Dragonborn Gothic 2 - Solstheim

Part 5

Nchardak. Solstheim

Frea, Aela, Neloth, and I headed up the coast, and soon enough our destination came into view. Nchardak: a Dwemer city, which had partly sunken into the Sea of Ghosts some time long ago. We advanced onto the bridge to the ruined city, and almost immediately were faced with Reavers, a group of pirates who seemed the be using the external towers of the old city as a base.

We fought our way along, Neloth's powerful spells proving to be quite a boon which helped make up for the fact that he was an annoying travelling companion. Before too long, we reached the doors which would take us inside, but they were barred.

"Well, we're here," I said, "now what?".

The dark elf mage stepped forward.

"I learned on my previous visit here that the Dwemer operated the machines here with special control cubes" he explained to the group "I locked the city's gates when I left, to keep out the riffraff. I'll unlock the gate now".

Neloth reached into the pocket of his robes and pulled out a Dwemer made metal cube, which I could see was filled with many cogs. He placed it on the pedestal next to the door, and the gates slid aside. Neloth retrieved the cube and gestured for us to follow. We did just that and arrived in a circular chamber with a glass case set into the floor. I could clearly see the Black Book.

"So tantalisingly close, yet just beyond reach," said Neloth, "I believe that the case can be opened if we restore the steam pressure to this chamber. Come, along, the main part of the city is this way".

Neloth led us to an elevator platform, and I pulled the lever, taking us down below. We arrived in a dark hallway and headed along listen to Neloth give us an impromptu lecture on Nchardak.

"Nchardak, or 'The City of 1000 Towers', was one of the great strongholds of the Dwemer. It's said that when the ancient Nords attacked the city, the Dwemer sank it beneath the waves" we were told, "Some scholars also believe that many of the automatons used during the first battle of Red Mountain came from here".

As he continued the ramble on stuff I knew very little about, we arrived a massive chamber, Ahead of us, partially submerged in the water, were four Dwemer machinations of some sort, all currently inactive. Neloth continued forwards and placed his control cube on one of the pedestals. Some of the chamber's machines clanked to life, and the water level dropped, revealing a platform with four more pedestals.

"There they are: those are the boilers we need to activate," said Neloth, "to do that, we'll need to find four more control cubes. I should also mention that there seem to be two different types of pedestal: the red type only requires you to place the cube on them briefly and remain in the position you leave them in. The blue type, on the other hand, requires you to leave the cube behind, otherwise, the device they are connected to will shut off".

"Well then," I said, "do you have any idea where we could find these cubes?"

Neloth stepped over to a strange-looking panel nearby and seemed to be trying to interpret something.

"Yes… I think I know where to find them," said Neloth, "There should be three in the workshop, and one down in the aqueducts. However, we can currently only access the workshops".

So we'd need that cube before we could after the others.

"Alright, let's go," I decided.

The mage held me back for a moment.

"One moment," said Neloth, "take the control cube, the Dwemer who lived here seemed to have quite an affinity for them".

I nodded, and picked up the cube, bringing the water level back up to where it was when we'd entered. Then we followed Neloth over to another door blocked by a gate. I placed the cube onto the pedestal, and the gates slid open. I collected the cube, and we followed Neloth into the workshops. Immediately inside the workshops, we were faced by a pedestal holding another control cube.

"Well, that was remarkably easy," I remarked, "We're already one step closer to our goal".

I collected the cube, which shut off the fire traps nearby, as well as releasing some Dwemer Spiders and Spheres. To our group of four, Neloth, Frea, Aela and myself, these were little more than an inconvenience.

We continued down the hallway and came to a larger, flooded room with a bridge spanning its length. We crossed the bridge and listened to Neloth continue to talk about the history of Nchardak. We reached the far end and placed one of the cubes onto a pedestal. We then watched as the water level dropped, allowing us to access the lower level. We descended and looked for the next cube. I noticed two pedestals on the north side of the room, seeing that one was connected to a drawbridge, while the other's pipe vanished under the floor.

I tried the cube on this pedestal and watched as a series of stairs raised to allow us access to a side chamber. We entered this room and found another control cube on a blue pedestal. I collected this cube and watched as the water level came up part of the way. At the same time, the hatches of the wall cycled open releasing more Dwemer automatons. We fought them off and returned to where we'd left the other cube. I collected this one as well, raising the water level even higher.

We swam over to the only path we hadn't taken, the southern door. The passage took us higher, out of the water, and into a chamber with a balcony above, which were guarded by some new type of automaton. It seemed to be an armoured crossbow, with spider-like legs. Neloth quickly blasted this machine with a bolt of lightning, which dealt with it quickly.

I heard something moving behind me and turned around just in time to see Frea, who'd been watching our backs, take out another of these machines. At this point, the room seemed to be clear, and I spotted the next cube, sitting on a pedestal on the lower section of this room. I hopped down to collect it and soon I picked up this cube, bringing our total up to four and we climbed back up to the higher ledge. Then I used one of the cubes to lower a bridge, allowing us to return to the main boiler room.

Now that we had what we needed to advance further I placed two of our four cubes on the pedestals, lowering the water level enough to expose two platforms on the north and south sides to the room. We headed for the north platform, taking out two more of these walking ballistae things as we went. We then headed through the nearby door, entering the aqueduct. Next, we headed down a short staircase and came to a new area with three raised bridges.

"Hmm," said Neloth, "I believe the pump control is up there, but to reach it, we'll have to lower the bridges. I shall leave such a menial task to you".

I headed up the ledge above the entranceway and found three red pedestals, each waiting to be used. I thought about this for a bit and then began attempting combinations. Luckily, I found the proper combination fairly quickly. We regrouped, and made our way around the chamber, battling Dwemer automatons as we went. Before long, we'd reached the pump control, and I placed a cube to lower the water level.

"You know I've had enough of wading through this muck. I'll have to get new robes after this," said Neloth, "I will wait here, and retrieve the cube when you are ready".

Upon hearing this I nodded, then the two women and I descended into the now drained pool, and entered the tunnel to the right, which led us around a corner and into a booby-trapped room. It looked like it would require considerable agility to cross until I realised we could simply avoid the traps walking around the side, an oversight by whoever had designed this place.

In an alcove at the end of the room, we found the final cube, with a pressure plate directly in front of it. I shook my head at how obvious this trap was, and grabbed the cube from the side. This shut off the traps, allowing us a more direct exit. We returned the way we had come, arriving back in the main aqueduct chamber before too much time had passed.

We moved to stand near the entrance, and I turned towards the pump control platform.

"Neloth, we're ready, take the cube," I called.

The powerful mage did just that, causing the room to flood once more. He waded over to join us, and we returned to the main hall once again. From there, we headed back up to the initial platform, and I took one of the cubes from here, raising the water level one stage, but leaving the boiler controls exposed.

"Alright then," said Neloth, "take this cube again for now, and activate the boilers".

I accepted the cube from him and headed down the boiler platform. I placed the four cubes onto their pedestals, hearing each boiler hiss to life. At the same time, the bridge to the west lowered, revealing a steam centurion. It was stomping towards me, and I took a deep breath.

"Yol… Toor… Shul!" I Shouted, blasting my foe with intense flames.

I then rushed in, finishing it off with my sword even as Neoloth hit with a spell and Aela struck it with an ebony arrow I'd found in the pouch of the Ebony Warrior I'd slain. I searched the hidden chamber it came from; uncovering a chest full of gold and jewels, which would pay for supplies for a good long while.

"That should do it," said Neloth, yelling slightly to be heard over the din of machinery, "We should be able the get to the book now!"

We headed back to the elevator platform and rode it back up the upper level. There, Neloth headed over to the now hopefully active controls and used them. Beams of light shined down from the prism overhead, striking the four gems around the storage case. Finally, the case opened, giving us access to the book.

"It worked," said Neloth, "Well, go ahead, you should be the first one to read it".

"Rather generous of you, Neloth".

His face made an amused expression.

"I'd rather allow a willing participant to try it out first," he said.

"Well, I don't have many choices, do I?" I said, "here we go again".

I picked up the book, and opened it, focusing on the pages before me. As before, I felt oily tendrils wrap around me, and I was drawn once more into Apocrypha.

(Line Break)

Apocrypha. Realms of Oblivion.

The realm of Apocrypha phased into view around me, in all its strangeness. This time, there was no one here, neither Dragonborn nor Daedra to meet me and the passage between dimensions didn't do me any harm. Must be one of those things you could adapt to overtime, that or someone wanted me here.

Ahead of me, I could see a tunnel of books twisting back and forth, but had no way to reach it. However, I did have access to a strange-looking switch. I used it, causing a platform to unfurl in front of me, allowing me to enter the tunnel on its next pass.

Before long I reached the opposite end of this passage and exited onto the only platform I could reach. Here, I found another switch. I used it, unrolling another platform. I re-entered the twisting tunnel and rode it over to the new platform. Here, I found a bookstand, and read the book present there, entering the next section.

The next area was a cylindrical tunnel with sheets of paper swirling around inside. I walked to the opposite end and found another switch. I used it, causing the walls of the tunnel to unroll, revealing a courtyard occupied by a Lurker and several Seekers.

I fought off the Seekers first, as their spells would have been troublesome, and then took out the Lurker, which was a challenge, but I'd had some experience with them by now so I knew to hamstring them as quickly as possible and then knock them onto their backs.

With the area clear, I activated another switch, opening the gate across the way. I entered the newly accessible alcove and used the bookstand there to enter the third section. This new area consisted of a series of circular platforms high above the sea of black goo, connected by bridges. I worked my way along the platforms, coming upon another Seeker as I neared the top of a staircase.

Soon enough, the platforms ended, and the only way forwards was another twisting tunnel. I stepped inside as it swung by, and before moving forwards, I decided to search the other platforms this end of the tunnel connected to. The first platform it took me to contained little except another Lurker, however, I noticed that directly above me was a sort of cage, containing another bookstand.

As I had no way of reaching or opening it from here, I turned back and hopped back into the tunnel, then rode it over to the last platform on this side. Here I was attacked by another pair of Seekers. I dealt with them easily enough, and then searched the area. I found some soul gems, some rare books, and a spell tome. I read through this spell tome and discovered it contained a conjuration spell for summoning a Seeker.

I resisted the urge to collect or read any of the other books as I'd heard a legend about people wandering this realm forever while looking for more knowledge, and whole I did love a good book, that would not be my fate. Besides, I limited room in my pouch of holding.

Moving on as best I could I returned to the twisting tunnel again, and this time headed through. The tunnel led me to a junction, where I hit another switch. This opened the gates for the path straight ahead but blocked off the other tunnel. As I stepped past the junction the tunnel ahead of me extended, allowing me to continue, which was all I could do.

I reached the corner of the tunnel, where two more Seekers showed their faces. I took them out, with spells and sword, and then headed along the next section of the tunnel. The passage suddenly twisted to the left, lining up with another tunnel section, which contained a Lurker. I fought my way past this as well and continued up the tunnel. Once again, the tunnel twisted to the left, bringing me back to the previous junction.

I hit the switch near me, and the gates swung around, allowing me to use the other tunnel. This tunnel remained stable and took me to a room with a large pool of black goo, and several empty bookstands. I navigated around the edge of the chamber, doing my best to avoid the tendril which rose from the pool to attack me.

Then I entered the next passage which was a wide hall guarded by several Seekers as well as small pools. I pushed forwards, battling my way past each Seeker, and before too long arrived at the bookstand at the end of the area. I used it and entered the fourth section while wondering how long this could go on for.

I arrived on a platform high above the rest of the area, with another of the realm's strange switches nearby. Across the way, I could see the cage I'd seen from below. I triggered the switch and watched as the walls of the cage spun and unfurled, looking like a very odd flower. At the same time, a bridge unrolled from my platform, allowing me to reach the opened cage. I crossed the bridge and found my goal: the Black Book's twin. I opened the book and noticed that nothing happened. A few moments later, the air rippled and flowed aside, allowing Hermaeus Mora to manifest before me.

"Greetings my Lord," I said.

It was best to be polite with Daedric Princes as they could smite you.

"Ah, my Champion," said Mora, "I knew you would find your way here. You seek the same power which Miraak wields. As a small token for making it to this place, I shall provide you with a portion of what you need. With this, you will be able to twist the minds of mortals to your will".

Hermaeus Mora extended one of his tendrils and formed an orb of energy atop it. The orb then flew towards me, bursting open and flowing into me, granting me a new word of power.

Mind, Bend Will. The second part of the Shout I'd used to free the poor sods who'd been enslaved by the other Dragonborn.

"Thank you, my lord," I said.

"You will need what I can provide if you wish to challenge Miraak," said Mora.

The tentacle horror seemed pleased by my respect, although I could be wrong about that what with the being's total lack of any facial expressions due to a lack of any face.

"Then what is your price?" I asked, "I know you won't give me this knowledge for free".

The Princes could be bargained with as long as you were careful. It was important not to get greedy and to keep focused on what you needed.

"Indeed, but it is a simple matter," said Mora, extending two tendrils as he spoke, "Knowledge for Knowledge".

"Knowledge of what?" I asked.

I had a sinking feeling that I knew what the dark god wanted.

"The Skall," said Mora, "they have withheld their secrets from me for far too long. It is time for this knowledge to become part of my archives".

Yeah, I'd known that I wouldn't like it.

"What do you want me to do?" I asked, dreading what he'd say.

"Send their shaman to me," said Mora, "He holds what I seek. Farewell, for now, you know what must be done".

Mora's manifestation bubbled away, and the book before me became active. I examined the option presented to me and noticed that each of them would modify the power of one of my Shouts. One would increase the power of Unrelenting Force, making it capable of disintegrating my foes. One would add to my Frost Breath, making it capable of freezing my foes solid. The third would strengthen my Fire Breath, making it capable of summoning fiery wraiths when my Thu'um took out a foe. I considered my choices and selected the third as I liked fire. The book flipped to the proper section, and I read how to perform the action. This done, I focused on the book again and felt myself being sent back to the mortal plane.

(Line Break)

Nchardak. Solstheim

I found myself back in the 'reading room' of Nchardak, with my companions around me. Neloth was the first to speak.

"Well, what happened?" asked Neloth, "each who enter the books are said to have different experiences".

Different was a good word for what I'd just gone through.

"I had another encounter with Hermaeus Mora," I said.

"Interesting," said Neloth, "yet you still appear to have your sanity intact. That is more than many can claim after an encounter with Mora. What did he say to you?"

"He granted me another Word of Power, and told me that he would teach me what I apparently need to challenge Miraak" I reported, "at a price, of course".

No one was surprised by this news.

"Something tells me you are displeased with this deal," said Aela, "what does that demon want?".

While the Daedra weren't demons as demons have any souls to Soul Trap and Daerda did, this wasn't the time to bring that up.

"Mora wants the 'Secret knowledge of the Skall'," I said.

I looked at Frea.

"Secret knowledge of the Skall?" she asked, "what could that be".

Actually, I had no idea.

"I see no issues with this deal," said Neloth, "You get what you need, and Mora learns some new ways to skin a Horker".

Frea then did what I wanted to do and slapped the wizard.

(Line Break)

Skaal Village. Solstheim.

"Ah, Dragonborn," said Storn, "How goes your search?"

"I have uncovered a potential way of reaching Miraak," I said, "But I'm not happy about it".

Which was a bit of an understatement really. The Skaal had nursed me back to health after my encounter with the other Dragonborn so it didn't sit well with me to sacrifice one of them.

"Why? What's required?" asked Storn.

"Mora manifested before me," I explained, "he said he'd grant me the knowledge I need… if I provided a piece of knowledge in return. The greater issue isn't that he wants something I know: he wants your knowledge of the Secrets of the Skaal".

"Herma-Mora demands a high price indeed," said Storn, "your hesitance shows wisdom. The Demon of Knowledge is not to be trusted. However, a deal struck cannot be false… he will have no choice but to honour your agreement. Give me the book".

I did just that.

"Father!" said Frea, "please reconsider! I fear you will not last if you challenge Herma-Mora!"

"Listen to her!" Aela added, "there must be another option, something else we can try!"

"Do not fear for me," said Storn, "the All-Maker has laid this path for me to follow".

"I'm… sorry," I said sadly, "I didn't want this"

Alas, this was needed, otherwise, that other Dragoborn would return, and when he did he'd be too strong for me to stop, of that I felt sure.

"I know, and I do not lay blame upon you," said Storn, "make this count".

With those final words, Storn opened the book and I watched as Mora's tendrils wrapped around his neck, and lifted him into the air, before one launched forwards, piercing his skull. The tendril then retracted, and Mora manifested before us.

"Well," said Mora, "It seems that you have fulfilled your end of the bargain. I grant you this gift, the final word that can bend the minds of those around you to your will".

I felt the world pour into my mind and when it was all over I saw Frea, who was crying over her father's body and at the Skaal, who were eyeing me with fear and suspicion. There was nothing I could do to change what had just happened. Poor Storn had become a victim of my conflict with Miraak. All I could do was make sure his sacrifice was not in vain. But even if I did successfully slay him I'd never be welcome in this village again. Perhaps it was a good thing that Frea and I had never become close, in fact, she might even become my enemy.

(Line Break)

Apocrypha. Realm of Oblivion.

After finding more of the Black Books I was able to locate the correct book and I ended up in a part of this realm that allowed me to look up at tower where I knew Miraak waited for me.

My Fly Shout was incomplete so I wouldn't be able to use it to get me up that high. I'd not yet been able to form three Words that would lead to a powerful flying effect. I couldn't just throw such words together, I had to take the time to understand them, and how they would work together.

Which meant my only other option was to use the Shout Mora had given me to control a dragon and have it fly me up there. Which Mora had known all along. There were dragons about only they were high above and right now had no interest in me.

Which left me free to explore the three Word Walls here. One by one I went to them and learned the words.

Pah WERID MOROKei MiraaK

ZOK SULeyKaaR DO Pah

SONaaK WEN MUL BOLaaV

NaaL FahLUaaN DO JUL

"All praise glorious Miraak. Most powerful servant of all Dragon Priests, whose strength was granted by(the gardener of mankind" I translated.

HET ONT KRiiST MiraaK WO ahTiiD

OK SahVOT OL Qah SPaaN NaaL

DeyRA Fah OK UNSLaaD MIDUN

"Here once stood Miraak who wore his faith as armour shield by the Daedra for his eternal loyalty" I again translated.

QETHSEGOL VahRUKIV LOT MiraaK

SONaaK DO LOT ONIKaaN aaR

DO FaaL DiiV ahRK HOKORON DO JUL

This stone commemorates great Miraak: Dragon Priest of great wisdom, servant of the wyrm, and enemy of mankind.

"Diiv… Wyrm… Dragon Aspect," I said.

This was the Shout that Miraak had used when we met, and now I knew the Shout too, which would hopefully make me his equal. Now all I needed was a dragon, and I didn't have to wait for long.

"Drem yol lok," said the dragon, "I am Sahrotaar".

The creature knew what I was and so greeted me as kin.

"Drem yol lok," I replied "Paaz Shul Grind"

The literal translation would be Fair Sun Meet, but it actually meant: Nice to meet you.

"Wo los hi?"

While Sahrotaar knew what I was he didn't know my name

"Gothic," I told him

No words were spoken for a moment.

"Fen hi aak?" I requested.

If my understanding of this form of speech was corrected I'd just asked this dragon to guide me.

"Well, we might as well not keep Miraak waiting," said the dragon.

I watched Sahrotaar, wondering what he meant. Then it hit me the Bend Will Shout. He was waiting for me to enslave him to my will.

"No need to use that Shout," I told the Dovah "You could just take me up there of your own free will".

The dragon was not only willing to aid me he was happy to help. I suspected that he'd not imagined that I wouldn't enslave him to my will, and so my unexpected ally in the form of Sahrotaar took me skywards, as we spiralled up the sides of the tower. He seemed eager, perhaps hopeful that I would defeat the other Dragonborn and end his rule over the dragons who lived here. Miraak must not control them as well as he imagined.

Once up there I spotted two other dovah who were flying around, and one was carrying Miraak. He directed his enslaved dragon towards the top of the tower and dismounted. My willing dragon flew over and landed on the platform, shifting back to my normal for in one smooth motion.

"Ah, you," said Miraak, "the boy who thinks himself worthy of the power I wield by birthright. The power of the one true ruler of Nirn".

I might have debated that, but Tiber Septim had been one of us and he'd forged an empire, perhaps we did have that right.

"And so the First Dragonborn meets the Last Dragonborn at the summit of Apocrypha," said my enemy "No doubt just as Hermaeus Mora intended. He is a fickle master, you know. But now I will be free of him. My time in Apocrypha is nearly over. You will die. And with the power of your soul, I will return to Solstheim and be master of my own fate again".

Miraak drew his sword, I drew my sword as well, and then our battle commenced. We clashed back and forth, each fighting to the best for our abilities.

"Fo… Krah… Diin!" Shouted Miraak.

"Yol… Toor… Shul!" I Shouted back.

Ice met fire and more or less cancelled each other out. Then Miraak tried to drive me back with the tendrils which shot out of his staff, but I dodged out of the way.

"Wuld… Nah… Kest!" Shouted Miraak,

"Tiid… Klo… Ul!" I countered.

While he speeds himself up I slowed everything down, which again kept things even, neither of us did the other harm even as we traded spells and tried to stab each other. I hit him with a fireball, and the other Dragonborn staggered back only to send ice at me, which I blocked with a magical ward.

When I could see that he was tiring and watched as he used Become Ethereal, and then one of his enthralled dragons landed. It was then that he pulled out a Thu'um that was beyond my power.

"Kruziikrel, ziil los dii du!" Shouted Miraak.

I watched as Miraak's Words ripped the soul right out of his minion's body, killing it instantly and restoring him. When his period of invulnerability faded, and I rushed in, attacking him again. The battle was much the same as before, with Miraak using Become Ethereal followed by his four worded Thu'um.

"Relonikiv, ziil los dii du!" Shouted Miraak.

Again, he was healed as the dragon's soul was violently ripped out. The battle commenced again, with me weakening Miraak, and hoping he'd fall this time. Unfortunately, this was not meant to be. Sahrotaar flew in, blasting Miraak with Frost Breath in an attempt to aid me. This failed because Miraak had Become Ethereal again, and readied the words that ended Sahrotaar.

"Sahrotaar, ziil los dii du!" Shouted Miraak.

The battle waged on, I summoned Seeker after Seeker while matching the Shouts of my deadly foe, the Seekers were no more than a distraction to my enemy, but that was enough to allow me to hit him with fireballs. Even with the extra souls, he couldn't defeat me, and I had to wonder if the Daedric Prince who ruled this realm was doing something to make things more even. Maybe he wanted a fair contest for his amusement. No doubt much about this amused him, like how Storn had died for a Word I hadn't even needed to use.

"Sahrotaar, ziil los dii du!" Shouted Miraak.

Nothing happened, and I realised that my enemy had tried to take my Soul, but it didn't work.

"You need my name!" I realised "And you don't know it".

Gothic was just something I called myself because my real name didn't really suit the image of a heroic warrior. Alas while I did know Miraak's name I didn't understand the Shout

Miraak roared a challenge at me and charged forwards. I took a deep breath and released my Thu'um.

"Fo… Krah… Diin!" I Shouted, extending the final syllable into a long stream of ice.

Miraak was travelling too quickly to dodge, and actually moved through the Shout straight towards me, and still had enough power to knock me to the ground. He lost control and began to strike me with his fist, not an effective tactic against someone wearing a helmet.

I pushed and rolled, and we fought like two kids on a schoolyard rather than the mighty warriors that we were. I proved to be better at this because I wasn't wearing fancy robes as armour. Dragonplate was tough stuff and my gauntlets did far more damage than gloved hands.

When I finally couldn't fight any more I did my best to stand up and this was when the ruler of this realm appeared.

"Did you think to escape me, Miraak? You can hide nothing from me here. No matter. I have found a new Dragonborn to serve me." Hermaeus Mora said.

"May he be rewarded for his service as I am!" he shouted.

A tentacle shot up and impaled the First Dragonborn and he was lifted into the air, and as when a dragon died the soul of Miraak entered me as his body burned away. The feeling of sheer power flowing into me was better than anything I'd felt before. When I'd recovered from the sensation enough to stand up I found myself looking at Mora.

"Miraak harboured fantasies of rebellion against me. Learn from his example. Serve me faithfully, and you will continue to be richly rewarded" the Prince told me.

I had no intention of becoming the plaything of a Daedric Prince.

"Fus Bex Miraad!"

With my new power, it became possible to open a doorway to another world as I'd planned to, and before Mora could impale me as he had done to Miraak I ran through the rift that I'd made in the fabric of existence. Despite not knowing where it would take me, and only stopping long enough to grab Brisingr, my sword, before leaving this reality.