guides.
This time I intend to do a complete guide of Oblivion, Knights of the Nine,
and Shivering Isles. Now that my time is free up, I can do this. Let's begin
with the first full expansion for one of the best games ever made.
The Shivering Isles expansion is something special. It is almost as if
you play a new game, a completely new game within the same universe. If you
dare step into the mouth of Madness, be prepared to succumb to the strange
new world.
There's little to say about the game if you've played Oblivion. It's
the same gameplay and the same graphics, only the setting has changed to what
can either be a lush landscape of color, or a macabre swampland, you will play
in both. That is the main theme of the game, light or dark, but in the case of
the Isles, it is which form of insanity you hail from. Do you prefer to torture
someone with images of their death until they go mad, or do you wish that they
take the plunge through eternal and never ending bliss? It's your choice, all
I'm here to do is help you either way.
Great game, a must play, now let's jump in.
See you on the otherside,
TheGum
*****************************************************************************
* 2. Controls lortnoc                                                         *
*****************************************************************************
Kinda pointless, but it's traditions 'round here.
+++++++++++
PC Controls
+++++++++++
===============
Well, for the PC you can't go wrong with any kind of setup.
Here is mine:
Activate - E
Journal - Tab
Ready weapon - F
Jump - Space
Cast - Q
Attack - Left Mouse
Block - Right Mouse
Grab - Z
Sneak - C
Third-Person - Middle Mouse
Wait - T
Pause - Esc
Move - WASD
Look - Mouse
Hotkeys - 1: sword, 2: bow, 3: destruction spell, 4: heal spell, 5: summon,
and then whatever else
To make hotkeys, have your mouse over the item in your menu and then press
the number.
Caps Lock switches slow and fast moving.
===============
+++++++++++++++++
XBOX 360 Controls
+++++++++++++++++
===============
For all you without books and wanting quick reference for the Xbox 360:
Activate - A
Journal - B
Ready weapon - X
Jump - Y
Cast - RB
Attack - RT
Block - LT
Grab - LB
Sneak - Click LS
Third-Person - Click RS
Wait - BACK
Pause - START
Move - LS
Look - RS
Hotkeys - Just whatever works for you
===============
*****************************************************************************
* 3. General Starter Tips spitgen                                             *
*****************************************************************************
Some advice for playing Oblivion in general, and some helpful tips for
entering the Isles.
General Tips
------------
*I like to have Armorer, Blade, Conjuration, Destruction, (your favorite)
Armor, Marksman, and Sneak, all as my major skills.
*Armorer because as you progress through the game you will pick up magic items,
and until you reach 50 skill points for Armorer you will not be able to
repair them on your own; you can just take them to a local smith, but
the Isles tend to send you on long quests.
*Blade, Heavy/Light Armor, and Marksman because all three are skills you need.
*Conjuration and Destruction because those are tools you must take advantage of
in this game. Conjuration gives you an extra buddy in every fight, and
Destruction because you will always want magic as a weapon.
*I am always partial to Sneak, mainly because it will often get you a free
attack worth X3 the damage; and then you stand up and start fighting
with your sword and whatever. Also, you can avoid some encounters and
you need to sneak in some quests anyway.
*You level up by furthering these (or whatever) major skills you choose.
*Each time you level up, your health increase is relative to your Endurance
stat. Basically, get your Endurance high early and the health will rise
faster.
*Intelligence and Willpower contribute to your Magicka, so increase those as
well.
*Breton is a good starter race, and The Lady is a solid starter birthsign;
whatever you do as a new player, don't choose the Atronach!
*It matters a little which gender you choose, but don't worry, it's okay if you
want to watch a little girl run around fighting orcs, at least
someone's years of fantasy fiction will come to life...
*When taking on any of the numerous dungeons, you don't really want to explore
the whole thing, there is little need to. You only need to get the
quest done as quickly as possible and retreat. The rewards for all the
time and fighting you spend will be small. Just finish quests as
quickly as possible if you want to move onto more, and this game is
pumped full of plenty of quests.
*Make sure to repair your things with Repair Hammers often, and consider making
it a habit after every decent battle.
*Save often no matter what. The computer game glitches up a lot for me, and the
only solution I've found is to save often and when a save doesn't load,
I just keep going back in my saves until one works. Also, I find it
best to save in four blocks for each game, and just overwrite the
oldest ones first. If you run into the game freezing up a lot, start
using about ten or so saves and save after you complete quests.
*You can (by default) press the T button to fast-forward time.
*For you PC players out there, don't play for too long or you might run into
crashes like I did. Learn to limit gameplay to avoid messups.
*Pressing F5 after completing missions is a good habit, but be sure to save in
normal slots as well.
Expansion Tips
--------------
*It would be a good idea to save your game right before you step into the
door, and then never overwrite it; just in case something happens
with glitches and what not.
*It may be best to work your character up to at least level ten or so before
you take on the Isles. Run around the cities, take on the main quest,
and then enter the door when you have the ability to repair your
equipment and whatnot. There is no perfect level, and you can enter
the Isles at level one, but it's all on you.
*Whatever you do, do not enter the Isles with magic equipment and not have a
50 Armorer rating (so don't do the Knights of the Nine quest first).
*Basically, I played the KotN quest and then went into the door, and it was not
fun having to rely on the smiths to repair all my stuff.
*If you play it safe and you ever run into Flawless Pearls along the way, keep
them for one side quest.
*Not much sense in stealing stuff in the Isles, unless you want to constantly
leave and come back. Or, go ahead so long as you don't commit any
crimes (crimes are when you get caught), or you don't mind the dead
weight.
*Don't forget to visit the magic shop of Crucible to get some stuff that you
can't find anywhere else. Like some unique spells and some summons.
*When you get Dawnfang/Duskfang, kill 12 creatures to power the thing up.
*****************************************************************************
* 4. Walkthrough rhtklaw                                                      *
*****************************************************************************
This is for the main quest only, on default difficulty settings.
I can't stress it enough, you need to get some meat on your bones, get some
dirt on your shoes, break in that new couch... whatever you call it, just
don't say I didn't warn you if you have no fun while visiting the Shivering
Isles.
For all the quests, I will assume you have the quest selected as your active
quest. Those arrows pointing you along makes my job possible.
It's not my intention to spoil the game, and if I can I'll try to avoid it
altogether, but I might slip up here and there.
For now, the first draft will be my only known way to get through the main
story quests. I don't give proper attention to the differences in the two sides
to choose from, but I did pretty good.
Finding the Portal
==================
There are a few ways to find the Door into the Isles.
If you installed the pack before starting a new game, you will get the quest
after a few game days of play. If you installed the pack after playing the game
for a while, same deal. However, there is a way that you don't get the quest
at all. It simply won't pop up. No fear, just fast travel to the Bravil Bay
Roan Stables, swim east, and you're there.
Anyway, here is the quest.
===================
A Door in Niben Bay    1001dnb
===================
From the stables head east by either waterwalking, or swimming. The island
with the huge stone faces and the blue ball of light will be hard to miss.
Go up the ramp and approach the scene in front of the mouth. Talk to the lone
guard to begin your journey proper. Eh, it takes a while, but just wait for him
to take care of things; no need to get involved unless you have to.
When the match is over, talk with the victor and your quest is updated (the
strangest thing I've seen is the fight spill over into the water, but the guy
seems to find his way out). Wait around the door for a while until the strange
voice finishes, and then enter.
Inside, go ahead and have a seat and then start your conversation with this
odd looking fellow named Haskill. After the chat speak to him once more and
say you're in; though, it may be wise to sit this one out, your choice.
=============================
Through the Fringe of Madness    1002tfm
=============================
You can always use the door behind you to go back to the real world, but no
sense in that now.
After you take in the pretty colors of it all, head down the path in front of
you. When you near the ground level you are attacked by the first of a long
line of new enemies, the Grummites. Summon, hack, slash, or cast, whatever
you chose to specialize in. Kill it and move on.
Keep along the path and head toward the only town in the area, Passwall. Talk
to the residents to gather info on the new scene, but make sure to talk with
the mayor, Shelden, and then follow him up the hill.
Oh my, you don't want to get involved! Just keep away and watch the show.
After the bloodbath, talk to the mayor of the Fringe and find that someone
named Jayred wants the Gatekeeper dead as well. Follow the arrow to a little
shanty by the mud, or find him wandering about.
Ice-Veins has a very enlightening perspective on life, but roll through each
topic to find that he wants to help you, or you help him. Either way, agree to
it and follow his lead out of town and up another hill.
**I wouldn't steal anything here or ever, it's just dead weight in the Isles.
At the Garden of Flesh and Bone pick the lock and get ready to fight the next
new enemy, the Shamble. Depending on your level, there may be one or more.
Kill them as you need, but watch for their cold touch magic attack and their
cold attack after they are dead. Your friend will pick the bones in the center
and then talk with you. Just run back to the front of his house, press T, and
then wait for two hours.
Talk to him again and you get the arrows you need to slay the Gatekeeper. Both
of you should head up the hill to battle, with your new arrows and a bow
equipped; save before you enter the Gatekeeper's zone of control. Draw back and
shoot, and then make sure your friend is shooting (one time he didn't for me
and the fight didn't go so well). It helps to summon something and then get
behind the beast so you can fire without miss. The fight shouldn't be too tough
so long as you avoid getting hit (and that makes all fights easier, but it only
takes a few hits to kill you in this fight). When it's all done you will be
visited by a familiar friend, and then pick up the keys from the Gatekeeper's
body. You have a choice to make, Mania or Dementia?
Choose Mania for now, that's the left door. And if you want to go all renegade
on me, go Dementia. Either one will be similar for now, but if you wish to
be consistant in your choices throughout, just pick one.
**The Blessing of Dementia is a Demoralize spell.**
You're now in the Shivering Isles. You will note that unlike the last realm
you started in, this time you will have to hoof it to each new location.
**Make sure to save often, especially if you are having trouble with managing
health.**
Start by heading down the Dementia road to the southeast and try to sneak up
on the lone Zealot. These are not much different from the mages and whatnot
that you faced in Tamriel. They usually summon the new Flesh Atronach to help
them, and try to dodge their many destruction spells. Ignore the monster, maybe
by summoning your own, and focus everything on the bad guy; he's quick, so
corner him, or chase him down. There are some chests of goodies and a small
jewelry box on the table of one of the structures that might have something
worth the trouble.
You can hug the hillside to the south and make a tiny cut through the grass
(essentially saving a few extra steps if you took the road). You'll maybe run
into two enemies when you get to Blackroot Lair. You'll enter a canyon-like
path that will take you to another fork, and you'll be under a huge tree. Head
directly east from here to cut across a body of water; you're once again just
saving a few steps. If you don't want to cut across the water, just take the
beaten path. If you do cross over the pond, be sure to get back on the highway
when you spot a crystal structure ahead. These need to be avoided for now.
When the path almost reaches another body of water, be careful of another enemy
in the way. If you're on the ball and a chicken, you can sneak around the thing
(maybe) by going behind the hill; and if all else fails, just fight it. At the
wooden bridges, be mindful of the possible Grummites that might be in the
water. When you get across the water (which is directly south of the Hill of
Suicides by the way), you should jump back into the water on the other side
(this river will run along the path for a good distance). For most of the areas
near water, watch out for the Baliwogs; and if you're waterwalking, then there
is little you can do if they are under water. And watch for the powerful
Scalons under the water, they bring a powerful lunge attack to the table.
For the rest of the path, simply alternate between water and road if you wish
to avoid confrontation. You will hopefully survive the trek, cross a graveyard,
and then you will enter the city of New Sheoth from the Crucible side.
You might run into a quest giver by the name of Hirrus, and if not then simply
make your way to the palace by taking the stairs in the northeast corner of
Crucible. There are many sidequests in both Crucible and Bliss, but for now
let's just focus on the main quest. Refer to the sidequests section for any
stray quests you come across that you feel you must complete. And I'm not
saying that you must take on the main quest only. You can do whatever you
please, and I even encourage you to go around the town and pick up the quests,
but you might want to wait to complete most of them.
Go up the stairs in the Palace Grounds and enter the throne room from either
of the doors guarded by the ladies. It's your friend Haskill, and the lord of
madness, Sheogorath. I will let the Madgod fill you in on the story, but the
jist of it is that you need to go to a far away fort. Talk to Haskill after you
have spoken with the crazy god.
Reward: Charity of Madness - resists some magic
Quick FYI: Talk to Big Head ASAP, even before starting the main quest. This is
only if you want his quest, because he will kill himself fairly
quickly. Big Head is found in Bliss, and when he dies be sure to check
his forking grave!
==================
A Better Mousetrap    1003abm
==================
Uh, not sure why the mapmarkers in the throne room are always off, but just
go out the door you came in and your free to do as you wish. I suggest that you
visit both sides of the city and stop by the shops to unload and restock your
supplies. Talk to the locals, pick up quests, maybe finish the easy ones, and
then leave through the Crucible doors. For anyone needing a place to take a
speed nap to level, I suggest using the bedroll near the door that leads to
the Palace Grounds from Bliss. It's open during the day, and it's the answer to
one of the sidequests you pick up on this side of town too.
If you wish, you could fast travel to Blackroot Lair and then just walk the
rest of the way. Or hoof it from Crucible, your choice. I won't cover the whole
route in detail like I did on the last quest. So in short, you're on your own
until you make it inside the forgotten tree fort.
Inside Xedilian, open the gate and then creep around the corner to get in a
free hit on one of the many Grummites. Afterward, scope out the two treasure
containers in the corner and then exit through the gate to the west. An urn
as you round the corner. Keep sneaking and have your bow ready for some more
Grummites. If you can summon, do so and go for the one with the staff that
will be casting lightning at you. Take the staff and go touch the pillar inside
the room up the steps. Two more to go.
Go through the next gate and collect stuff from two more treasure pots. Sneak
into the next room and shoot an arrow into one of the Grummites, again. Handle
them and move on. When you run into a push block, just press it and fall down.
Check the bodies for small rewards and then sneak into the next room for
another fight. Kill the Grummites, collect the staff, insert crystal, and then
collect your real prizes from the boss level chest in the corner. Check the
urn and keep moving.
Sneak up on the next Grummite and then repeat the drill in the next room with
two more. There should be a free gem up the steps, and some loot to the left
of the steps. Continue onward into the next section of the map. Kill two more
toadmen and collect more loot in each corner. Down the way is the third crystal
and beyond is more of the same, just rinse and repeat everything you've already
done and you'll make it to this huge crystal near a chest. Simply touch it
to start the next, fun quest.
================
Baiting the Trap    1004btt
================
Walk right of the crystal and jump on the teleport pad. You meet Kiliban, the
local psychopath. Talk to him to find out that you are basically going to have
to choose which side of insanity you hail from. Go to the opening and observe
the victims you must deal with. Go back and ask the old coot what the buttons
will do. Your choice, but if you're playing good, and by good I mean "good",
then press the button on the right. At least the dude won't die.
**The left button will unleash many tree monsters, and though it will seem that
the guys will all be okay, the little elf will die.**
Jump on the teleport and go to the next chamber of fun. Watch the adventurers
enter the room with a huge cage. Talk to your partner in crime to find out what
will happen. Choose right to keep things consistant. Another victim of madness;
funny though.
**The left will toss a fireball at both of them, killing the mage.**
In the next chamber, same routine. (How they don't see you up there is beyond
me). Choose the right button and watch the fun.
**The left simply causes death by zombie horde, and we've all seen that too
many times to cause excitement.**
Talk to the guy, teleport, get the coolest sword ever, and collect some pretty
impressive loot. But be ready for a quick fight when you head for the exit.
The Dawnfang (not Duskfang) will prove most useful against these new enemies,
and any fire attacks for that matter. Your friend will help you fight and it
shouldn't be too rough. Make sure to collect their hearts and talk to your pal
before you head out; and you will find your three other friends in the cage
nearby. And bring the higher priced swords from the knights if you can carry
them.
**The Talisman of Abetment is good, but the detect life is annoying when you're
trying to talk to people. I say only use it when you must, and if you
already have a waterwalking accessory, use that instead.**
=====================
Understanding Madness    1005usm
=====================
Simply go outside and fast travel back to the city and claim your cheese! Uh
wait, you only get Haskill. Summon him twice to please your lord, and then
talk about whatever you need with them both.
Your goal is simple, you must please both the Dukes to move along.
But first, head into town and heal your supplies and whatever.
When you're ready, let's go with the lady of Dementia first.
====================
The Lady of Paranoia
====================
Dang! Wowza! Mercy me, I do believe she gives me the vapors.. uh sorry. Did you
see those things? Freaking bring down a battleship... solve world hunger...
The lady asks you to go talk with the local torturer, Herdir. Be assertive with
him (the first choices) and get into detective mode. It's pretty simple, just
press T and push time forward to about seven at night. That's when the royal
subjects return. Find Kithlan, the Black (or Redguard as they prefer) and send
your new partner in crime to torture him twice (call him a liar). He'll spill
the beans and you can chase down Anya, who should be nearby; she wears the
big dress (I guess you could have gone to her first).
**The two servants are usually with the lady in the morning too, in case you
find her at night, or something.**
With the new arrow on compass, go to Crucible and chase down a catman. At
night, you can find him and a few other colorful characters on the top of a
roof in the corner of Crucible. This "fight club" or whatever it is, is the
perfect spot to torture bad kitties. You'll learn that you now need evidence
to fit the crime.
Turn the clock to daytime if need be then take your buddy over to Cutter's
little shop in Crucible. Torture the poor thing twice. She spills the beans
and your next update is made. Afterward, make sure to get her to like you again
if you want her to make good deals with you later. Send your pal back to the
castle.
Now move the clock to around midnight. Check your map of the town and locate
Hirrus' house in Crucible. Directly in the back is a sewer drain and a ramp.
The hot conversation takes place near the ramp. If you don't want to risk being
spotted, then don't go down the ramp and make sure your sneaking, and make sure
your approaching from the north (Ma'zaddha's house). Simply sneak to the rail
near the ramp and stop. The conversation will run and you just remain a stone.
It will end and you need to talk with the cat immediately. The rest of the
quest is simple.
Go to the doors of his house and make a day pass by. Now go inside to discover
the shocking twist! Check the body and take the keys. Now go up to his bedroom
and check the cupboard. Take both items and follow your arrow to Nelrene; she
is the back of Syl's throne room. Another twist!
Back in Crucible, make it morning and enter Muurine's house to confront her.
Now back to the lady of Double-D sized... Go to the castle, talk to Syl,
follow her to the prison, and watch the conclusion to this episode of CSI:
Shivering Isles.
Reward: Ruin's Edge
**And toss the useless sword or whatever.**
And now to part two of Understanding Madness.
=========
Addiction
=========
This quest is actually longer than the last one, and the last one took quite
a bit of work.
Go meet Thadon of the House of Mania, usually in the Halcyon Conservatory in
the back. If he ain't there, make it daytime. Speak to him and after you pick
up the quest, talk with Wide-Eye who may be in the garden as well; just go
find her in the house of Mania if not. She has much to talk about, and when
you are only left with the Felldew topic, make her like you more until she
reveals what Felldew really is. Interesting.
Ready to head into the wild and begin a trek to the other side of the isles,
the side you would not have ventured into if you have been following me. If you
have wandered into the Mania realm and can fast travel near the location, do
so. Otherwise you'll have to hoof it to the tree-dungeon, and you can do that
yourself.
The area around the tree is swarming with monsters of all type, but guarding
the door of the dungeon is an Elytra that glows green. When you kill it, it
will have Felldew. This stuff is how you enter the dungeon, but I have a plan.
I was actually surprised it worked, so I would not be surprised if it does not
work for you. The premise is that the game has to provide you with Felldew,
because some idiots might get it and drop it on the ground or something. So
the game will keep sending out these green bugs so that no matter what, you
can always continue the quest. But everyone likes to cheat, and I did not have
fun the first time I played this quest. So here is the plot.
After you kill the first Elytra you can go inside, but your buzz will not last
and you will have to keep finding the green goo. The problem is, the stuff is
rather hard to come by at times. And if you don't get enough to keep you
balanced you will start to suffer for it; your strength and many other stats
will fall, but mainly you will not be able to hold all your stuff. So basically
all you have to do is keep killing the respawning bugs before you go inside. I
know, it's a whimpy plan, but it will make things that much easier.
The bugs will need a little bit of time between slayings in order to pop up.
It doesn't take too long, so you can just wait around and do whatever. I touch
the door every now and then, just in case that might hurry things up, but you
can do whatever. I say get at least five and no more than ten. When your ready,
take a hit and go inside.
Again, I am not fond of this mission, so I will ask you to run and not fight.
The dungeon is just too long to start having at every bug, and they will not
follow you into each section. There are four twisting and confusing sections
to the place. I will outline a path for each one. Please use your map of each
section to help me out here; I know your map will mostly be clouded, but you
will have some of the area around you on that map. (it's in you're quest box
if you were wondering)
**First time I've done maps like these (sorry, I know they're bad), and I
hope they show up on the net looking right.**
**AND I CAN NOT STRESS IT ENOUGH! DON'T TAKE THE FELLDEW UNLESS YOU ARE
STARTING TO SUFFER!! If you take it when you're fine, it will work
against you, at least I think. Plus, you'll make it last longer.**
**Grab all the loot you run across on your path. Those little green things
that spew gas.**
++++++++++++++
Dunroot Burrow
++++++++++++++
Not too tough here. Go up and follow the path, and then you will be up to the
place above your last path; that is where the (=) go over your path below. A
good tactic while running is to summon a beefy monster that will distract the
bugs as you high tail it. Again, I say just run the path I lay out and skip
all fighting; the bugs are quite strong. But if you want to fight, just wait.
O's are entrance
X's are exit
Xloot!x means the chest is not easy to get to
X
XXX________
X      \
l
l
l
l
__l
l
l
l
l
________________________    l
l             l    l
l_____             l    l
\             l _____l___ (loot!)
\        ===
l           l l
l           l l
l______________l l
Xloot!X     l
________l
l
l
l
_______l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
O
OOO
O
++++++++
Kelp Fen
++++++++
Lots of ways to get lost in here. Where the paths cross on my weak map, you'll
go under the walkway and then spiral up to take that walkway. Just don't take
any of the middle routes.
O's are entrance
X's are exit
O
------ OOO
l    O
l
l
/
____/
/
/
/
l
l
l
____________===____________
l     _____l            l
l    l            l
l    l            l
l    l            l
l    l___________________l
l
l
l
l___________________
l
l
l___
l
l
l
X
XXX
X
+++++++++++++
Drone Tunnels
+++++++++++++
Straight forward here. But do go take the two loot chests I highlight.
O's are entrance
X's are exit
O
OOO
O
(loot!)        l
(wrong way)  _______________l
l
l
l
l
(wrong way)   _______l
l
l
l
l
l
(wrong way) l (loot!)
l
l
l
l
_____l
X/
XXX
X
+++++++++++++
Bramble Halls
+++++++++++++
Easy path to follow here. One place where you must enter a pit and that is
pretty much it.
O's are entrance
X's are exit
O
OOO
O
l
l
_______________l
l
l
l          ______
l        X/    l
(wrong way) - l           XXX    l - (wrong way)
l        X    l
l            l
l            l
l            l
--------        l - (wrong way)
\        l
\        l
l     ________l
l    /
l   /
l  /
l--
+++++++++++
Okay, we're still in the same quest now. You will now be at the end of the
dungeon and in the quarters of the Chalice. Go up the stairs after you are
healed and ready for a three-way brawl with a bunch of fellow junkies. Kill
them quickly, though they are a bit stronger than it would seem. Up the steps
is the prize and you will be cleaned of your addiction when you grab it. Be
sure to grab all the lose Felldew to sell later.
Now you have a choice: go back and explore, or move on with the game. If you
got two of the bigger chests then you might consider the trip a success. There
is not much more in the dungeon, and if you left all the bugs inside then I
would not go back in. Up to you. If you choose to leave then take the doors
that lead outside, but be quiet so to not grab the attention of the enemy at
the crystal. Just fast travel to the palace.
Find Thadon, give him the cup and Finish the rest of Understanding Madness.
Go to Sheogorath and pick up your next assignment.
=======================
The Cold Flame of Agnon        1006cfa
=======================
Before you head out make sure all your gear ready and you have a snack pack.
I say go to the Gates of Madness and make your way to the arrow. The road will
be relatively empty, but there are some Obelisks along the way that might need
to be avoided. If you do want to take them down, simply kill the mage that
guards them (but he won't die so don't try to take his stuff) and then plug
three Hearts of Order into the crystal. Then touch the crystal again to get
some items and break it. Then you can get stuff off the dead priest.
**If you are choosing the Dementia side of things, please refer to the bottom
for the battle plan.**
When you get to the temple you will notice the bitter standoff taking place
between the Mazken and Aureals. Talk to both guards and then enter the yard
of the Golden Saints. Overhear the conversation between the guy and commander,
then talk to the guy; his name is Mirel. Make sure you exhaust each topic and
then speak with Aurmazel. When you talk about the 'Battle plans', make sure
to tell her you will scout the Dark Seducer camp first. That is your next task.
Now go to the gate on the other side and enter the Seducer camp (oh, that
sounds interesting...). There are no enemies in here so walk freely and make
sure to check for all the treasures. Talk with the Mazken leader and then enter
the altar. Not much but a few gems in some of the urns behind the altar. Go
to the underkeep. Lots to explore and all you have to do is leave through the
doors at the other end.
Tell the Aureal Leader about the Battle plan to take the underkeep. The gang
might attack the lone Seducer outside, but you'll all end up heading down the
tunnel. You really don't have to do anything, but you might as well help take
down the Mazken. Whenever I follow them, it seems like I'm nothing more than a
decoy for the Saints. And I wouldn't advise hacking and slashing when there
are six allies around one enemy. So basically, just follow them.
**Don't forget to plunder the bodies of any dead. Good stuff to be had.**
In the altar room it will be much more of the same. I didn't have to do
anything and no one died. Simple as that. From the Seducers all I plundered
were the more pricier arrows and that's it. It's a whole bunch of arrows for
lots of money, and they weigh very little. Use any spare potions of feather
to carry everything out of here. Talk with the leader and watch the sacrifice.
Don't cry little one, all saints go to heaven.
Go outside and walk right into the fire. Greatballs of fire! Hurry and get the
freak back to Bliss! (nah, no rush, but do go back ASAP).
In the church of Sheoth you have a choice to make, but for consistancy's sake,
just talk with the Bliss priest, Dervenin. Now walk into the pit and pass on
the torch. And Sheogorath is not too far away, clever rascal!
**The direct attack through the halls isn't that tough either. There is just
one part where you have to open a gate, and then it's all gravy from
there.**
***************************
Okay this will be long. This is for all you Dementia players out there.
Actually, it shouldn't be too long. There are two ways to help the Mazken.
Either just tell her you will help her defend, or tell her to reposition her
troops and you lie to the Aureals.
The defense is not much. They lock the gates and ambush the saints at the
bridge. However, the saints are too tough to die here (unless you provide some
amazing support), so you will most likely get into a fight when they break
through. But you should then retreat back to the altar room where everyone will
converge for a big fight. You will lose many Mazken, but you will win so long
as you survive.
The betrayal route will involve you telling the Mazken leader to reposition
her troops in the underkeep. Then you go tell the Aureal leader to attack
through the underkeep; you will tell her two lies. This choice is the toughest
of all the options to get the flame. The trap seems perfect, but there are just
too many saints and the traps are too spread out. The only way I got through
this one was by me and Ulfri going back-to-back and killing all the saints. So
the plan doesn't work too well here, but you can squeak out a win.
Basically, the Mazken route will be much tougher. And your overall choice will
only slightly affect some dialogue from the winning side later in the game.
Really, if anyone actually knows what benefits you get from which side you
help take Cylarne, please let me know.
***************************
===================
Ritual of Accession    1007roa
===================
He's in the church, if you somehow didn't notice. After another chat, go talk
with the same priest as before, and then the other guy for good measure. We
will follow the script and elect to off Thadon, so tell the madgod your
choice and you're off.
**And if you want to do the other thing, please read farther down.**
===============
Ritual of Mania
===============
Head to the House of Mania to begin. Either run into Wide-Eye, or find someone
who will tell you her where-abouts, Books of Bliss. Go talk with her and then
get her to like you a bunch so she'll talk to you about her daily routine.
Return to the palace grounds and make it noonish. Wait outside the doors of
the Mania house for the lizard to come out. Then put on the sneak and follow
her down below; don't get spotted, and it would be hard to.
**Being fast in the next section should let you get through without running
into many Aureals.**
In this new cave system, sneak is the name of the game. Any chameleon and
other booster will be helpful now. If your sneaking is good enough, then you
can follow my immediate advice and go for some loot. If not, then skip the
rest of this paragraph. Start by turning left and plundering the stump, gas
thing, and then head down the path to some more loot not too far away. And then
come back toward the start, but keep heading south. Take the path, but don't
run to the otherside of the clearing when your path expands into a room. The
saint in here can be spotted by going into third person and watching her
movements (back and forth). There are two urns and one chest in the room. Cross
to over to the east so you can spot the urns from safety. As soon as she walks
into view and leaves, sneak over to the mushroom plants, quickly jump, and
then hide in the shadows not moving. Move around the root and get the urns from
behind, while she ain't lookin'. Then go back and hop on the mushroom without
getting caught. In order to get the chest you will have to sneak directly
behind her as she walks, touch the chest ASAP, and then quickly sneak your way
back to the original path.
**Sorry, but you might want to save after getting each treasure, just so you
don't have to keep playing it over and over.**
Wind down the path and take a right to get some more loot from a small room.
Get back on the main road and wait for the saint patrolling the three-way
stop ahead, wait for her to walk north and you take the south path. In the
big room, make a short stop for some loot. Go up the ramp and carefully make
your way around the ledge so you can get to some loot in the southeast corner
(use the root edgings and just keep pressing jump, and no big deal if you
can't make it).
Now keep sneaking into the greenmote vault and swing around to the left. Make
sure Wide-Eye can't see you or all is lost. Jump into the pit and grab two
scoops of the stuff. Click into third person and watch for the old gal to leave
the room soon after. Don't follow her and even give her a good head-start
before you head out. Save for good measure before leaving. When you get near
the entrance of the stone tunnel, pause and watch the top of the ramp if think
she is not that far ahead. Return to the surface the way you came in. If you
are quick enough, at the three-way from before (watch out for the saint too)
you might run into Wide-Eye again. Let her go in front and you follow behind
the rest of the way. Caution at the crossing too.
Now phase two. If you still have time before eight (dinner time), make your
way to the gardens of Mania. Take the door at the back and go into stealth
mode. Save after you're inside. A ring to detect life will help a bunch here.
There are just two guards, but it is always hard to tell where they are. You
can always play it safe and only move after you have them both in your sights,
but I say just round the corner and hide in shadow until you get the intel on
their locations and routes. Quite simply, you're trying to get to the north
point of this room and then walk down to the food area. When you have only one,
or you know where both are at any point, use the columns and sneak around the
golden guards. Plant the stuff in the plate of food and the largest bottle of
booze on the shelf. Wait in the shadows down here and do what you did before,
just in reverse to get out of here.
Now get to the throne room and get time up to eight at night. Have a seat at
the table and enjoy your meal! Take the blood and the crown, then visit that
crazy madgod. Put the blood in the altar and watch the shocking turn of
events! *Organ sound from soap opra*
Reward: Ring of Lordship, Summon Golden Saint.
***********************************
Or maybe you wish to do things the hard way...
==================
Ritual of Dementia
==================
Locate Anya and Kithlan. They will be in Dementia's throne room during the day,
so it might be best to fast forward time. Get both to like you up to 70 and
they will help you in taking down Syl. Enter the gardens and fight the guards,
or fight them later, it doesn't matter. Enter the room and find that Syl has
tricked you! Kithlan tells you the truth and you are free to go, but you might
want to loot the place of all the valuables. Leave and turn left to find the
secret tunnel.
When you reach the spot with the bones on the ground, watch out! Seriously,
just watch for the incoming attacks from a statue. Bob and weave like you're
playing a platforming game to get through. Use the detailed map if you really
need help (it's up, right, right, left, left, and right); push the button at
the end to turn it all off. Go through the door to enter an archery fight with
two Mazken. Another may show up, so kill all three. When you enter a very
intimidating room, sure enough, you'll get trapped and attacked by two guards.
Down the next hall is one more. Enter the next area.
Two more guards. There is a button on a statue that will open a path. Pass
through another door to find a long walkway with two more guards. In a big
ruined room you will see one more Mazken guarding a door. This door leads to
the prize. Syl is guarded by two, so just do whatever. Rip out her heart and
go all the way back to Sheogorath to move on.
**And it will be Thadon to go turncoat, just in case you hadn't figured that
out.**
Much more difficult than the Mania assissination.
Reward: Ring of Lordship, Summon Dark Seducer.
************************************
===================
Retaking the Fringe    1008rtf
===================
You'll notice the Fringe will be different. You can't fast travel to the old
places anymore. Go inside the gates and ready for battle.
**The saints will be Dark Seducers if you are the ruler of Dementia.**
When you re-find Passwall you will begin a fight with about three Knights.
This fight is not hard, and if the Knights focus on you just put up your shield
and defend while the saints march in, and kill! Talk with the new commander
and ask for a breather to heal and repair damaged goods. Tell her you're ready
get into formation. Actually, you might want to get in front of everyone else
so that the Knights zero in on you. Simply survive the three waves of three
Knights and you can move on. The Knights tend to tail you no matter what, and
it seems like your allies are worthless, so good luck and hope you have plenty
of plundered potions. Speak with the commander afterward.
**In case you were wondering, just let the commander have control of her
troops.**
There are about three Knights defending the temple you need raid, at least on
the outer wall portion. And if you sneak and remain in the sneak position as
you weave your way through the ruins to the door, you should only run into
two more, and if not, then you got three most likely. Enter the next dungeon.
Check the dead Grummites for small loot, and then go up the stairs for two
urns near some bars (sneak the whole time), and then go to the wall and check
the black spot on the wall with the blue glitter flying around it. Go back
down the steps and sneak around the walkway and snipe the priest. Now, two
Knights will pop up, but I didn't have to fight mine; I summoned a monster and
everyone but the priest ran outside for no reason. So take whatever you get.
Two doors and two chests in the next room. As soon as you go through the doors
you will be rushed by a trio of Knights. Go down the steps and turn to the left
to pick up a free gem on the ground. Sneak into the next open room and snipe
the priest, but be ready for two Knights to join the fight. There is madness
ore in a deposit on the right, and an urn in the middle. If you want to rush
into the next open area, and even if you look into the next area, you will be
rushed by three more Knights. Instead, go to the left wall and follow it up
to crystals sticking out. Press the button nearby and enter the opened path
on the wall. Fall into the Grummite pit and then sneak as you enter the next
area.
Remain in stealth mode and hide in the corner as you enter the open room. Let
the Knights run by and then you go into the big room. If you got the stuff for
it, go ahead and try to sneak past the Knights at the top of the stairs. Then
just go straight and your done. If you want to explore the area, by all means
go ahead, but there are lots Knights, so good luck wit dat.
Now you're in the main room, and to the right will be your old friend Shelden
from Passwall. He has one item and a bed in his hideout if you need it. You
won't have to worry about him dying, and don't try to sneak into the crystal
room. Just run in and kill the priest, and then overload the obelisk with
three Hearts of Order; if you need some they can be found off dead Knights.
After the deed is done, quickly put another heart into the chest nearby for
loot, and then run back to where you found Shelden so you avoid the falling
debris. Handle the mob of Knights and then leave through the Grummite exit.
Get through the small tunnel and wait at the top of the stairs for all the
crumbling to stop. Kill and surviving Knights. Go up the steps, fight if
needed, and whatever you do, don't go into a tiny room and press a button;
you'll die. Just go through another Grummite path, fight, and you'll be in a
big room. Head down the only open path with a button and press it to open
the door that was locked. Darn, you must depart. That's too bad, I wanted to
escort someone who dies after three hits...
Watch for the tons of falling roof down this path. When you get to the statue
you can have a chat with your good friend on the left (that BASTARD!). Go the
other way and maybe fight a Knight if he doesn't die. The top of the steps
are clogged with rubble, and just jump over all of it and watch for more
crashing ceiling as you run out the doors.
Outside, run to the town and lend your aid to the final defense effort. The
enemy may retreat to another group of Knights in the corner of the map; just
hunt them down. Talk to the commander and then exit through the gates.
Back at the city, talk with the madgod about stuff and talk to Haskill to get
the marker for free. Now you can just fast travel there.
========================
Rebuiling the Gatekeeper    1009rtg
========================
++++++
Part 1
++++++
You re-found the Fringe, and now you have to MAKE a Gatekeeper. Seems counter-
productive at this point. Rest up and bring some snacks.