The Trial at Hogithum Hall

The Trial at Hogithum Hall
compiled and interpreted by Prince-of-Plots

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Dedicated to r/teslore, the participants of “The Trial of
Vivec”, and to Morrowind in spirit of its tenth
anniversary.
2

Characters (some are excluded to prevent spoilers):

Vehk, commonly known as Vivec, is tried for the murder of Nerevar.
Zingbat, a representative of the Imperial Court who calls Vehk to be tried.
B, an Altmeri Psijic.
Allerleirauh, a Nord adventuress and Lady of Grace.
Hasphat Antabolis, an Imperial scholar and warrior.
Nigedo, Dunmeri Master of the Whirling School.
Girai Harkaanius, an Imperial scholar.
Stri’Ker, a Khajiit scholar.
Mafafu, a scholar.
Tegger, an Officer of the Bailiff.
Louis D’Onus, a Breton-born Dunmer scholar.
Harold Trontskii, also known as The T.S Basilisk, a scholar.
Solyn Kaerethi, a Dunmer student.
Ainoryl, a priest.
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Act I

Zingbat:
I propose we judge Vivec and the Tribunal. If Vivec is condemned, then he will rot for ages in a dark prison
cell.

So, let’s exhaust all evidence and look through it with the light of Imperial law and see if Vivec should be
punished. If necessary, we create new and just laws. But let not justice be undone.

I accuse the Tribunal of the murder of Nerevar and usurping of power by illegal means.

I accuse the Tribunal of retaining and hiding a valuable and very powerful magical artifact, the Heart of
Lorkhan, and using it for their his own desires without first consulting the Emperor. Considering the fact
that the the Heart has put all of Nirn in danger and created the abomination Dagoth Ur and the Corprus
plague, this is very serious indeed.

I accuse the Tribunal of falsely claiming to be gods without the confirmation or intervention of the Eight
Divines. Tribunal godhood is an insult and mockery to the gods and corrupts the people’s faith in the
Eight Divines.

Girai Harkaanius:
Your motive is good, but unfortunately this idea cannot be implemented. You wish to see justice done, but
the people available are mere scholars and I myself am the only citizen of Cyrodiil of all of them. I am of
the lower class, so I have no influence among the judiciary system of the Empire, and certainly not
enough to convict an ex-god, no matter what his crimes.

I personally would like for Vivec to speak to the scholars of this Empire for himself, but he no longer
shows himself in public, or at least very rarely. Nigedo I believe has spoken with him long ago, so perhaps
you could put in a word with the good fellow. If you can somehow set something up, than I would be
happy to be there. Until then though Vivec lies in the hands of Stendarr.

Allerleirauh:
Good luck catching him. I imagine he can be slippery when he wants to be, and he's used to his liberty.
The only way you're going to do anything to Vivec is if he decides that it would serve some purpose to
allow you to do it. And I don't see that happening. I suppose you can try him in absentia.

Vehk:
VIVEC daughter of Mphaal and from her male sons and [forbidden] I have heard and the voice of the weak
[forbidden] of the men who are fighting [forbidden] of raging women who curse and afflict and cause
pain they have descended against them Vendor-sellers, Etadachiel and Padachiel, The Emperor the great
and The Unnamed Vendor and Sahtiel and seized them and by the tufts of hair and the tresses of their
heads and broke the horns which were high and tied them by the tufts of hair of their heads and said to
them "remove that which you have cursed" and they said to him "from the pain of our heart we cursed
and from the bitterness of our palate we resolved to curse" I have made you swear and adjure you in the
name of Mnemol and Etadachiel and Padachiel and The Emperor the Great and The Unnamed Vendor and
Sahtiel that you release [forbidden] and free [forbidden] VIVEC daughter of Mphaal and [forbidden] male
and female from [forbidden] all the curses [forbidden] cursed and from the curses of [forbidden] and the
mother and from the curse of the prostitute [forbidden] and the fetus and from the curse of the employee
and employer who stole the wage and from the curse of the brothers who did not divide truthfully among
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themselves and from the curses of all people who curse in the name of idol demons and their
surrenderings you are the healer you are the healer who heals sicknesses with words you are the healer
who turns away the sicknesses and the curses of those who cursed VIVEC daughter of Mphaal in the name
of the Aedra and Etadachiel and Padachiel and The Emperor and The Unnamed Vendor and heal and annul
the curses of those who curse VIVEC daughter of Mphaal. And upon a stone which is unsplit I sat
[forbidden] and I wrote all of the curses upon a new bowl of clay and I sent back the curses of those who
cursed VIVEC daughter of Mphaal to their masters until they release and bless in the name of Ysmiel the
earthbone and Bosmiel the earthbone and in the name of Ysmiel and Bosmiel you release from the curses
of those who curse VIVEC daughter of Mphaal as a man as a man is freed from the house of bondage and
from the house of weapons GYEH GYEH AL AFLAQ [forbidden] may there be health and sealing
[forbidden] and to the house of VIVEC daughter of Mphaal and to the male sons [forbidden]

Allerleirauh:
Well. Obviously I have no career in prophecy.

B:
My good Vehk,

How nice of you to join us once again. Forgive me for detracting from the topic at hand, but your words
have stirred memories inside my head. Just under two years ago, Jobasha received a similar message from
the Morag Sultha:

A curse on the Khajiti House:

"PSJJJJ daughter of Satakel and from her male sons and [forbidden] I have heard and the voice of the
weak [forbidden] of the men who are fighting [forbidden] of raging women who curse and afflict and
cause pain they have descended against them Aedra, Etadachiel and Padachiel, The Dagonites the great
and The Unnamed Baron and Sahtiel and seized them and by the tufts of hair and the tresses of their
heads and broke the horns which were high and tied them by the tufts of hair of their heads and said to
them "remove that which you have cursed" and they said to him "from the pain of our heart we cursed
and from the bitterness of our palate we resolved to curse" I have made you swear and adjure you in the
name of Aedra and Etadachiel and Padachiel and The Dagonites the great and The Unnamed Baron and
Anuiel that you release and free [forbidden] PSJJJJ daughter of Satakel and [forbidden] male and female
from [forbidden] all the curses [forbidden] cursed and from the curses of [forbidden] and the mother
and from the curse of the prostitute [forbidden] and the fetus and from the curse of the employee and
employer who stole the wage and from the curse of the brothers who did not divide truthfully among
themselves and from the curses of all people who curse in the name of idol demons and their
surrenderings you are the healer you are the healer who heals sicknesses with words you are the healer
who turns away the sicknesses and the curses of those who cursed PSJJJJ daughter of Satakel in the name
of the Aedra and Etadachiel and Padachiel and The Dagonites and The Unnamed Baron and heal and
annul the curses of those who curse PSJJJJ daughter of Satakel. And upon a stone which is unsplit I sat
[forbidden] and I wrote all of the curses upon a new bowl of clay and I sent back the curses of those who
cursed PSJJJJ daughter of Satakel to their masters until they release and bless in the name of Sariel the
angel and Barakiel the angel and in the name of Sariel and Barakiel you release from the curses of those
who curse PSJJJJ daughter of Satakel as a man as a man is freed from the house of bondage and from the
house of weapons ALMSIVI ALMSIVI AL SEHT [forbidden] may there be health and sealing [forbidden]
and to the house of PSJJJJ daughter of Satakel and to the male sons [forbidden]."

Learn true Scripture as I stuff your mouth with birds.

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Your words, just like the aforementioned message, have some greater significance. Perhaps you can
enlighten us on their deeper meaning.

Nigedo:
Master Vehk, I am astonished by the impudence of these upstarts. But their foolishness precedes them
like the long shadows of broken towers. May their mouths be stuffed with birds.

Girai Harkaanius:
I did not mean impudence, on the contrary, I recognize your knowledge. Far beyond any mortal before or
after you. I also recognize that you are still mortal, and that in your madness you would consider yourself
a god. I have said nothing untrue, but have studied long and come to the conclusion that what you have
said and done is what would have been done by any other mortal had they been in your position.

Nonetheless, anyone must be held for their crimes. I do not and can not curse or condemn you, I can only
speak the truth. You have taken a position not rightfully yours, and only belonging to imperfect beings
such as the Aedra and Daedra by divine intervention. You have seized something not yours and led an
entire race astray, wielding much more power than any mortal should possess. Like any other thief, it
seems you will be tried. I only wish it was a lesser thing that was taken, for we have seen the result of such
deeds by the Dwemer.

I pray you a merciful and yet just trial.

Vehk:
Come, little pets, shave me to the bones. Sit on the mercy seat and render unto me a world picture. Build
me a cage from your dead fathers. Ignore that ache behind the eye of recognition that simply cannot be
some ancient advance on your cave mothers now sown some three thousand years hence. Or can it... you,
all my daring fruit? Lion, choke not on the newborn sun. He was so young the day he drew you out.

Girai Harkaanius:
We recognize your guilt, but like any other mortal before you, no matter how far away the sin, you must
be held accountable. Be an example to your struggling people and be tried. Your people still have much
faith in you as you have seen here among the scholars. Your crimes are widely known, I beg you for the
sake of your people and for the sake of yourself, submit to the law. You spent much time enforcing the law
while you possessed the throne of your people, now is your time to submit to the greater law which you
upheld.

For the sake of all step down from your high position and be treated as any other mortal. This is the god
your people worshipped, one who came to their level. Do it again to truly show your repentance.

Allerleirauh:
Ho, ho, ho, who's this "we", Girai? Are you sovereign of some far state now? And you speak of his guilt
before the trial begins.

Among my people, we have no such idiotic idea as that of trying a creature among people who know
nothing of his deeds. We are judged by those who know us, and can swear oaths to stand by us. But I
understand that the Cyrodiils have blinded themselves in homage to the god of logic. Convict yourself of
impartiality if you will; I will stand with my eyes open. Have we still no judge? Then let a solemn quorum
of honest folk be found, if you can govern your lust for blood so far as to pretend to decency.

Last I heard, the worship of the pantheon of Alessia was a matter of conscience, not law. If we are to
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convict those who refuse the worship of the devourer of worlds, I must throw myself upon the mercy of
the court.

It seems I have signed on for the defense, which is ironic. But though I have no love for Cyrodiils and their
justice, still I have in my heart honor and truth. Convict Vivec and put him to shame, if he will stand for it.
But before you murder him untried you will see me bleed.

Stri’Ker:
But what will this achieve? Has not Vehk been stripped of his stolen 'Godhood'? Is it not punishment
enough being plunged back to the mortal realm after experiencing the glory of the (secret) tower? Realise
this: what the triune may or may not have done is irrelevant. The ultimate sacrifice of his 'divinity' is
surely payment enough - especially since it was a willing act to help save not only the Dunmer, but all of
Tamriel. Does he not deserve our sympathy rather than our scorn? We cannot hope to see the bigger
picture in what has and what will be. Do not let your petty selfishness remove Mystery from Nirn.

B:
Ah, yes, I find all of this mildly entertaining, but I must agree with Stri'Ker on this one. What do you hope
to achieve by putting this mer on trial? Surely, there are better ways for his Secrets to spill out upon the
floor. If some have their way, the floor will be covered in blood not Secrets.

In this case, guilt and innocence are so subjective. I certainly am not qualified to pass judgment. Whether
he committed these so-called "crimes" or not is of no concern to me.

But what do I know? I am not a Warrior-Poet. I find Vehk’s words enlightening at times, but Vehk’s
Endeavor is not my Endeavor. I am merely a collector. A collector of trinkets, stories, and spells--perhaps
more, at times. But for now, I simply gather what I can and share what I find.

I must go. Before I leave, though, I will give you this:
I have seen the World, and the World is cracking. Some of us walk around on the egg shells, others try to
pin blame on those who broke It, and still others try to glue the pieces back together. All to no avail! A
Change is upon us. A Change that will sweep across the Mundus. We must be prepared for that time.

Girai Harkaanius:
You all make good points, honestly I got a bit ahead of myself. I believe this entire thing just came out of a
desire to simply know the truth.

Vehk, people have been going back and forth for who knows how long trying to figure out your
motivations behind the Sermons, whether you helped slay Nerevar, and many other questions. You speak
of guilt for your actions, but lash out at people simply wondering (rather boldly I'll admit) what those
actions were. If you would take responsibility and answer these questions, then all could be resolved.
Simply speak the truth, and we will go our ways.

I'm not sure if you will respond to this Master Vehk, but it had to be asked. If you do not want a foolish
throng banging on your door, then take away their reason to do it.

Allerleirauh:
Is that all? You lot remind me of cliff racers harrying a dragon. It has but to draw breath, and they scatter.

Great and gracious Lord, I have this instant understood why you came here. (See, Nords do think, if
slowly!) The time is coming; it seems the time is not yet.
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Zingbat:
Citizens of the Empire, I represent a group of people who want to remain anonymous. I have mouths to
feed and my position in the Imperial court is critical. My accusations could be ignored if it was not for the
pressure for them to go forward. So this judgement must be carried. With or without the Tribunal a
statement must be made to the people.

Before I present the accusations again, there some things that must be clarified. First if there is no judge
and no advocate to accuse the Tribunal then a mob will have to do. If there is an Imperial officer present
he may take the rule of jury and judge. I cannot participate because I am making the accusations.

This is not the judgment of the Cyrodills or the Empire. This is not the judgement of Imperial law itself.
This is the judgement of the Tribunal against the accusations that are placed against them. The outcome
of this judgement is what this improvised Tribunal will do and its only purpose is to serve justice itself
without favors.

If the mob decides with their heart then justice will not be served. Mercy is for the weak, mercy brings
corruption and decline of valor. The Empire will decline and the world will be a dark place to live on.
Justice should be enforced with whatever facts we know because grave acts have been committed and we
know who did them.

I place my accusations again and ask for you to judge, and to take into consideration the changes that
happened in the last days of the Tribunal when doing so.

First Accusation:
I accuse the Tribunal of the murder of Nerevar and usurping of power by illegal, and most grave of all,
unethical and immoral means. A cruel, savage murder, without any humanity or honor.
What is your verdict for this accusation ?

Second Accusation:
I accuse the Tribunal of retaining and hiding a valuable and very powerful magical artifact, the Heart of
Lorkhan, and using it for their his own desires without first consulting the Emperor or any authority.

Third Accusation:
I accuse the Tribunal has putting all of Tamriel in danger and creating the abomination Dagoth Ur and the
Corprus plague, and of not taking action to inform the Empire of the full consequences of this or
requesting assistance in destroying this threat.

Fourth Accusation:
I accuse the Tribunal of falsely claiming to be gods without the confirmation or intervention of the Eight
Divines or their high priests.

Fifth Accusation:
I accuse the Tribunal, of conspiring against and attempting to weaken the Empire with hostile and
anti-Imperial messages within Temple propaganda.

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Girai Harkaanius:
He is obviously not guilty on all things suggested, but I believe if he simply stated what he is guilty of and
what he isn't, people would hold him in higher esteem.

Even if he did kill Nerevar, I would not be one to condemn him. For that matter, I doubt anyone would. It
has been suspected and believed on various levels by many in the past, and I suspect that if admitted the
reaction would be merciful.

Vehk:
Dumb, deaf dreamers,

You struggle to make the idea of my trial conform to your standards. To this, I refuse. But to swim in the
new phlogiston, I will submit myself to a challenge of accountability—

--under Dunmeri rules.

What is required is a Tribunal, silly Incarnates, which accuses me of crime or crimes, and to which my
final judgment is foregone unless I save myself. And a High Council to sway or solidify their position, or to
generally throw stones and verses. And eye-witnesses, whose presence has taken me awhile to…secure.

And since Vehk and Vehk will not give ground on his soul to any but his equals, I appoint my own Tribunal
to charge me. And I command them to do their best to damn me, even if it tugs at their conscience. Thus
do I appoint to mythic status:

Mercy- Allerleirauh, my sweet Nord, so ironic that my heart sits at the feet of the daughter of CHEMUA,
YSMIR, HOAG. Do your best, Mother.

Mystery- Hasphat Antabolis, Dwemer-infested and confused, so fitting to sit in my brother’s seat, what
shall you bring to this?

And Mastery- my little Nigedo whirling, I expect the deepest strokes from you. Enigma, you’ve become
Enemy. Wrest the right to Teach from me, or I will have Kha-bul-Nuit vomit on your mind.

Thence does this Tribunal charge me and hold me to debate and parley, and against every charge they
bring I shall either win through my proofs or eat the seven swords.

The High Council shall be the rest of you unwashed masses, representatives from the world’s five
quarters. Here, I give you a razored stone. The first is free.

And one last solemn oath—I will bring the only eye-witnesses that matter, channeling their voice-deeds
by way of the Provisional House.

Expect Nerevar, Dagoth-Ur, and my lover-liar Alandro Sul.

Zingbat: rude talker, I have appointed my birds. Choke on them.

Nigedo:
Very well then.

The unmixed conflict path has only deep strokes to display, but better that I take from your own right
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hand the means to win against you.

Zingbat:
Vehk, or Vivec, I will not even ask you to prove your identity. I have done what I intended to do, and as you
are politician as I, I think we understand each other. We shan’t pretend this is anything more than the old
game of politics. I do not care who you decide to take as your defense and in what terms - this will be a
mob judgement, and when they reach a verdict, my job will be done.

However Vehk, I ask of you, if you decide to come forth and confess other crimes, do so and be in peace.
Those who cover my tracks would be pleased with that.

Allerleirauh:
Lord, you never had a less willing persecutor. All who have called me Mother before you are dead... the
omens are ill. But very well.

Let the sky bear witness that this child of the far north stands ready; if I be found false, may the earth
swallow me up.

I will consider, and return.

Girai Harkaanius:
Master Vehk,

My voice has been lifted up many times against you in the past, but now I see my folly. You have gained a
new level of respect from me, and I will enjoy speaking further in this proceeding. By Anu's aspect
Stendarr, I pray the mercy and wisdom of the Divine will bless this trial.

And as a response to you Master Vehk, Anu will never change.

Girai Harkaanius:
Gentlemen of the court,

I believe this entire trial mainly comes down to two things: the Tribunal's use of the Heart and their
alleged murder of Nerevar. First of all I will address their use of the Heart.

Vehk has been stated as a participant in the use of the Heart by many sources, all of them well known, so I
will not post them here. The use of the Heart has resulted in incredible conflict in the past, from the Battle
of Red Mountain, to the recent Sixth House/Nerevarine incident, to even the conflict in this very room. It
has even resulted in the utter destruction of a race. Vehk's guilt is undoubtable, though I do not believe it
is in our rights or power at this point to condemn him on this matter. Vivec has shown guilt and contrition
in this matter, but beyond that, I believe this is a judgement that should be made by the Divine, not by
mortals that probably would have done the same thing in such a case.

On the other hand, I have heard that there is no evidence to prove Vehk's involvement in Nerevar's death.
I believed so as well. But today I have been studying more in depth the statements of Vehk, and came
across this:

“...that drives seekers of arcane knowledge to pledge their scholarship to the Aetherius rather than
dealing with the esoteric teachings of my murder-brother SEHT... “

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Vehk, your murder-brother SEHT? Did you mean something other than the obvious by this statement?
Has SEHT (Sotha Sil) murdered anyone other than allegedly Nerevar? How did you know he murdered?
This is not proof perhaps, but it does raise questions. This excerpt from your Book of Hours is startling. If
you meant something else by this then tell me, for this has led my thoughts back to Alandro Sul. Was he
correct in his statement?

A very startled Imperial

Vehk:
Nonsense. The High Council cackles as it will, according to the laws of the Trinimac-eater. The honored
representative of House Haarkanius may bark, bark, bark.

Solyn Kaerethi:
Many pardons for interrupting the interlude, but I believe the Dunmeri trial Vehk has laid out will be as
much trial as discussion. I for one would like to see as much of the debate, parley, stones, and verses as
possible. Vehk has refused a "standard" trial. Unless you intend to hold this trial without the defendant
and witnesses (again I would like to see what they have to say) I would suggest you leave some room open
for the High Council (which pretty much everybody not specifically mentioned) and Vehk's appointed
judges. This, however, will be a mess without some form of organization so perhaps to address this issue
a separate room/thread for the High Council should be created. If I have read correctly, Vehk has offered
the first move to the unwashed masses. Again apologies for the intrusion, I shall withdraw until more
sanity reigns. I am not one to dance (much) in a castle made of sand whilst thunder comes and goes.

Vehk:
Better.

Vehk:
As lord of the middle air I bless these proceedings to earth and earth, where the meddlers take no stones
except to blood, as blood IS blood, and to the cracking of bone, as bone IS bone, and so to crack and
answer and fall before the one and one, I call you Dragon as brother and king, flame-faced, turgid,
accounted, crowned in hours, see this as wanted and so to write, set letter, set in time, and I call you Wife,
sister and queen, hole and throne, wet, spending, moan'ed before marriage, see this as wanted and so to
wed, led-to-loved, set in never, GO DOWN AE ALTADOON DEN, for trailed it is in slime we make our babes
and the walker heeds no mock of dirt, until you, until you, there, I call you there, I call you Proud One,
brother-by-death, worker, admonisher of waiting ones, the takers of wage without, beaten, unmoved,
willed to rise by morning, see this as wanted and so to build, bricked and mortared, set like walls, and
there so set as hearth, by whose heat I call you Rain, maiden unmade, bled, untouched and so to red ever,
unto the earth, as egg IS egg, see this as wanted, and so to shower, red unruined, set in wonder, BIRTH AE
PADHOME, as I call you Wrapped In Rags as self and self, as handheld summer, grinding wise, all our
chieftains turned to crops, RKHET the Taker now took, for this is wanted, set your seven swords, sensible
if left for dead, SEE NOW GHARTOK AE SALOMET, so shall I call you Womb-Ridden, spoilt spiller,
sister-whore, come and come, match black swallow of these, the running monies, whose vendors lay
playing golden, star and city, all of one to your only bed, because this is wanted, IS want, and so to swell
them, set and entered, SEHT AE DWEM, I call you Wounded as my war brother, speared and thrown down,
STENDR, rebuilt like mercy, lake-faced and lamp'd, spoke in water, this is wanted, give it grace, set in
stillborn heavens, AE, I call you Lock-step, math athlete, theorem-teethed biter, grand answer, stay
skyward from your line, symbol-gutter, this is wanted, set sequence, may you trace it for them with
string, grim engine JHNAL AE THE EARTH AM, through Eight I bless it EARTH AM AS EARTH AM

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!

!

!

Allerleirauh:
I have read the words which the others here have spoken, and taken thought. I have little knowledge of
procedure, and I would not act against the wishes of the other two members of this Tribunal, but it seems
to me I know enough to begin.

If there has been a breach of Imperial law, this court is not the place to seek a remedy. Besides, I see no
evidence of such a breach. The Armistice is no concern of ours; and many of these events occurred in a
time when the land now called Morrowind owed no allegiance to the Empire.

These are matters of a higher law, which it may be even the gods cannot escape.

For a crime to have occurred, there must be a victim. I see three categories of victim, and so I propose to
divide these crimes into three heads: crimes against Nerevar; against the gods and against Vivec's own
soul; and crimes against the people of Morrowind. I propose to take each in turn, although in some places
they overlap.

Vivec, you are accused, with the other two members of the Tribunal, Sotha Sil and Almalexia, of the
murder of Indoril Nerevar, Hortator and your good and faithful lord. A murder most foul, considering that
he was also Almalexia's husband and king.

About the murder this is said:

“Then Nerevar told his queen and generals all that had transpired under Red Mountain and how the
Dwemer had used special tools to turn their people into immortals and of the wondrous power of the
Heart of Lorkhan. The Tribunal decided that the Chimer should learn how to use this power so that
Nerevar might claim Resdayn and the world for their people. Nerevar did not expect or want this, so he
asked his queen and generals to help him summon Azura yet again for her guidance. But the Tribunal
had become as greedy as Kagrenac upon hearing of the power of the Heart and they coveted it. They
made ritual as if to summon Azura as Nerevar wanted but Almalexia used poisoned candles and Sotha
Sil used poisoned robes and Vivec used poisoned invocations. Nerevar was murdered.”

Afterwards, you broke your solemn oath to him, never to use the tools of Kagrenac.

You took to yourself Nerevar's wife and queen, Almalexia; in your writings you blackened his name,
making it appear that you were wise and he foolish; and thus you poisoned the minds of your people
against his return, foretold by Azura.

Of these crimes I accuse you; if anyone would say more, let them speak.

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What say you, Vehk?

Vehk:
Mercy,

Pray let me put on my Water-Face. It won't take a day.

And, yes, meanwhile, let them speak.

B:
After much soul-searching, I have decided that I was fooling myself and others. These matters of Vehk
ARE of concern to me. I seek to collect Answers, and perhaps, someday, those Answers will make a story
that will be worthy of being placed in a Library.

I shall throw Words first:

Using Sermon 29 as a guide, a message can be retrieved from within the 36 Lessons. The message reads,
"He was not born a god. His destiny did not lead him to this crime. He chose this path of his own free will. He
stole the godhood and murdered the Hortator. Vivec wrote this.”

Grab ahold of these Words as I throw them at your feet, Vehk. Please explain the message contained
within your Sermons.

Hasphat Antabolis:
Vehk, Thief, why do you drag me into your self-indulgent little drama? You know very well what I have
always accused you of, but I still come here unwillingly, as I tire quickly of your bluster and misdirection,
and I doubt you will abide by any judgment by this "Tribunal" or any other. Your boundless arrogance
claims no peers for itself, no matter what you might say sweetly now to soothe the mob.

That I come at all is in service of history and the truth, two things that you undoubtedly know much of but
share very little. And I hate a mob, even one baying for your blood.

I suppose I am intended as a prosecutor of sorts, but I decline that role (for now). l will clear you of the
destruction of the Dwemer, at least. All accounts of Red Mountain agree that you were on the battlefield
when the Dwemer vanished, not in the Heart-Chamber where the crucial deed was committed. By whom?
Kagrenac? Nerevar? Dagoth Ur? It is not even clear that any crime was committed -- perhaps the Dwemer
removed themselves to another world using the power of the Heart. Perhaps they were destroyed, by their
own arrogance ... or by Nerevar. Why does he not stand here accused? Channel him, if you will, Vehk! I
would love to hear his words (from your mouth).

I may return, I may not. This spectacle only feeds your ego, the center of events as always. You love to play
the prophet, but I remember (as few seem to) that your proper title is General.

Stri’Ker:
Indeed Master B. Other accounts of Nerevar's murder may be dismissed as being Ashlander propaganda.
Vehk's own words hold the weight of the whole world, and I await his response with anticipation - as I'm
sure others do.

B:
So you ask, am I courageous or foolish? To that I reply, I am both and neither. How about friend or foe?
13
Again, my words are both and neither. Ultimately, I do not care whether Vehk committed any crimes or if
he is held accountable for any actions. I merely wish to document that which has been hidden from our
eyes. Perhaps Vehk had just cause, or Nerevar deserved his fate. I am no judge!

Forgive me. Perhaps my Altmer arrogance is showing through, but I assure you, I am not your typical
"High Elf." No, I care not for Order and Pockets of Calm. My life is spent bathed in the glorious,
ever-changing Mundus. In this instance, I seek to change the status quo--certainly not through thuggish
killing and brutality. I leave that to the simpleminded Brotherhood and Morag Tong. I want to shed light
in places that have not seen anything but darkness for years.

Again, forgive me. I do not wish to take the focus of this discussion away from the Tribunal and Vehk.
They are the centerpieces, not me.

Vehk:
As Vehk and Vehk I hereby answer, my right and my left, with black hands.

Vehk the mortal did murder the Hortator.

Vehk the God did not, and remains as written.

And yet these two are the same being. And yet are not, save for one red moment.

Know that with the Water-Face do I answer, and so cannot be made to lie.

Allerleirauh:
Well, Vehk. It seems we must punish the mortal, then.

Vehk:
Alas, Love, you cannot:

From Sermon Thirty-Five: "...that virility is dead, by which I mean at least replaced."

Nigedo:
It seems to me that Vehk the God has other deeds to answer for; the betrayal of the inheritance of Veloth
and misdirection of the Chimeri Exodus.

When did Mephala grant his mantle to you false spirit and St. Veloth pass to your care the walking way of
the Chimer?

But these questions will likely not satisfy the mass that desires less 'metaphysical' answers.
14

You are mortal now are you not? Or do you still retain some hidden vestige of godhood?

Girai Harkaanius
Vehk,

It would seem that you as a god has already been punished, for he no longer exists. Vehk the mortal's only
true crime seems to have been the murder of Nerevar. Hence, with this confession, it would seem a large
part of the trial is over already. The scholars will undoubtedly be content when more is revealed.
Nonetheless, the trial must proceed for we still do not know the circumstances of the murder nor the
punishment (if any). I do hope our Tribunal will take your confession into account when they are deciding
your fate. You have taken responsibility for your actions (in a more unique way), and for that I pray that
the court be merciful. What changes will this new revelation bring I wonder?

Vehk:
“It seems to me that Vehk the God has other deeds to answer for; the betrayal of the inheritance of
Veloth and misdirection of the Chimeri Exodus.”

Proof before fiction, little Nigedo. Play by the rules.

“You are mortal now are you not? Or do you still retain some hidden vestige of godhood?”

Perhaps...yes, perhaps I am mortal. Now. Yes.

...perhaps I am. Deep stroke indeed. Good.

But the mortal Vehk before this one is not the one who stands here now, for I am Remnant. And innocent
of the charge you would bring onto the head of my former life.

Nigedo:
How so, dear Vehk?

You have the same affections as before, memories of your former lives as god and mortal.

Where now is the mortal spirit of General Vivec if not restored before us?

Girai Harkaanius:
Vehk,

Your present mortal form may be indeed innocent, but that does not change the situation. Your first
mortal form slew Nerevar in cold blood and stole the Heart. Your god form was a result of the latter deed.
This god form seems to have usurped the quest of the Tower, but this is not my concern in the least. As for
what you are right now, you are indeed a Remnant. A Remnant of a murderer. Your deed is far away and
such pieces of you dwell very little in you indeed, but you are yet Vehk. Vehk the mortal slew Nerevar and
became Vehk the god. Vehk the god in repentance for once being Vehk the mortal became Vehk the
mortal, separate from Vehk the first. And yet they are all still Vehk. Vehk in divine matters will be dealt
with by the Divine. Vehk in mortal matters should be dealt with by the mortal.

Nigedo, we agree again. What an odd fate.

15
Hasphat Antabolis:
As usual, Vehk would like to evade responsibility using metaphysical mumbo-jumbo. He would like us to
believe that his mortal self and his (self-proclaimed) god self are two different beings entirely. The
mortal Remnant of a god is therefore not responsible for the doings of his mortal precursor. To this I say,
humbug! Vehk is Vehk is Vehk. If you remember your former crimes, own up to them and be done with it.

Nigedo:
Indeed.

In the day that you wrest the glory of your fore-image by the power of a dead god, I say you took upon
yourself but the skin of your enemy.

And paraded yourself in these stolen clothes of godhood. Where was the death of Vivec in this? Was
Vehk-god not a mere vehicle of longevity for the mortal?

I say also that the Council should be satisfied of the means of the murder of Saint Nerevar - so we shall
separate accountability if it is needed to be separated.

Allerleirauh:
Vehk, what Hasphat Antabolis and Nigedo say seems right to me as well, and here is why: if Vehk were
truly dead, then why linger among his own people for so long?

Vehk:
Mercy and Mastery and Mystery. You cry for an Exactitude of the universe from me when its very
Chancellor broke its astrolabe in half when I was born. You ghost-touch like the cousin-spirits that
showed me the the face of the marriage of broken worlds, but refuse to speak what you see. You swear by
the egg-layered universe but refuse to see beyond the if-then of my ancestors, not my ancestors. You
hammer against the Cloven Duality as if it's one, then two, then one, all of a row. And to this I tell you in
Truth: Red Mountain made me exist before I did.

Allerleirauh:
Is this your water face, Vehk? No riddles.

Hasphat Antabolis:
Ha! Asking Vehk to speak without riddles is like asking a snake to please stand up and walk, just this once.

Vehk:
“Or is it like Vehk the God existed before Vehk the Mortal and then the mortal did commit murder to
steal Vehk the God into himself?”

Is it very alike. And perhaps born of golden wisdom and powers that should have been forever unalike.

Nigedo:
Then let us delve deeper into the apparent mystery of your present mortality. From whence does it
proceed? Does it have no past, no ancestor, no precedent?

Do you not walk Time's straight line with all mortals?

Then see what lies behind you, or dare you not look over your shoulder?

16
Girai Harkaanius:
Vehk, you speak madness. You simply will not confess your actions and accept their consequences. You
create stories to further deceive to suit your own ends. Oh no, you have not changed from your previous
nature. You are yet Vivec the god in mind. You confess your guilt and yet will not allow yourself to become
mortal enough to accept mortal reward. All here can see your deceit, do not use grand words to cover it.

Take your medicine, Dear Vehk, and save yourself and all those present a grand headache. Vehk
murdered, Vehk confessed, Vehk will not take responsibility, and Vehk will NEVER step down to his
rightful level. Let your arrogance show the truth of your words. Truth of void, reeking of Padomay.

Allerleirauh:
We are straying rather far from the topic, I think. Not without cause...

Surely these are matters which can be spoken of in plain language. Tell us what happened.

Vehk:
“Then let us delve deeper into the apparent mystery of your present mortality. From whence does it
proceed? Does it have no past, no ancestor, no precedent?

Do you not walk Time's straight line with all mortals?

Then see what lies behind you, or dare you not look over your shoulder? “

I will leave it to others to find where I have written all this before. But when Vehk the mortal reached into
the Heart, he ceased to be anything except for what he wished to be. The axis erupted. There was an exact
cracking, an instant of pure Aurbis, his hands burnt black by that ever-nil of static change, and Vivec the
god who had never been had always been. A whole universe swelled up to legitimize his throne... as the old
universe, where Vehk the mortal still lapped up Godsblood, warped itself to accept its new equivalent. And
like all things magical it simply could not happen, could not Be. Red Mountain was the intersection of the
Is-Is Not as it was of old, its center point, and it did not hold. And so the Dragon, having broken, saw fit to
heal, turning into the world you know. Except now Vivec the God was alive before his own birth, which
had, in fact, really happened in the death of the last universe. Hard to grasp in three-dimensional
thought? Why, of course it is. And so that is why some semblance of my anguished personal reconciliation
found its way into my own scripture. Why did I leave the Nerevarine two accounts of his death, one that I
could have easily erased from the minds of my own people? Because he is Hortator, GHARTOK PADHOME
AE ALTADOON DUNMERI, my lord and king in this world and the last, and as Vehk and Vehk I murdered
him, then raised him, then taught to him to know, and so would I have it when he came to me at last that
he decide. I give you this as Vivec.

Nigedo:
Well, well.

This was very close upon the heels of the Battle I will venture?

And did Mnemoli witness this Break, did Red Mountain erupt from the strain?

This, then, was the cause of Sun's Death I warrant.

Allerleirauh:
17
Very well. The past changes itself to suit you. Very neat. But I see a flaw in your account, Vehk; one you
may not have noticed yourself.

“But when Vehk the mortal reached into the Heart, he ceased to be anything except for what he wished
to be.”

The wish remains a part of you. Your intentions are constant, from the mortal form, through the form of
the god, to the form of the remnant. My judgement is that Vehk the mortal is indeed the same being as
Vehk the god, and Vehk the remnant. You became a god, as you have said, through your own will, and that
will you have not abandoned.

Vehk:
So, Mercy, a Girl of White Glamour indeed. And a puzzlebox-logician at either side. Well, then, I'll tell you
now as I told you then: I am a letter written in uncertainty and thus you cannot hold me. But you seem
certain that the wish fulfilled is the same as the wishmaker. What says the Council?

Stri’Ker:
Even though Vehk speaks in riddles, do you not agree that the now Mortal Vehk is not the same as the first
Mortal Vehk? Once the Tribunal used the tools on the Heart, Vehk can never forget, even now as a Mortal
once again. Does this make him the same as he once was? Surely it does not. His memories of his time as a
'God' have forever changed him into the mortal you see before you. His physical appearance is the same,
but his soul has forever been changed from what he once was. Surely he has learnt from his past and will
not perform the same actions again, given the choice.

I believe that for this action he has been punished. I also believe that a high price has been paid - one
which should not be added to further.

Vehk:
[When Nerevar is called to the Hall:]

I can see that this court will not trust the words of Nerevar if they come from my own mouth, even if
channeled. I therefore claim my right and tradition as Son of Mephala to open my twin gate, a source that
none can deny. I motion for the Tribunal to summon Azura to these proceedings, to speak on the one, true
Nerevar's behalf. What say you?

Allerleirauh:
Thief, when cornered you show your true colors... I think you are stalling for time. Can you bring Nerevar
before us or not?

My sources tell me that the summoning date for Azura is Hogithum, 21st First Seed, three weeks distant.
And that we would need a Dunmer priest. Dunmer priests, I suppose, are in no short supply. But do you
expect this court to wait so long? I suspect that you will quietly slip away, and we will never see Azura
here...

Vehk:
I swear on the first and last she will come if summoned on her proper day, three weeks hence, a loophole I
have no control over. It surely is my right as the accused, sweet Mercy, to ask for this. After all, what have
I to gain if I am guilty, save Azura's condemnation and therefore no choice but to face this court in full
shame and punishment thereafter?

18
Allerleirauh:
Yes, I suspect Azura is no friend of yours.

I would hear the opinion of the others of the Tribunal on this matter... shall we bind Vivec over on the
matter of the murder of Nerevar until he can bring his witness?

Louis D’Onus:
If any soul at all is fit to judge Vehk then surely it is Nerevar - with Azura as his patron. Logic would
dictate that the wisest course of action would be in seeking their council on the matter. For whatever my
voice is worth on the matter I motion in favor of binding until the witnesses may be called.

I know Nigedo to be a student of Vehk's teachings, but I would trust him to find and judge a proper priest
for a summoning of such import. I have seen him to be a fine mer, and would trust that he choose wisely
despite his leanings in the matter.

If the Council believes he cannot, then certainly those present might allow Hasphat Antabolis to select a
proper candidate.

I feel some deep rumbling beneath the toes of my feet at this motion...

Girai Harkaanius:
Azura? A greater liar and corrupter than our good Vehk, for mortals are made from the essence of both
Padomay and Anu in their origin, whereas Azura is made directly from Padomay, even though she be
changed by Anu. She may speak against Vehk's ramble as of late, but I would not trust her to speak
truthfully. Nonetheless, let her be summoned, but keep a watch so that we are not led off on a fool's path
such as the Chimer/Dunmer were.

Nigedo:
“I would hear the opinion of the others of the Tribunal on this matter... shall we bind Vivec over on the
matter of the murder of Nerevar until he can bring his witness?”

I have retreated and considered this matter and I will answer you in just a moment, friend Allerleirauh.

However, there are stirrings here that must be addressed for the sake of shame.

Vivec has freely and pro-actively chosen to submit himself to a trial of accountability by those that he has
deemed his peers. I perceive this to be the brave and honourable act of one who wrestles to be at last free
of condemnation both within and without.

I have had no love for the Tribunal Temple nor for their blind stewardship of Morrowind's gullible
masses, but I take Vivec's former divinity as obvious fact.

I also do not doubt his sincere and earnest desire to allow truth to prevail for redemption's sake;
tempered, of course, by a good and natural measure of the common mortal's desire for self-vindication.

If this truth will condemn him or no, it is in our hands, not Vehk's, and I intend to ensure that proper time
and well-ordered judgement alone will tell.

There is no place here for pre-judgement nor dismissal of the obvious, only for bold awareness of the true
color of these proceedings. I urge this sober mind in all here present and those that would not, I urge
19
them to withdraw.

It is folly to debate the value of Azura's words, or any other's, before they have been spoken. Yet, I will say
this. Like all et'Ada, Azura dwells in the god place with respect to Time and she is not constrained by the
straight line of mortal experience.

I agree that it is time that we heard other voices. I say that we should now wait and keep patience in good
trust until we can hear from Azura.

If the Tribunal are in agreement on this, then we have abundant time and means to make all necessary
arrangements ourselves, and nothing more need be required from Vehk in the meantime.

What says Antabolis?

B:
I have returned to bear witness to these strange proceedings, and I see a great deal has transpired since I
was last in attendance.

My eyes do see the mentioning of the Dreaming Cavern. I must confess that I was entertaining that idea
myself, but I was unsure if any of us would be able to enter. Any thoughts on how this task can be
accomplished? I would volunteer to go myself, but I do not know if I am a worthy candidate. I fear if we
cannot travel to Artaeum, then we must wait for the Summoning date.

Hasphat Antabolis:
What, summon a Daedra to pardon the Devil? Oh my, why not?

Nigedo:
Allerleirauh, you have heard our thoughts, the decision now rests with you.

Vehk:
As we seem settled, then, we should pick our priest. And, as I do not think Azura shall stay long in the
same room with me, I would form your questions beforehand. Perhaps a ribcage's worth, and no more.

B:
Very well, since it appears that we are going to wait until the 21st of First Seed, I withdraw my offer to
travel to the Summerset Isle in an attempt to broker a deal with the Psijics. I guess we will have to wait
some twenty days for further information on these matters--unless we can come up with other questions
that can be addressed in the meantime.

Vehk would like a priest to be chosen for the Day of Summoning. Anyone know of a worthy participant?

Now, if you will excuse me, I have other matters to attend to. I thank you for your time.

Vehk:
If I may put forward a question of my own to the dread lord Azura:

Should I be found guilty of past transgressions in a world that no longer lives, how might I find my
absolution?

20
Allerleirauh:
So: many have spoken of the murder of Nerevar. This seems to me the least of Vivec's many crimes. Shall
we speak also of broken oaths, and oaths sworn falsely? Of stolen divinity, and worship diverted?

Vehk:
If you do this, I beg the court that I might call a soul to my defense.

Governing my sweet Vvardenfell, for me, displayed itself mainly as fashion-orgies, insect wrestling, and
chocolate parades.

I would have someone who knew the more pedestrian aspects of my supervisory benevolence to represent
me here.

Allerleirauh:
Well, Vehk, who would you call? The business of this court is speech, not silence.

Vehk:
Oh, I doubt you will have to worry there, little snowskin, I think he is the most talkative Corner I know.
And fortunately more ready to attend than Azura, for he heeds dates seldom.

Mercy, you've shown me little. And so it is with no little irony that I call SHEOGORATH to defend me on
the matters of my state!

Bitter spear of mercy, meet your mirror.

Nigedo:
Hold. Before you bring out the Mad God to plead your case, I would have assurance of the safety of the
minds of mortals present here.

What constraints will Sheogorath be under?

Girai Harkaanius:
Vehk, you are beyond insane. What do you hope to gain by summoning such a witness? Even if Sheogorath
had reason to tell the truth, it would come out as a load of incoherent gibberish. Unless if you seek to drive
your prosecutors mad, I see no reason for this new action.

Sheogorath:
Hello. I was having drinks with my two best friends, Bad Bad Bad Bad Blad and myself, when I received the
subpoena. I came as quickly as I could, though in a non-linear fashion, so you will have to forgive my lack
of lines.

From a legal point-of-view, lawsuits against deities aren’t actually very uncommon, though many choose
to settle out of court or simply pay the fine, which is seldom more than five gold. I once had a bout of
self-doubt, was judged guilty of heresy, and had to choose between death by stoning or by inhalation next
to an orc. I chose the baked chicken.

At first I thought I was being summoned as a character witness, and I can assure you I’ve seen
lower-cases, or to give my expert testimony of the fascinating psychological aspects of this trial. It’s
something I’ve given a lot of serious thought to. To quote dear Almalexia, “People think I’m crazy just
because of all the weird things I say while fondling wombats.”
21

But while I’m not quite mad enough to be a judge, I think I’m well-qualified to be a barrister for the
defense. Now, remind me: which is better, guilty or not guilty?

Nigedo:
Apparently my request to delay your summoning came too late to be heeded. Well, I presume Vehk has a
motive for calling you.

Let Vehk question you.

B:
Oh, Sheogorath, how good of you to join us. It has been a long time, Mad One. I remember those glorious
days when you tried to dissuade me in my research. Or perhaps you were merely trying to help me. I am
never too sure.

No matter. It is great to see you. For, how better to know our sanity than by staring Madness in the face?

Do continue.

Sheogorath:
You call it nonsense, and you’re right – there is no sense that can touch madness. Therefore madness is
not physical. And therefore, madness is immaterial.

Vehk:
Ah, beloved enemy, "symbol affixed on things unborn, seen from the mercy seat without love to run or
rename," it seems I am to question you. Strange. Perhaps the Tribunal fears your eight-legged visage.

So: the governance of Morrowind during my tenure: did you like or dislike?

Sheogorath:
Would you rephrase that as “ So: the governance of Morrowind during my tenure: did you dislike or like?”

Regardless, I liked my displeasure in it.

I’d like to object to what I just said! Witness is leading the witless!

Vehk:
A popular book in Morrowind compares me to my Anticipation, Mephala, thusly:

"[The] explicit presentation of Vivec the Guardian God-King and Warrior-Poet is the one most accessible and
familiar to
Westerners. However, it is important to remember that Vivec is also known to the Dunmer as the transcendent
evolution of the daedra that anticipated him, Black Hands Mephala, a foundation figure of the earliest Chimer.
This darker side of Vivec does not appear in the popular literature and liturgy, but is instinctively understood and
accepted by the Dunmer as an integral part of Vivec's divine aspect."

As part of the fraternity that you share with my fore-self Mephala, would you or would you not say that
my replacement of Hir (in Veloth, at least) was hardly noticed by the common people?

Moreso, wouldn't you say that I did not replace Mephala so much as become Hir living celebrant?
22

Sheogorath:
Absolutely, I would say that, but only because I don’t know what that means. Could you clarify your
position, so I can confuse you?

Vehk:
Very good. I would rest my case on the matter of worship diverted. What says the Council?

God of Worms:
Ah, yes, a mortal's witch-hunt. It has been quite some time since petty souls have lured my curiosity into
such a petty (or is it?!) event. A riddled tongue versus the weak? Please do consider me a worthy
accountant of this affair.

By all means, please do continue on with your bandwagon folly. Mind not the shadowy figure amidst your
presence.

Girai Harkaanius:
What cause does the God of Worms have to attend this merry assemblage? We will not have any more
trouble caused here then already done.

God of Worms:
I assure you, my attendance is hardly a summoning. A Dark Raven fed unto me the tidings of a grand
accusation in The East. Upon hearing detail of this most exciting event, I decided that my absence would
be quite a personal regret. I would just as soon witness the lame spawn of dragons mate than miss this.

Now please, continue. I sense much disorder in this trial of ego versus jealousy.

Vehk:
As you go up, so do I come down. I welcome thee, Mannimarco, to this jury of dreams. I foresee you may
have the last word here, after Azura comes with her moon-slain reprieve.

Nigedo:
Vehk, you may recognise Mannimarco, but most here do not. We are not so familiar with these notables as
you and so it would be easy for us to slide into confusion with regard to their identities.

As appointed Tribune, I therefore call for one who can identify such notable observers and witnesses as
may be unknown amongst us, to announce the legitimate presence of such individuals, that they are
indeed who they claim to be.

Divayth Fyr the Psijic:
I will, only for the sake of the proceeding, recognise these beings as such, Mannimarco, and the One,
Sheogorath. They are, unmistakingly, who they say they are.

I do sense a strange representation with their presence at this assembly. It is not likely that the King of
Worms would dwell among mortals without some sort of trickery in his shadow.

My OLD friend, Vehk, of the late ALMSIVI, what scheme have you devised to draw forth such a stagnant
crowd? You can not hide your intentions behind that wicked smile you wear forever.

Nigedo:
23
Thank you for your assistance Lord Fyr.

Now, I have a further question for Madness-

Vehk:
Master, I sense that the Mad One has left for the moment. It may have had something to do with the
presence of Lord Fyr, who is one of the few adepts I know that can send the jackanape-god into tears.

Nigedo:
Thank you, Vehk.

If Sheogorath does not return, then my question will keep for Azura.

Nigedo:
Allerleirauh,

Have you agreed to the skilled summoner that was privately proposed earlier for the summoning of
Azura?

I know that Antabolis is in support.

Allerleirauh:
Yes, Nigedo.

Ainoryl informs me he is familiar with the summoning procedure. So be it.

Ainoryl:
This is correct, I am familiar with the invocation of the Mother Soul.

In this act I will require four gifts, worthy of Azura:

● The artifact Azura’s Star. It rests in Vvardenfell.
● The antlers of the beast King Dead Wolf-Deer. The beast was last seen in High Rock.
● A single ringlet from the Wraithmail of Alandro-Sul, son of Azura. It may be found in Vvardenfell.
● The last gift to the Goddess of Dusk and Dawn may be found here. A shadow stripped, willingly
and permanently, from one who watches this trial.

Please pardon my interruption of the proceedings. You have twenty days.

Vehk:
Ainoryl, is it? A fine choice, if a bit babe-before-wolves. And I see this is his first True summoning, as he's
taking the wisest of precautions. Smart boy. Let it be known, then, that he is blessed, and that no man or
mer may hinder him on pain of Mark.

Louis D’Onus:
Master Ainoryl, a heavy thanks on behalf of this Council for your services as an impartial priest. I am sure
you may be trusted with the burden of discretion that these proceedings necessitate. Now, the matter of
obtaining the necessary summoning materials within twenty days.

Some more illuminated companions of mine recently let slip that the Nerevarine had hold of Azura’s Star
24
while in their company, and was heading toward the Nordic island of Solstheim with it in possession,
shortly before all that business with the moons turning red those months back. Whether it was left
somewhere on Vvardenfell for safe-keeping or was left on Solstheim since our dear Nerevarine went
incognito is a mystery. I would recommend someone from the Council be dispatched to the island of
Solstheim to speak w/ the Nordic peoples there. The former leaders of various factions here on
Vvardenfell should also likely be consulted. Hm. Archmage Trebonius and Lord Venim of Redoran were
recently deceased, weren’t they? Is Percius Mercius still about? Hasphat Antabolis might have heard of
something. I shall ask him…

As for the stripping of a shadow, I have given it a great deal of thought, and am willing to volunteer mine
for the process. This is no small sacrifice for an outlander, I know – and the potential consequences of
being faced with all manner of wraiths or some bloody evil incarnation of my own shadow at some future
time as a result are palpable, believe me – but the unknown waits to be pierced for only so long – and it is
not often that one is called upon to give a gift to a god on behalf of the guilt or innocence of another. I ask
only that I be allowed my final days with my shadow in peace until the 20th of First Seed, so I might make
the necessary… spiritual preparations.

If one more worthy or more zealous than myself should step forward, then by all means I shall accede. But
I am an observer and an active participant in this Trial and have made my decision known.

In the meantime, the questions to be posed to both Azura and Lord Vehk’s unusual defense should be
further explored and refined, I think.

Ainoryl:
I give thanks to you, Louis D'Onus, for the information you bring to light. Any who would aid in the
recovery of Azura's star, might make best of their time in the direction of Solstheim, tracing the footsteps
of the Nerevarine.

Let it also be noted that Louis D'Onus has offered his shadow willingly in the invocation of Azura. Brave,
and noble I say. Fear not for your peace, it will remain unbroken until the twentieth.

25
Act II

[The Tribunal decides that the number of people has escalated substantially, causing the hall to become
overcrowded. In preparation for Azura’s summoning at Hogithum, they move the proceedings to Hogithum
Hall.]

Tegger:
While the trial is in recess, please use this hall to make preparations for the summoning of Azura on
Hogithum, 21st First Seed. We will also use this hall to gather materials needed for the summoning by our
priest, Ainoryl.

Vehk:
A splendid hall, Maiden Teggers. This will please her Ladyship, as house and House, where it shall be
known for eternity as that place where Vehk's final doom came to him at last. GHARTOK PADHOME AI.
Now, sweet maiden, might you wish to recline with me and learn the belly-magics of the Star-wounded
East? If you become lonely, I know of a new Tribunal I can command to join us, bringing grapes.

Tegger:
As flattered as I truly am by the attentions of one so... experienced as yourself, I fear that my body would
adapt to these belly-magics much better than would be good for my mind. Tempting as your offer may be,
I currently have no desire to dwell in Sheogorath's shadow.

Vehk:
Ah well, entertaining myself, it seems. It is why I grew all these extra limbs...

Louis D’Onus:
Do not be too smug in your own condemnation, Vehk. Acquittal is not beyond the realm of possibility.

For expediency's sake (and to refresh incoming delegates, Council members, and non-corporeal beings) I
shall post the current standing of preparations for the summoning of Azura.

● Azura’s Star was last heard of in the possession of Vvardenfell’s Nerevarine, who likely traveled
with it to the Nordic island of Solstheim or secreted it away here on Vvardenfell for safe-keeping
before departing there. The Nerevarine’s whereabouts are unknown since the events of the
Bloodmoon Prophecies. A delegate should likely be chosen to travel to Solstheim to investigate,
preferably not of elven blood. I have sent word to Hasphat Antabolis asking for any information
he or the guild leaders of Vvardenfell might have on its whereabouts, if a search of Solstheim
proves fruitless.
● The Antlers of King Dead Wolf-Deer remain unaccounted for, though the beast is or was native to
High Rock. I was born in High Rock, but confess complete ignorance of the creature.
● A scholar, T.S. Basilisk, has volunteered to lead the research efforts into locating a ringlet from
the Wraithmail of Alandro-Sul. No other information is currently known.
● I have volunteered my own shadow for the purposes of the summoning.

Girai Harkaanius:
Well, it would appear things are coming along quite nicely. I have searched through ancient records and
can find no trace or mention of a "King Dead Wolf-Deer". I could go and question the locals about such a
creature, though I am very unfamiliar with the area. If no other option comes about, I will go, though I
hope it will not be necessary.

26

Stri’Ker:
I had planned to travel to High Rock to visit some of the Dwemer ruins nearby, so I will be honoured to
search for the antlers of the beast King Dead Wolf-Deer while I am there. Unless there are any objections.

Girai Harkaanius:
I myself have no objections, such expeditions are not my forte. I have little doubt that if the referenced
"creature" is Hircine, he will be surely hard to find (particularly considering recent rumors going around
the Nordic population). Nonetheless, I wish you well my good Khajiit.

God of Worms:
These proceedings are surely bones in the belly of the beast. It is not my place to speak, but I must declare
the prosecuting party, incompetent, by my standards of preparation. I am troubled by the accusations
brought upon your defendant while there is no worthwhile evidence at present.

I move that this, "court", present more than simple rumor and opinionated assumption for this lynching
to continue. The summoning of "The Great Mother" is hardly justification to extend this ludicrous
venture. Perhaps the "courts" would prefer to journey to the Times of Past and revive all their necessary
evidence?

Justice. A word the weak gave birth to so others may give them security, well being. and self pleasure. Be
done with this mockery of your "criminal system". Lord Vivec is not simply here for your pleasure... or is
he? I refrain from answering that.

Nigedo:
Thank you for your comments Mannimarco, they are noted.

It clearly appears to have escaped your attention that Vehk himself has demanded this trial be continued
and set both the prosecution and the order of the procedure. Take this up with him.

God of Worms:
Ah, alas, I need not ask the one standing trial. I understand all too clearly why he has allowed such
audience. In time, I foresee you WILL learn the truth. I dare say, that it is not Lord Vehk who stands on
trial. What punishment could you mere mortals hand down on Lord Vehk had you found him guilty of
crime? Ahahaha!

Nigedo:
Again, Mannimarco, I thank you for your attempt to edify this court. However, as esteemed Allerleirauh
has clearly explained,
we the Tribunal of this trial are appointed by Vehk under his direction to damn him as we may. If, in
trying Vehk, we may be guilty of a crime ourselves as you suppose, then it is only by Vehk's express
command.

Ergo, it is Vehk's crime and we shall add it to the list.

God of Worms:
I would expect no less from such a fine collective of Prosecutors.

Vehk:
Mannimarco, my gentle, please mind your maggot-tongue. I remind you that the last time you
27
antagonized a Tribunal, it resulted in more restless dead than even the sea would accept. Know that the
structure of this trial is unconventional to the eyes of the West and yet still older in tradition than both
our divinities, newly acquired or relinquished. I am glad thou art here, and though I suspect it bodes ill I
yet beg thee to stay, but finally in the manner of the lord-as-guest. Pray let not that illness spread the
more by the inequities of an unmannered mouth.

God of Worms:
As you wish Lord Vehk. I fare thee well. May the Tribunal judge you with kindness and understanding. My
services and council shall remain available should they come in need. I await the Tribunal's decision, in
due time.

Girai Harkaanius:
I knew our delightful “God of Worms” would intervene. I am leery enough bringing Daedra into this, but
this presence... I daresay he has more reasons to be here than mere amusement. We shall see I suppose.

Ainoryl:
At the request of Louis D'Onus, I give you the little information I have on the elusive beast mentioned...

King Dead Wolf-Deer is one of the surviving monster-mer of the Wild Hunt that slew Borgas of Skyrim.
He is thus one of the oldest creatures in Tamriel, and therefore no trifle. That he exists still to haunt High
Rock thousands of years later speaks to the danger of retrieving his antler-crown.

Girai Harkaanius:
Little less danger than removing the crown of Hircine. I do not envy you Stri'Ker.

[A letter is received from Stri’Ker and Mafufu]:

Dear fellow scholars,

Our travels have been going well, thanks to the teleporters found in the many Mages' Guilds throughout Tamriel.
We find ourselves in the Eastern Hammerfell town of Elinhir, waiting for our turn to visit the very busy teleport
assistant, who will send us to our next destination. Master B has kept me appraised of the current occurrences in
Vehk's Trial, making special note of the information passed on by Ainoryl about the King Dead Wolf-Deer. I'm
beginning to think that this endeavour wasn't such a good idea after all - either that, or we should have packed
some more healing potions!

So far, no-one has heard about the Wolf-Deer, or they are too scared to talk about it. Perhaps when we get closer
to High Rock, information will be easier to find. With any luck, we'll be able to get the antlers without killing the
beast, although how we'll do this, I do not know. If worse comes to worse, we can always try to rouse a few Nords
to help avenge the death of their beloved King Borgas.

If you do not hear from us again, it has been an honour to know each and everyone of you. As for now, into the
mouth of Oblivion we must go, and if all goes well, we will see you all again before the 21st of First Seed has
begun.

Until then,
Stri'Ker and Mafufu

[Another letter is received, this time from Harold Trontskii]:

28
To the temporary residents of Hogithum Hall,

I have been searching through the lore of the various members of the Urshilaku Ashlanders. They wander widely,
so it is hard to track down the appropriate members. I have, however, come upon a helpful soul, who believes he
may have some knowledge concerning the Wraithmail. I have hopes in this person, who goes by the name of
Solyn.

Harold Trontskii,
The T.S. Basilisk

[Girai Harkaanius returns a letter]:

Harold Trontskii,

I do hope you know what you are getting yourself into. There are some rather unpleasant Ashlanders still about
(I would consider the entire people unpleasant, but that's a rather biased view I'll admit), even after the
Nerevarine incident. I trust your judgement with the Solyn fellow, just be wary, the fact an Ashlander is helping
you raid one of their most beloved tombs should put you on your guard. I hope you return safely.

Anxiously,
Girai Harkaanius

[After some time passes, Hogithum Hall becomes worried about Stri’Ker and Mafufu]:

Dear Stri'ker,

I hope this letter finds you well. At the moment, things are relatively calm here at the Hall. I know it bothers you
when I do it, but lurking in the corner of the room with an Invisibility spell cast does have its uses. I know...I
know...but I usually reappear when I have something to say (If I didn't, could you imagine people's faces if a
voice came out of thin air). As promised, I do try to stop in each day so I can keep up with the proceedings. If
anything of interest comes up, I'll be sure and let you know.

Please do not hesitate in using the enchanted items that I gave to you. I know how you feel sometimes about
Magicka, but I assure you, some of my creations do have value. At the very least, I hope you are using the Amulet
of Detect Creature that I gave to you. Trust me! It's nothing like the Orb of Uryes.

Good luck in your quest,

~B

[Soon after, a letter is received]:

Fellow Scholars,

I have hastily written this letter in hopes that it reaches you soon, for it bears both good and terrible news. But let
me start from the beginning.

A sudden knock on my door in the middle of the night awoke me from my slumber. Seeing that it was Stri'Ker, I
let him in and discovered that he had found the hiding place of the King Dead Wolf-Deer and asked for my
assistance in retrieving the antlers. I readily agreed, even though it would be dangerous and without much
29
hesitation, we were on our way.

A little while later, we were in a wooded area at the base of the Wrothgarian Mountains. The trampled area was
an ominous sign of what lurked nearby. And that was when we saw it. I cannot describe it to you, nor can I forget
what it looked like, but we both knew that it was the King Dead Wolf-Deer! Our plan was simple: we would
attack it from both sides and hopefully bring it down by surprise. Alas, just before we were in position, the
Wolf-Deer spotted me lurking in the bushes and turned. (I'm afraid I'm quite not as stealthy as my Khajiiti
friend)

What happened next was almost a blur. The large antlers on its head pointed in my direction and the large beast
charged. Before I knew what was happening, the creature was almost upon me. And that was when Stri'Ker, who
I had then forgotten about, lept across and sent me sprawling out of the way. Alas, he wasn't quite so lucky, and
the Wolf-Deer's antlers crashed into the Khajiit's body and then into a tree! Then, with his life ebbing away,
Stri'Ker stabbed the creature's head with his Ebony dagger. This caused the animal to writhe in agony and I
seized the opportunity to hack the creature with my sword. The already wounded creature was unable to defend
against my onslaught and was eventually killed by my hand.

I went over to Stri'Ker's limp and broken form on the ground and his last words still echo in my mind: "Take the...
antlers back. Do not... let my death... be in vain..." and he was no more.

I tried every restoration spell I knew, but he was too badly wounded for my meager skills to prevent his death.

So I bring with me the antlers and these sad tidings,

Mafafu

Nigedo:
These are deeply sorrowful tidings indeed. What a price has been paid for these horns; so great a price
that all we who knew fair Stri'Ker shall feel their bitter bite evermore.

We shall miss you, friend Stri'Ker.

Allerleirauh:
Vivec. Because of you, one who was a gifted scholar and a noble friend is dead. Add this to this list of your
crimes.

We cannot decently continue this trial until we have given the dead the proper ceremonies. Until the body
of our fallen friend is returned to us, these proceedings are suspended.

Hail, Stri'Ker! Let all who gather here speak his praises.

Louis D’Onus:
My heart is heavy with the burden of knowledge that it was I who prompted brave Stri’Ker to head off in
search of the Beast, in my zeal for the collection of these items – the weight of blame is not with Vehk; but
our brave Khajiiti brother was aware of the grave danger of his task, and of the idea that he may not
return. Let us hold a feast in his honor, and call to memory the many great services as a scholar of the
Elder Scrolls that he brought unto us. And let us honor his memory in seeing that justice is done here for
the greater good of all the people of Morrowind.

I leave you now so that I may atone in my own way.
30

Fortune speed you back to Morrowind, Mafafu.

Hail, Stri’Ker!

Ainoryl:
The air in this hall seems to have grown heavy with the weight of this loss. Perhaps the gravity of this trial
is being wholly realised now, for the first time since its commencement. I cannot properly express the
grief I feel in Stri'Kers' passing, or the guilt I acknowledge. But grief and guilt may fill this hall, and not
without cause. Perhaps now, with the loss of our brave and honorable friend, we reevaluate the
consequences of an event such as this. What costs can there be, in a trial of the gods?

The respect and awe I have for Stri'Ker and Mafafu, individuals willing to give their life in the pursuit of
knowledge and (perhaps) justice, is vast. But I must warn you all of the days to come. Know what it is that
you meddle in, this gods' game. The blood on our hands, is not the last this hall will see. Are all of you
willing to pay the price for truth?

May our friend Stri'Ker be forever remembered as a soul with such dedication and bravery, that he would
give himself utterly for that which he held most dear. Can there possibly be a greater display of honor?

Vehk:
I...cannot express my grief. Nor can I sing great praise until those...those wicked grey wings have flown
more south. Blessed are you, brave khajiit, blessed even as now damned. For cruel mercy is right, I *did*
damn you. I cannot express...I now fold myself into the nil, to know a bit of where you are, and if I were to
give myself new eyes, for I could give myself new eyes, I would still be blind with tears. Grief is my
stillborn sibling. I cannot abide it. I will return with great song.

God of Worms:
Ah yes, add another crime to Lord Vehk's countless wrong doings. Why, was it not Lord Vehk who sent
this warrior cat out to do the Tribunal's bidding after all? I do hope this Tribunal finds apt time after
judgement to be tried for their own guiltless mistakes. Perhaps then the Tribunal can accept the guilt in
sending a beast off to his death, committed to a task they had dealt him with. It is far too easy to blame
another when you have not ownership of your own guilty conscience.

And perhaps in death, this Sti'Ker will realise what a stubborn tool he was to accept this Tribunal's quest.
I shall let him know that this Tribunal can not admit their guilt to his death, but instead, would pass it on
to Lord Vehk. For then, the true aura of this Tribunal, his "friends", shall be known to him, for him to
ponder for his eternity in death.

I shall give leave now, and allow this Tribunal to continue to manufacture more crimes for Lord Vehk. I
shall carry with me your message of Sorrow and Love for your thick coated pet and companion.

Allerleirauh:
Mannimarco, your vile stench contaminates our hall, and your vile mouth our names. Slander me if you
will, but do not slander my friends.

B:
God of Worms, the stench of the oegnithr you carry upon your clothing sickens me. Have you no remorse?
I certainly am no match for the likes of you, but I am in no mood to hear your speeches. Leave us mortals
with our grief.
31

My brothers and sisters, this truly is a horrific day indeed. I have no one to blame but myself for Stri'Ker
untimely death. Perhaps if I would have gone with them, it could have been prevented. I could have
Paralyzed the beast before it had a chance to run Stri'Ker through. Or maybe my Restoration skills
combined with those of Mafafu could have mended his grievous wounds.

But no! I sat here with my face buried in books, searching for evidence of Vehk's claims. My search has
proven fruitless at best, which makes my decision not to accompany them that much worse. If blame is to
be divvied out, then I deserve the lion's share.

Beloved Stri'Ker, you shall be missed. But alas, death is not the end. Your body was merely a shell; a shell
that you inhabited for a brief but glorious moment. I am comforted in knowing that you will live on in the
afterworld.

Vehk:
My sweet and leak'd sugar, I leave you to your Second Secret. Let the moons' two shadow's mora add one
more note to their cadence.

Child of Azurah, mouser, to die in her name AE agnomen AI this day this dirge

DUSK AND DUSK

Allerleirauh:
Vehk has spoken... let this day be dedicated, as Xanathar suggested, to Stri'Ker only.

Nigedo:
Dusk And Dusk it shall be known hereafter.

[A letter is received]:

To the residents of Hogithum Hall,

I have not received many of your correspondence recently, but I have read enough. May Stri'ker find that which
follows his time upon this Plane pleasant. I do not know the customs of the Khajiti, save that they are buried in
cairns, but I said a small prayer to the Divines for him.

My adventures recently led me to the Urshilaku burial caverns. An elder mer of the Urshilaku related an old story
concerning the ancestor of Sul-Matuul, who may have been Alandro Sul. It seems that the ancestor departed
from the Urshilaku at some time to parts unknown, but left his armor, warspear, and shield to the mer who was
believed to be his son.

The lad was a great warrior for his time, but eventually died during a pointless squabble with a mabrigash. He
was entombed deep in the burial caverns, with the his father's spear, shield, and armor. At some time, he had
apparently had a daughter, who continued the line.

After several hours of searching, I discovered a portion of ruins where Sul-Senipul, father of Sul-Matuul, had
been buried. Casting a spell of Detect Enchantment, I realized a powerful object laid buried nearby. With the help
of Solyn, who had assisted in the search, we found the tomb of the ancestor, hidden beneath a stone floor. The
body was naught but ash and bones, but the armor remained intact. The armor appears to be of some form of
32
Dwemer construction. Perhaps it was indeed related to Wraithguard. Perhaps it was the experimental stage
before Kagrenac developed the gauntlet.

It took some time, but I managed to remove a single ring of the armor. They are not true rings, but are rather
S-shaped. The shield and spear, both untouched by time, I left alone, and I did my best to disturb the body as
little as possible. I am now making preparations to return. I only hope that Sul-Matuul will not realize I have
desecrated the tomb of his ancestor, though he himself had the Nerevarine steal Sul-Senipul's bow.

Harold Trontskii

[Another letter soon follows]:

Greetings to the Hall,

It is my hope that this letter will arrive on the heels of Master Trontskii's. It would seem that woe and misfortune
do not part company when visiting the servants of this Tribunal. I would suggest that Mafafu seek out Cherim of
Elsweyr (if he is still making his tapestries) and tell him of noble Stri'Ker. It is also my understanding that we
shall be joined by his student. I extend a hearty welcome to him.

To Ainoryl,

Ahh, it appears that my haste conspired with my laxity of mind to betray me. I did not intend to claim the
Dunmer did not or seldom used chain or that it bonemold was the sole answer. I'd elaborate further but, it
appears that this disscusion is obsolete due to this new and exciting Dwemer discovery.

Solyn Kaerethi

Harold Trontskii:
We have arrived as quickly as possible. A spell of Mark before I departed and a casting of Recall from the
caverns enabled simple transport. I surrender now the artifact to your investigation.

Allerleirauh:
Thank you, Master Trontskii.

Ainoryl will examine the ringlet to verify that it is, in fact, a ringlet from the Wraithmail.

Louis D’Onus:
Your efforts are truly wondrous. And though the cost was high, at this rate we shall have possession of all
the necessary items for summoning well in advance of the trial’s recommencement. Well done.

We now have 3 of the 4 necessary items for summoning accounted for. The 4th remains beyond our grasp
for now, but I’ll die before I see it lost to the winds. We’ve come too far to miss this chance at revelation.

Unless I am called to Solstheim, I will away for two days time – when I return on 7th of First Seed I shall
have a surprise for all gathered. Be strong, my friends in the Council – The Trial of Vehk is of great
spiritual significance to the whole of Tamriel, and I believe that the future of Nirn itself will be affected by
the quality of our actions here.

Daedra speed you all.

33
[D’Onus strides out of the hall.]

B:
This grief-stricken day of Dusk and Dusk has come and gone, and it is now time for us to forge anew.
Unfortunately, I must bid all of you farewell for a few days. I am overcome with great sadness at the loss
of one whom I have known for years. We first met back in the days of the Modern Adventurer, and I have
many fond memories that I hope will sustain me for years to come. In solitude, I must reflect upon the
decisions that I have made over the course of the last week. I shall return when I have spoken with my
ancestors.

Until then, Nigedo and Allerleirauh, I bless you with Luck and Intelligence.

[B casts spells of Fortify Luck and Fortify Intelligence and disappears.]

Nigedo:
Go well, good B, and return when you feel ready.

B:
After much time and meditation, I have returned. The Ancestors have spoken. I have made the difficult
decision to continue with these proceedings. I had considered abandoning my research altogether, but I
realized that such a choice would not have been what Stri'Ker would have wanted me to do. So, in memory
of my lost Khajiit brother, I will forge ahead.

I want to congratulate those of you who have successfully procured the gifts for Azura. Your bravery and
determination are assets to us all. The Time of Summoning is almost upon us.

Before I turn the floor back over, I have a request. Could someone repeat the list of questions we have
decided to ask Azura?

Nigedo:
Welcome back to this company B. I am pleased that you have decided to continue this journey with us.

For the first, here is a list of proposed questions for Azura:

The questions that have been proposed so far:

“Was Nerevar indeed slain by the Tribunal, and if so, how was Vehk involved?” was proposed by The T.S.
Basilisk.

“Is the Vehk we see before us - stripped of his stolen Godhood - the same being that existed before he used the
Heart?” was proposed by the fallen Stri'Ker.

“In your esteem, have the Tribunal paid for their crimes or the crimes of their mortal forebears? If not, with the
Chimer of Resdayn transformed into the Dunmer of Morrowind, Sotha Sil slain at the hands of Almalexia, and
Almalexia slain at the hands of the now-missing Nerevarine, what manner of penance could remain for Vehk
with his divinity now shorn?” and “Why have you taken such offence to Vehk's actions if he as a god has done so
much to benefit the people you "love"?” were both proposed by Girai Harkaanius.

“Should I be found guilty of past transgressions in a world that no longer lives, how might I find my
34
absolution?” was proposed by Vehk.

Allerleirauh:
Mine was similar to Nigedo's:

“Did the three Daedra Princes known as the Anticipations, Azura, Boethiah, and Mephala, in fact bless the
ascension of the Tribunal to godhood? Are the words of the Tribunal Temple regarding the Anticipations
blasphemy, or worship?”

It seems to me that we should refrain from asking questions which insult Azura. She will be summoned,
but still powerful, and not our slave. The matter at hand is the guilt of Vivec: his crimes against Nerevar,
and against Azura, and against his own spirit, and against the order of the world. And against the people
of Morrowind, insofar as Azura may be presumed to have a vested interest in them.

I have a second question.

“Vivec has admitted that he broke his oath to Nerevar not to use the Tools of Kagrenac, an oath sworn on the
name of Azura. What is the penalty for such a broken oath?”

Nigedo:
As you say, Allerleirauh, the oath that the three advisers of Nerevar swore, they swore by Azura.

I do not see that we have grounds to recriminate Vehk further on that issue since their immediate offense
was to have profaned name of Azura upon whom they swore. It is surely for Azura to punish mortals that
profane her name.

However, I would have confirmation from Azura, if she is willing, why the sin of ALMSIVI was apparently
visited upon the children of Morrowind.

Vehk has said that in the instance of ALMSIVI's apotheosis at the Heart-Spring of godhood the history of
Mundus was changed from eternity to eternity. If this is so, then my reasoning is that the desire of
ALMSIVI to have always been the gods of the Chimer, born of the breaking of an oath and the betrayal of a
king, was poisoned at root and thus poisoned in fulfillment.

This could be regarded as a crime against the Chimer, that saw their end and immediate replacement by
the Dunmer. Not the breaking of the oath per se, but the divine ownership of a people through an
illegitimate means tainted by oathbreaking and betrayal.

Allerleirauh:
Hmm... was the sin of ALMSIVI truly visited upon the children of Morrowind? There are differing accounts
of this matter. Vivec's words:

“And then, in that moment, all Chimer were changed into Dunmer, and our skins turned ashen and our
eyes into fire. Of course, we only knew at that time that this had happened to us, but Azura said, "This is
not my act, but your act. You have chosen your fate, and the fate of your people, and all the Dunmer
shall share your fate, from now to the end of time. You think yourselves gods, but you are blind, and all
is darkness." And Azura left us alone, in darkness, and we were all afraid, but we put on brave faces, and
went forth from Red Mountain to build the new world of our dreams.”

We have established, I think, that Vehk lies when it suits him, but I regard this account as the more likely
35
of the two.

And though my own skin is fair, I can think of no reason to regard this dark skin as a curse. It is, at most, a
symbol of the other darkness, a darkness of spirit, which brings all good intentions to bad ends. Did the
Tribunal create that darkness, or were they a result of it? You are Dunmer, what say you?

Ainoryl:
I have consulted the skulls, the Master, and the array of false planets...

The verification of the ringlet shall be so:

Harold Trontskii must place the ringlet in his mouth. Almost immediately he shall feel heavy, yet
light-headed. And a Voice will speak through him, carrying a simple yet beautiful yet powerful message
from the greyness between times.

If the ringlet is true, Master Vehk shall hear his lover-liar Alandro Sul in this Voice, and this part of our
quest is done, and much glory will there be in the name of Harold Trontskii.

If the ringlet is false, the speaker will die.

Beware, Harold Trontskii, lest the Voice falter.

Nigedo:
Hold Harold Tronskii, do nothing until you have considered this warning!

We have already lost one true seeker to this quest and I would not have you face this danger lightly.

If the ringlet is false, you will surely die as Ainoryl has spoken.

You must recognise this risk and weigh for yourself the possibility of fatal consequence before you act as
Ainoryl directs.

Whichever course you take, you decide it, and do so with open eyes.

Vehk:
I await the phrase that will prove this ringlet true, or as a scale from a false and poisoned serpent.

Sheogorath:
Twirling, wHirling, fastER, fastEr,
neIther you nor i Shall lead,
for madNess is Our maSter.
no mUsiC nor Have we need
of any rhyTHm for thIs daNce,
Go ASk for A poison song
and catcH a beat to prance
from a heart knowIng right from wrong.
Dear chilD, wE Need no band
to play, but you only need to call,
and i’ll guide you by my firM hand,
dEep down the umbrAgeous hall.
36
The soNg’s all mIrthless laughter, aNd remember when we ask,
you Gorge off your own face at the end of the stately masque.

Vehk:
RANDOM SORROW THOUGHT PATTERN SALVO INCOMING

(Sheogorath, I knew better)

Sheogorath:
Wines and worms, how far from the border am I! Academic garnishments, and alas, Liodes Jurus! When I
say that it’s time to dance, unswollen meats, it’s time to dance!

Unmask! Unmask! Oh, stones of the Hall, unmask!

Tegger:
Mad Sheogorath, SILENCE!

I will not have even you, no, not even you pollute these walls with your nonsense. I know you to be
necessary to these proceedings, but if you cannot try at least a modicum of restraint for our mortal sakes,
we will have no choice but to abandon this cause.

This Hall is now closed for fumigation. Stand by for a new Hall to stand in its stead.

37
Act III
[Hogithum Hall is closed in order to fumigate the madness from it. The proceedings move to a new hall, named
“Hogithum Hall II”.]

[Vehk enters the new hall waving an eggskin handfan under his nose, quite nonplussed.]

Tegger:
Forgive me, my dear Vehk. This has been a very trying day for me in my duties. I hope the new
accommodations are satisfactory to everyone.

Sheogorath:
I like this new hall, it’s really nice and spacious.
I shan’t tear it down by means crepitatious,
Nor will I drool or stare or laugh or snot
Or rip out the throat of the fatted tot
You won’t even know if I’m here or not
I’ll even leave off all my semi-hidden code
(Such as: Sotha Sil, he died on a commode)

Tegger:
If you ever tire of Oblivion and driving people insane, you might find it amusing to travel with a Bard's
group for a while.

Sheogorath:
True, no bard could e’er sing clear,
Without my spittally whisper in his ear.
They all have something that the sane may lack:
Poet, dreamer, lover, and homicidal maniac.

[Eventually, Harold places the ringlet in his mouth. He stirs, and slowly his mouth opens.Slowly, his mouth
opens, and a whispery voice comes forth, without any movement of jaw or throat.]

Harold Trontskii:
I am Alandro Sul. Why have you disturbed the resting place of my child and conjured me forth in this
grotesque fashion?

Vehk:
Hn.

Well, the voice is unlovely, as is the phrase. So it is without a doubt that fool, Alandro.

Priest, take the ringlet and secure it. Azura will be pleased to have this small muktuk of her son back.

Harold Trontskii:
I am tired of this haggling. For three centuries after the battle I was the center of debate, for I opposed the
Tribunal, the new leaders. Eventually, I knew I could no longer live among them, and so left. It has been a
half and three millenia since the battle. Though I still miss my lord, I will no longer disrupt these
proceedings with my words. I have said what I can; let another who is better known step forth. I yearn for
rest. Let these rude conducts continue; what was done was done, and I will always remember that, Vehk,
38
no matter what decision these foolish young ones come to. I will stay here no longer.

[Th
e ringlet suddenly shoots from Harold's mouth, who promptly begins to swear in a slightly muffled tone:]

Dahn! Dat ting go' hod! Ah gesh Shul washn' 'ap-e.

B:
Glad to see that the ringlet was authentic. I hope you are okay, Harold.

Harold Trontskii:
I'm fine. My tongue got a little scorched, but a few drops of healing potion finished that off.

[Soon, Imperial Soldiers, many in number, enter the Hall.]

Tegger:
Imperial troops... here? What the...?

You there! Knight Brother! Why are these soldiers running amok in this Hall? HALT! AS BAILIFF OF THIS
COURT, I ORDER YOU TO--

[Emperor Uriel Septim VII enters the Hall, and those inside are shocked and bow.]

Uriel Septim VII:
I speak here only because it is my duty to speak for Tamriel and the Empire. I have already placed my faith
and sanction in the integrity and authority of the court. The court is a thing of the Law, The Empire is the
Law, and the Law is Holy.

I would only say... let no mortal man presume to judge this immortal Vivec. Such things as these eyes have
seen -- such things as MY eyes have seen -- these things are weighed in the hands of the Gods.

That Vivec has chosen to place himself in the hands of the Law pleases us, and does him honor. His
acknowledgement and acceptance of the Law brings him within our countenance. We neither smile, nor
frown, but say... let Justice and the Law be done.

[The Emperor then promptly leaves, followed by his Agents.]

Tegger:
All Citizens of Tamriel, I hope I need not explain why the Hall doors were temporarily barred earlier. I find
myself almost speechless now, for I never thought I would ever stand in the presence of the Emperor
himself. However, duty prevails, and again I must confirm the identity of a great dignitary, even though
he has now left the premises.

All Hail Uriel Septim VII! Long May He Rule!

Vehk:
I...cannot speak. Except perhaps to say that I love him.

I must take rest for a span, and think.

B:
39
I, too, am speechless.

Nigedo:
Well now, we shall have no further doubt of the position of the Empire with regard to this trial.

As the Emperor himself has declared, Vehk's willingness to submit himself to our efforts brings him only
honour. And we are all honoured to witness and participate in this event.

[Ainoryl enters the new hall, looking very tired.]

Ainoryl:
Please excuse my absence, but I now return. I have come to collect the second and the third items for the
summoning. I have watched the skies and consulted the skulls once more. The day draws near.

I commend you, Harold Trontskii, for your bravery. I am pleased that you walk with us still, and that you
have recovered the ringlet. I will now bear its burden.

I also see that we have recovered Azura’s Star. I am eager to study it, and identify its authenticity, as well
as whatever lay within. I will now bear its burden.

[The ringlet and Azura’s Star are passed to Ainoryl, who briefly examines them.]

Ainoryl:
I would like to say thank you, to all assembled. It was no small task to recover these items. I was extremely
impressed, and a bit surprised, at how quickly so many offered their aid and support.

Though I doubt the star is counterfeit, still, I must study it to be certain of its authenticity. I will return.

[He leaves the hall.]

B:
Nigedo, are there any other matters that need to be addressed?

Nigedo:
According to the proverb, "In a multitude of counsellors there is wisdom".

I feel that this gathering should debate at some length the questions that we propose to put to Azura. I am
concerned that they are but bare bones at present and that we may not yet understand our own purposes
for the invocation and precisely what it is we hope to learn.

Perhaps there are other, more pertinent questions we should ask.

B:
As it stands, I think we have eleven questions—some are more likely to be answered than others. I guess
we have to ask ourselves, "What do we hope to achieve by talking to Azura?" Once we reflect upon that
question, we will know if we have asked everything that needs to be asked.

I must ponder this...

[B uses magic and disappears.]
40

Girai Harkaanius:
A suggestion most wise. The questions are wise and well put but perhaps they can be shortened into a
format where they can be asked before the inevitable happens. The story of "Azura and the Box" is a good
example of how she reacts to overly questioning mortals.

Louis D’Onus:
As has been pointed out, with all the necessary items for the summoning in hand, our attentions must
turn to building cases for and against Vivec. Further enumeration of charges and arguments, and an
in-depth examination of questions for Azura (and Nerevar, if Vehk's words from early in the Trial are to
be believed). We will be allowed no more than twelve questions, eleven of which are currently listed, nine
or ten of which seem actually tenable, and three of which would be appropriately directed toward Nerevar
as well.

What is the essence of what we require from Azura? Communion with Nerevar, certainly. A god's-eye
view of events during and after the events at Red Mountain? I doubt it is divine decree of guilt or
innocence we are seeking, and interrogation for the satisfaction of simple scholarly curiosity on subjects
like the disappearance of the Dwemer are more likely to invoke her wrath than gain us any insight. So
what, ultimately, are we seeking from Azura? We must know before Hogithum.

What is the essence of what we require from the spirit of Nerevar? Whether he, as the recipient (I
hesitate to say victim) of murder at mortal Vehk's hands, believes we can hold the god Vivec accountable
for the mortal's crimes? His wisdom regarding the treatment of the Dunmer peoples since his death? Like
Azura, we must know precisely what we seek of Nerevar's spirit before Hogithum.

The entire purpose for this summoning and for Stri'Ker's brave sacrifice is that we might summon Azura
to speak with Nerevar and gain higher insight before judging Vivec in our mortal eyes. Without purity of
aim beforehand we may as well have judged him guilty from the outset and damned him then.

Nigedo:
As usual, you sum things up well.

Do not be afraid to ask questions. We can change the list later. I think, at this point, it is more important
to ask all that can be asked. We still have ten days to narrow our focus.

Allerleirauh:
It is my task, here, to strike hard; and it occurs to me that I am not striking with all my power. I have
another accusation for you, Vehk. How is it that you spoke so seldom with your sister and brother, Ayem
and Seht, allowing Ayem certainly and Seht perhaps to fall into madness at such a critical hour as that of
the loss of the Tribunal's godhood? Any mere mortal would have devoted more care to his family.

Vehk:
Is this a crime, Mercy? Or merely a stark variation that causes you a personal anguish, this difference in
the kinship of snowmen and their devils? To admit I am mortal does not admit that I am a man. I am still
hero, and weapon of the Dunmer, and what you might read as inertia is most certainly just the absence of
war.

In any case, I answer this only because you will it of me. I did not speak to either Ayem or Seht enough
before their death because…well, because, mortal or divine, that is the way it always is.

41
The Tribunal gloriously usurped the worship of our Anticipations, as was foretold in the words of Veloth.
That you would categorize this as a crime is confusing to me. Perhaps you wish to know true history so
that you will not go longer unlearned.

Providence. That is my plea regarding my replacement of the Black Hands Mephala.

I spoke of this in an earlier life, but earlier than myself were Ayem and Seht. They had supplanted in the
orbit of the Chimeri soul those Daedra that predated them, Boethiah and Azura respectively. None of us
did this out of criminal intent. Rather, as I have said, these beings were our Anticipations in the truest
sense, the fore-images of the gods that would come for Morrowind. We hold the original Triune in honor
as the bringers of knowledge and culture, and difference, and revere them as the harbingers of the glory
of ALMSIVI. And never did we question their divinities or remove them from our holy books.

But as I once spoke of the Rainmaker, the needs of the people change, and those that provide guidance to
them must also change. While it may seem strange to imply that our fore-images, being Daedra, were
adverse to change, they were, and they are. In this they are very alike to the Aedra in their fundaments.
While born of Padhome, they are of too much ego to give up their realms entirely, especially for altruism,
which is perhaps what they most hate.

And so from their basis did we spring, called to heaven by violence, our people throwing our mantles to us
across stars, and across time, and magic and dream, and here we remain.

Even those of us who are dead. Or are destined to die.

Girai Harkaanius:
How long must this dalliance play out before you two kiss?

Allerleirauh:
Well, Vehk. Kiss me, since it is demanded. Then I must return to damning you, as my oath requires.

Vehk:
Dear me, Mercy, but very well. My face is your chair.

[Allerleirauh blushes furiously before trying to compose herself.]

Allerleirauh:
Vehk, I have lived among Dunmer too long already not to understand what you say about your kin. But
this does not free you of the guilt of allowing a mad goddess to go against the people of Morrowind. If a
disaster is coming, and you know it, and yet do not tell those in its path, you are a traitor, are you not?

Your words regarding the Anticipations are uncommonly concise and easy to grasp. And so I suspect a
deeper trick. I must take thought, and answer them later.

I see, however, two further accusations resting in your words. Here is one:

“And never did we question their divinities or remove them from our holy books.

No, you did not remove the Anticipations from your holy books. But you did remove four other Daedra,
equally worshipped under the Prophet Veloth. Their worship was forbidden because they failed to bow to
you. What of them?
42

And this:

“While born of Padhome, they are of too much ego to give up their realms entirely, especially for
altruism, which is perhaps what they most hate.”

This has a very odd sound, from your lips... are you accusing yourself of altruism?

Louis D’Onus:
In light of your comments, Lord Vivec, I would ask Azura:

What do the other Daedra Princes of the Anticipations feel about the Tribunal's assumption of godhood?
Sheogorath has said that the people hardly noticed the difference of Vivec's supplanting of Mephala in
Dunmer worship, and that it was not a case of worship diverted, just re-focused - but how does Mephala
feel, I wonder? When last I checked, there were no recorded locations of shrines to Mephala anywhere on
Vvardenfell. Or Boethiah, for that matter, who until recently was nearly forgotten in worship, with not a
single place of worship to Hir on the whole of the island?

I wonder even what the Princes of the House of Troubles thought at those moments - what do the
Adversaries themselves have to say? It may sound blasphemous, but surely we already tread into territory
that until recently would have seen us relocated to the Ministry of Truth - and surely some insight might
be gained from such a line of questioning.

And in general:

Was the natural order of the universe violated by the Tribunal's Apotheosis or ultimately served? If the
former, what level of responsibility does the Vehk before us hold for that? Did Veloth truly foretell the
supplanting of worship from the Ancestor Daedra of the Anticipations by the Tribunal, or is it an aberrant
act, made from a hunger for power?

Was the destiny of an entire race thereby subverted, merely altered, or ultimately served? Did murder and
the use of the Heart of Lorkhan profane the face of an entire people? And if so, what accountability does
the Vehk before us hold for that?

And, perhaps most of all - Did the assumption of godhood put the fate of our world in peril? Have these
repeated Breaks in the fabric of Time placed the integrity of what we know as reality at stake? Should
Vehk be accountable, if so?

What says the Council on these subjects, Vivec included?

I do not know how many of these questions can truly be answered by Azura - I don't even know that I feel
qualified to form a personal opinion on these subjects, in all honesty. To be frank, until very recently my
areas of expertise were in magery and taboo subjects such as necromancy, lycanthropy, and the effects of
porphyric hemophilia and blight diseases.

Yet here we are, questions of the ages at our fingers, beckoning us to answer them and determine the fate
of a god and king. The irony of the Mundus is endless.

43
Nigedo:
Vehk, your narrative explanation appears to efface the means of its own construction, as all good realism
should. Let us look within for the hidden realities.

“The Tribunal gloriously usurped the worship of our Anticipations, as was foretold in the words of
Veloth.”

What words, dear Vehk? Would you please quote the prophet rather than merely allude to his affirmation.
And please provide a corroboratory source or I will deem this to be inadmissible as evidence.

Vehk:
I would refer you to any number of passages within our Heirographa, whose corroborators would be your
own ancestors.

But I will not be drawn into a trial better fit to take place in Holamayan. However

What a wondrous love it is
To bind two souls in faith

Nigedo:
“That you would categorize this as a crime is confusing to me. Perhaps you wish to know true history so
that you will not go longer unlearned.
.
Providence. That is my plea regarding my replacement of the Black Hands Mephala.
.
I spoke of this in an earlier life, but earlier than myself were Ayem and Seht. They had supplanted in the
orbit of the Chimeri soul those Daedra that predated them, Boethiah and Azura respectively.”

As you have stated, your [ALMSIVI's] transcendence made Time irrelevant from the perspective of your
newly attained divinity. Indeed, according to statements you have previously made in your own defense,
we should consider your divine state to have pre-existed any actions taken in the parallel and now lost
timeline of the mortal precursors of ALMSIVI.

Therefore, please explain clearly how you can describe the apotheoses of Ayem and Seht as having taken
place e arlier t han your own.

Vehk:
The account of Vivec's birth in this our new world is well known, and therefore this is answered. This son
of a netchiman's wife
would only say here, however, that proposing to this court that he had always been is not the same thing
as saying he had no beginning.

Nigedo:
Yet, I challenge within this the subtle implication that you were a younger and, by extension, a more
innocent party than your triune co-conspirators, whether as mortals or immortals.

Is this, in fact, something you hope to persuade the Court to accept? Or should we rather disregard that
implication as unintended?

44
Vehk:
And the Chancellor ran as milk…

I cannot be caught, my dear Nigedo. But, yes, if you are offering, if the dawn exists before its rise, then it
is guilty of light. I take their offenses as my own.

Nigedo:
“Rather, as I have said, these beings were our Anticipations in the truest sense, the fore-images of the
gods that would come for Morrowind.
.
We hold the original Triune in honor as the bringers of knowledge and culture, and difference, and
revere them as the harbingers of the glory of ALMSIVI. And never did we question their divinities or
remove them from our holy books.”

Perhaps not. But you did supplant them.

In a parallel Time they were the sole divine stewards of the Chimer. In the Time that healed itself to fit
your new god-images, they were reduced to mere 'anticipations' of the divine stewards of the Dunmer.

The Chimer themselves became a people accordingly tainted by the very crime that sundered the Time of
their own fore-images and reforged them as the unwitting inheritors of the Dunmeri curse.

What do you say to this?

Vehk:
I say nothing to this as it stands, for I do not agree with the question. A non-event at an unravelled place
qualifies as a conundrum, but not a crime.

Nigedo:
Vehk, this was not a non-event. You cannot decide, since the event took place across two parallels of
Mundus, one of which no-longer exists, that it can be dismissed as never having happened.

In steps then...

Following treason and the breaking of a sacred oath, you stole a bridge to godhood.

The Chimer people were transformed into the Dunmer as a result of the actions of you and your
confederates as mortals.

By owning the Dunmer people into existence, to replace the Chimer who were bound to the gods you
supplanted, you brought upon these innocents the curse of your mortal actions.

Is t his a fair assessment or no?

Vehk:
I defer to the summoning of Azura and the one, true Nerevar to the allegations of treason and
oath-breaking.

But I gladly—no, delightfully—admit to stealing my bridge to godhood! Let the court record I would do it
again and again. Moreover, I’ve left instructions for others to do the same, and look more pretty than I did
45
doing it!

I will assume you mean the Chimer’s physical change here, not the stronger but more subtle fundamental
change. The second I will gladly—no, delightfully—take credit for. For the former, no, I cannot say they
were transformed as a result of the actions ALMSIVI took while mortal.

For one, I must again ask this court not to apply more conventional opinions to these matters, to whit: the
first Chimer to admit he was innocent from the start never made the journey to Veloth at all.

For seconds, what is this predilection for making this alleged ‘curse’ synonymous with our physical
change? How are we worse from before? In fact, I like the particular look so much I wear it myself half the
time.

Nigedo:
“But as I once spoke of the Rainmaker, the needs of the people change, and those that provide guidance
to them must also change.”

Tell us then what new needs of the Chimer sanctioned their transformation into the Dunmer, the
replacement of the most key figures of their pantheon and the desolation of their homeland into an ashen
wasteland.

Vehk:
To answer in reverse: The land of Veloth was as ash before the Temple. The key figures in the pantheon
had outgrown their usefulness. The needs that necessitated the change from Chimer to Dunmer were new
measures of defense against the infidel, cultural reforms in house, vault, and social services, and the
spiritual advancement of the people and their priests.

Nigedo:
Nonsense. Red Mountain did not erupt in this timeline until the Heart of Lorkhan was disturbed through
your meddling in 1E668.

Vehk:
I agree with this, and applaud your scholarship. Eruption or no, Veloth was still full of ash prior to the
Temple. I would quote myself, but fear for appearances.

Nigedo:
“While it may seem strange to imply that our fore-images, being Daedra, were adverse to change, they
were, and they are. In this they are very alike to the Aedra in their fundaments. While born of Padhome,
they are of too much ego to give up their realms entirely, especially for altruism, which is perhaps what
they most hate.”

This is mere conjecture on your part. I see no evidence to support your opinion of the Daedra.

Vehk:
Having had Daedra as friends, mentors, lovers, husbands, wives, servants, confidants, children, hosts,
guests, collaborators, and, for a time, countrymer, I move this to... informed conjecture.

Nigedo:
“And so from their basis did we spring, called to heaven by violence, our people throwing our mantles to
us across stars, and across time, and magic and dream, and here we remain.”
46

But you are effacing the truth! Vehk, you have already stated that the root mechanism for your apotheosis
was the desire and actions of the mortal Vehk in direct relation to the Heart of Lorkhan. Without the
misuse of the Heart of the Missing God, you would not have existed as Vivec of ALMSIVI. The subsequent
timelessness of the spiritual needs of a people who also would not have existed in their present state but
for your mortal act, are entirely irrelevant.

If you believe this to be incorrect then, please, convince us otherwise.

Vehk:
I ask the court, without facetious intent, to rephrase this as a question I can understand, and beg their
indulgence to the unprofound.

Nigedo:
Very well then. You have stated:

"And so from their basis did we spring, called to heaven by violence, our people throwing our mantles to
us across stars, and across time, and magic and dream, and here we remain."

Here, you suggest that your godly mantle, and by this I understand you to mean your people's spiritual
mandate, was gifted to you across the displacement between the worlds that existed 'before' and 'after'
your ascent to godhood.

But this is a nonsense. Indeed, there was a cause and effect in the creation of your relationship with the
Dunmer and it was not instigated by the Dunmer people. It was instigated by your mortal actions.

The people were changed to fit your need as a god not the other way around as you would apparently have
this Court believe. Had you not tampered with the Heart of Lorkhan, do you suppose that the Chimer
would have transformed themselves?

Vehk:
I answer this in this way: Without the Heart, the glory of the Dunmer would have never grown as radiant.

I question this in this way: Is there a point, Master?

Nigedo:
Yes, and you appear to have side-stepped it.

Thank you Vehk, I must rest now and resharpen my teeth.

47
Act IV

[The proceedings have moved back to the original Hogithum Hall. It is the 14th of First Seed, one week until
Hogithum. Concern grows over the amount of time it has taken Ainoryl in verifying Azura’s Star, and some have
become suspicious of him.]

Allerleirauh:
His Lordship, Vehk, sends word to remind everyone that Ainoryl has his blessing, and that he is tired of
those questioning his chosen. Let none hinder Ainoryl on pain of mark.

God of Worms:
I understand there is a strange and disturbing aura emitting from Azura's Star?

I would take precaution were I the handler of this device. I know of this soul, and of the soul it is linked to.
A sensual and alluring angel of mortal blood, but not to be taken lightly. A Siren she can, and will be. Her
song will bring this gathering only more trouble, for her prison is the only barrier between she and
another Shadow is mischief and disaster. To welcome her voice is to welcome the Love that she is
forbidden to have.

Do what you will with the Star, but stay to your task and do not stray. Straying will only draw the Shadow
of Oblivion ever more present.

B:
I find it most peculiar that I am thanking the God of Worms for help, but nevertheless, I thank you for
your warning.

Normally, I would accuse the God of Worms of trying to lead us astray, but I fear his words must be
heeded.

Ainoryl:
I would request that, in the future, should anyone take issue with my doings to bring the matter to me
personally.

Now, why I have come. I am fairly certain that I have identified the soul within Azura's Star. I am
absolutely certain that the soul is of what was once a mortal female. The soul itself is not overly powerful,
but there is at least a latent connection established with something of significance. For some reason,
Arkay's Blessing did not apply. I do not know how this happened. I must work at the gem a little more, I
appreciate all of your patience.

It is now my most humble request, that I might have a word with Lord Fyr, and acquire his opinion on
these matters. Perhaps you may shed some light on this mystery.. will you speak with me?

[Following concerns on the safety of the summoning of Azura, and requests for security during the event, this
letter is received:]

From the Office of the Bailiff

Let it be Declared and Known that:
48

1. This Office is not in a position to make judgements as to the correctness, feasibility, effectiveness, or
consequences of any part of these proceedings. This Office also will not offer any judgements on the guilt or
innocence of the Accused (that is solely for the Tribunal to decide after all evidence, both for and against the
Accused, has been weighed).

2. The extent of this Office's responsibility is for the Safety and Conduct of those assembled here, to maintain
Order in the Court, and when acting as Heralds, to confirm the identities of certain persons. This Office may also
occasionally act as a messenger between certain parties at its sole discretion.

3. This Hall is hereby officially deemed to be Physically Safe for all Persons, to the extent of all reasonable
assumptions as to what the future may hold in store, and provided that each individual takes a reasonable
measure of responsibility for their own welfare.

4. While we cannot accurately predict the future, this Office places its Trust and Confidence in our Priest and his
designated Assistants to provide Protections of Magickal and Mysterious origin during and after the upcoming
Summoning.

5. Knowing that Physical Arms might be of little help in the case of an unforeseen disaster resulting from
consorting with Daedra Princes or other Spirits, extra armed guards shall nonetheless be put into place. These
may not help us against the Might of Gods if such an event should arise, but they may be needed to protect us
against ourselves in the event of a Panic among those here assembled.

6. Any volunteers for the Special Reserve of guards shall contact Tegger of the Office of the Bailiff privately, and
in a timely fashion, to be added to the list. Do not volunteer in the Hall itself, as your enlistment might be all too
easily overlooked.

So says the Office of the Bailiff. So be it.

Peace be unto All here assembled.

B:
My, my, my...things seem to be getting interesting once again. I guess there’s never a dull moment.

I certainly don’t blame people for being a little uncomfortable with this process--I know I am at
times--but I guess we should all trust those people who have been put in place. I know very little about
the priest Ainoryl, but I’m sure he will ask for assistance when, and if, it is needed.

I do not mean for these next words to be harsh or biting, but those of you who feel unsafe should perhaps
seek shelter elsewhere. No, I am not telling you that you are unwelcome here. I am merely saying that if
you need to leave, we will understand. No one will fault you for wanting to be “safe.”

Ainoryl, I have not spoken to Master Fyr in some time, but I, too, will try and contact him through my
channels. Hopefully, one of us will be able to get him to respond to your request for help. I do think he
would be of great value on your research into the Star and the soul it contains.

My good Ainoryl, it is good to speak with you once again. I must admit, I wish the circumstances were
different, but nevertheless, it is just.

49
If you wish to gain consultation with me regarding this shroud upon Azura's Star, I would have you know
that I know very little. The Star has never been in my possession to study. Only text and rumor relay it's
origins and meanings to me. Now that I am near however, I do sense a malicious trickery entombed.
Mannimarco appears to lay on a thick warning concerning the contents. Is it that even He fears what is
slumbering within? It is true that the esteemed God of Worms has no love for Love, and I sense a great
emmination of Love trapped within. Or is it Lust? To be sure, I urge you to stay steadfast on your task to
use the Star for the summoning ONLY. Do not stray or you may reveal what this hidden mystery is, and if
Mannimarco lays forth a warning, I do hope myself, that we do not disturb this Niche of Unknown.

Ainoryl:
As always, Lord Fyr, your insight and oppinion is most appreciated. I am also happy to speak with you
again, and look forward to a time when we might talk more at ease.

Your warning, and Mannimarco's, is indeed, most dire. I must take consideration on this matter, for it is a
complicated decision. It is my unfortunate task to uncover what slumbers within the star, for if this soul is
unpleasing in presentation to Azura, the summoning may have been in vain. However, I do not wish to
unleash something malicious and powerfull, and so I assure you and all gathered here that the utmost
care will be taken in my research. Thank you again Lord Fyr, for your input.

B:
Ah, Master Fyr, how wonderful to see you again! I know that you are extremely busy, so any chance we get
to hear from you is a welcome one.

I must confess. I would have been interested in seeing you and Loremaster Celarus in the same place at
once, but that is neither here nor there.

Back to the matter at hand. From your limited research, is there any way you know of that we can "see"
what is contained within the Star without having to open it? I am certainly open to any suggestions, as
I’m sure Ainoryl is, too. If you can offer us any additional advice, I would greatly appreciate it. If not, I
thank you for the help that you have already given.

Take care of yourself, and I hope to visit with you soon.

Is there a way? Why yes, of course, but even a glimpse into the Star can be dangerous. The very person
that peers beyond the Here to There could be at risk of being drawn in themselves, IF this Other entity
were to commit. A sort of, trading places mind you. It is quite simple to gaze into this item, but not
knowing the power on the Other side is the real pickle. Even though I sense Sadness and Love from within,
those are not emotions to be taken lightly. Do not let your pity get the best of your senses. I also sense
Mischief and Trickery. I urge you, there is no need to bother this soul. Commit to your summoning with
the item and no harm shall be done. Tamper deeper into it more than you must, and there is no telling
what forgotten soul you may awaken.

I can tell you this....

There is One here who knows of the soul within. I believe the reason He is not coming forth with the
information is for your protection. To know what is inside, is to lust for more. Tamper not and question
not! Remember your task and remain to it, and no harm will come!

B:
50
Thank you, Divayth Fyr.

First, we receive a warning from the God of Worms and now, one from Master Fyr. Normally, two
warnings against something would be enough to entice me into doing it, but I'm not so sure about this
one, though.

God of Worms:
Ah, Master Divayth, always ever the watchdog. Do not speak of that which you do not have knowledge of. I
lay down a thick warning? Oh no, by all means, I urge this Tribunal to put their curiosity to rest and
release the soul within the Star. For it is not I who has to tend to whatever is awakened. Ever curious
mortals have a weakness for tampering with the unknown. I say, let the pieces fall where they may.

If you are referring to me when you speak of One who knows what is entombed, I will admit that I do. Nor
do I care. It was not I who created this prison for that mortal wench. Nor is it I who cares who she is or
whether she deserved such a "hospitable" tomb. Sad? Indeed she is. For, you too would be sad knowing
your soul is bound to such an instrument. Love? That is another story all in itself. Her Love is her
business, and is not created for our amusement. She is of no concern to this Tribunal, or any other outside
of this assembly. If need be, as your weakness of "curiosity" dictates, ask the One, Azura, to deliver you an
answer to this soul within the Star. She too, I am sure, will find it utterly unnecessary to answer such
petty inquiries.

I urge the Court to address this issue as a deterrent from the case at hand.

B:
There he is! The true god has finally reappeared from the filth he calls home. You had me a little
concerned there for a while, Mannimarco. Here I thought you were going soft on us by giving us a helpful
warning to stay away from the Star and its contents.

As much as I love a good challenge, I’ll have to politely decline your offer at this time. Am I afraid? No. Am
I arrogant enough to consider it? Yes. Am I stupid enough to actually attempt it? Not quite yet.

I can see through your façade; you cannot fool me. I will just wait this one out and see what happens. If the
need arises, then I will consider my options.

Oh, by the way, in all sincerity, I thank you for your advice. I do have some manners...even for you.

Nigedo:
A mere three nights remain until the invocation of the Daedra Prince Azura.

I feel that it is now time for us to decide finally upon the questions we intend to put to the Queen of the
Night Sky.

I would be grateful if an officer of the Court or a member of the Council would bring before us a list of all
the questions that have been suggested to date.

We should then consider which of them is truly pertinent to the guilt or otherwise of Vehk, whether any
may be superfluous or whether any may have been omitted, and settle upon an appropriate order and
respectful wording.

Also, if any member of the High Council has any further opinions concerning these questions, I invite you
51
to put your case before this Court now.

Vehk:
To those assembled:

Please forgive my absence. With the imminent summoning, and the nature of the judgment no doubt
rendered shortly thereafter, I’ve had to settle some affairs. Some of these were centuries old, or
supraterrestrial, or both. To those clamoring for my punishment, know that these errands were the first:
how odd it is to recall the memory of debt.

Tegger:
To the best of my knowledge, the questions currently stand as follows (taken from Master D'onus' most
recent record and updated by myself as best I was able in his absence):

Was Nerevar indeed slain by the Tribunal, and if so, how was Vehk involved? (Proposed by the T. S. Basilisk)

Is the Vehk we see before us - stripped of his stolen Godhood - the same being that existed before he used the
Heart?” (Proposed by Stri’ker, now fallen)

“In your esteem, have the Tribunal paid for their crimes or the crimes of their mortal forebears? If not, with the
Chimer of Resdayn transformed into the Dunmer of Morrowind, Sotha Sil slain at the hands of Almalexia, and
Almalexia slain at the hands of the now-missing Nerevarine, what manner of penance could remain for Vehk
with his divinity now shorn?” (Proposed by Louis D’Onus)

“According to Vehk, he brought about a new age of wisdom for the Dunmer. Is this so, and if it is why have you
sought to punish him for helping your people to a better existence?” [Proposed by Girai Harkaanius]

“The Tribunal 'stole' godhood to help the Chimer people. Here you plot to steal worship from the Tribunal, to
steal the Dunmer's hearts as you and Boethia did before, so many thousands of years ago. How are you any
different than Vehk, if not more deceitful and selfish?”

“If Vehk should be found guilty of past transgressions in a world that no longer lives, how might he find
absolution?”(proposed by Vehk himself)

“Did the three Daedra Princes known as the Anticipations, Azura, Boethiah, and Mephala, in fact bless the
ascension of the Tribunal to godhood? Are the words of the Tribunal Temple regarding the Anticipations
blasphemy, or worship?” (Proposed by Allerleirauh)

“Why was the sin of ALMSIVI apparently visited upon the children of Morrowind, in their transformation into
Dunmer?” ( Proposed by Nigedo)

“What do the other Daedra Princes of the Anticipations feel about the Tribunal's assumption of godhood?”
(Proposed by Louis D'Onus)

“Was the natural order of the universe violated by the Tribunal's Apotheosis or ultimately served? If the former,
what level of responsibility does the Vehk before us hold for that? Did Veloth truly foretell the supplanting of
worship from the Ancestor Daedra of the Anticipations by the Tribunal, or is it an aberrant act, made from a
hunger for power?”

“Was the destiny of an entire race thereby subverted, merely altered, or ultimately served? Did murder and the
52
use of the Heart of Lorkhan profane the face of an entire people? And if so, what accountability does the Vehk
before us hold for that?”

“And, perhaps most of all - Did the assumption of godhood put the fate of our world in peril? Have these
repeated Breaks in the fabric of Time placed the integrity of what we know as reality at stake? Should Vehk be
accountable, if so?””
[Proposed by Louis D'onus]

B:
The Time of Summoning is nearly upon us. I hope everything is in place—or, at the very least, close to
being ready. The questions have been brought forth to be discussed. I will take some time to look over
them and let you know if I have any comments.

God of Worms:
To perhaps set some minds at rest on this matter, it matters not who is entombed in the Star. It is a soul of
no importance to this Tribunal. It has no meaning to inquisition. It is best left to be. I am sure, that if
Azura cares enough to offer any insight to this soul, she will see to it. I would not put much effort into
such a petty inquiry however.

I now have some personal affairs to attend to, so I must take leave. I do hope to return for the final
judgement.

[Mannimarco bursts into sixteen-and-a-half crows, each squawking with an ear-piercing scream as they fly
out of the hall.]

Tegger:
As hesitant as I am to name the God of Worms a truth-teller, I strongly feel that he is, in this case, such a
one.

Louis D’Onus:
Three Questions I have for the Court at large, two of them are here repeated from previous:

1) What is the essence of what we require from Azura? Communion with Nerevar, certainly. A god's-eye
view of events during and after the events at Red Mountain? I doubt it is divine decree of guilt or
innocence we are seeking, and interrogation for the satisfaction of simple scholarly curiosity on subjects
like the disappearance of the Dwemer are more likely to invoke her wrath than gain us any insight. So
what, ultimately, are we seeking from Azura? We must know before Hogithum.

2) What is the essence of what we require from the spirit of Nerevar? Whether he, as the recipient (I
hesitate to say victim) of murder at mortal Vehk's hands, believes we can hold the god Vivec accountable
for the mortal's crimes? His wisdom regarding the treatment of the Dunmer peoples since his death? Like
Azura, we must know precisely what we seek of Nerevar's spirit before Hogithum.

3) Will we speak to the Sharmat, Dagoth Ur? Are we meant to know beforehand, Lord Vehk?

Furthermore, if it is prudent, I believe it would be in our interest to elaborate and enumerate the vague
charges against the Accused regarding the following:

53
1) The breaking of promises to the Velothi peoples
2) The marginalization of the Ashlander peoples
3) The harsh persecution by the Tribunal Temple and its Ordinator squads of dissident factions among the
people of Morrowind.

Much has been sacrificed on the road to Hogithum in this strange new year, and questions thousands of
years in the making are mere days from answers. As a Court and Council, let us ensure that we are worthy
of them.

Allerleirauh:
Louis, Tegger, thank you very much for your hard work.

My first recommendation would be that we strike or reword any question which could be construed as an
attack on Azura. While I would also like answers to some of these questions, Azura is not on trial here (in
fact, the Emperor has instructed us not to place gods on trial), I think we are unlikely to receive useful
answers, and we may offend her.

Ainoryl:
Master Louis,

Please follow me. We must remove your shadow now.

[Louis D’Onus pauses for moment, and nods.]

Louis D’Onus:
I see.

[He casts a bittersweet smile into the pews of the near-empty hall.]

As a child I was terrified of the shadows, terrified of the darkness. And as I grew I realized that those dark
corners of existence, those terrifying shapes, were but attached to our feet from birth. Our shadows
protect us from all manner of terror - Black Luck.

Long have my shadow and I lain in silent comfort with one another. Many are the times we spent as sole
companions to one another: Wandering the High Rock plains near King's Guard on moon-lit nights in
search of witches who had stolen the voices of nearby nobles. Locked away in Skyrim beneath the town of
Black Moor for black heresy against the Nordic people, waiting for death with only the sun and my
shadow for company.

My time with Black Luck, my love, is at its end - it has kept me alive for much longer than I had imagined
would be possible, but I think we have perhaps outgrown each other. For the time being.

What are shadows, but the mirage of the darker side of the quest for knowledge, the illusion of taboo? And
what is love, if not a memory?

[He turns to Ainoryl and smiles.]
54

Lead the way, my good man.

Nigedo:
Walk with virtue Sera D’Onus.

You have our deepest gratitude for your sacrifice.

Tegger:
May the gods be with you, Louis.

Allerleirauh:
Nigedo and I are ready to address Azura.

[There are two screams from the Vehk's meditation chamber. And then a hum, and cracked bones, and wetness.
One scream stops, but the other is barely dimmed by the continuing hum. Ainoryl leaves the meditation hall,
holding his chest. In pain, he begins to prepare the hall for Hogithum. Vivec enters the hall, resplendent in
netch-and-dreughbone armor. He sits at the center, facing the Tribunal, three feet from the floor. He is sublime
in his fate, and he wears two shadows. Allerleirauh arrives, wearing a white gown, formal and simple in design,
to honor Azura.]

Allerleirauh:
Before we begin, I would like to address all present regarding the safety of the Hall, and its inhabitants,
during the summoning.

I believe that the Hall is as safe as it can reasonably be made. However, it is foolish to pretend that the
summoning of Azura, and the visitations of other great powers, are predictable and controllable
situations. I notice that Tegger has accepted the help of additional warriors for the defense of the Hall, but
I must urge everyone, if anything should go catastrophically wrong, to flee the Hall as quickly as possible.

Vehk:
Mercy, you are slick with discomfort. I smell it. Is it the sight of me, like this, that brings dew to the lily?
Or some deeper reaction, made by this sudden house, the rut-need before fear? To this, I say two things: I
cannot oblige you, white gown notwithstanding, and: there is no place for worry. Only Dunmer die today.

[Ainoryl returns, robed as a priest of the Tribunal Temple.]

Ainoryl:
Greetings to the appointed Tribunal, and to the High Council. Vivec, glorious Warrior-Poet of Vvardenfell,
Tribune and Lord of of Veloth, greetings.

[He bows to the five quarters.]

The summoning will take time. The proper sigils must be set in place, the oils prepared, the incense lit.

[Ainoryl begins his preparations. Suddenly, he winces and rubs his chest again through his robes. He
coughs, and a light appears from his mouth, as if he were lit from within. He manages to stifle both this
and the cough with a hand before someone sees. He hopes. With the hood of his gray cloak pulled over his
head, B surveys the Hall. He hears a cough and turns to look at Ainoryl. B catches a glimpse of something and
55
moves closer.]

Nigedo:
My good B, please be so kind as to leave Ainoryl to his preparations. The consequences of poor
preparation may be quite dire indeed and we can most certainly do without another display of your
telekinetic ability, thank you.

[As B clenches his fists, a bolt of lightning illuminates a nearby window. As the roar of thunder subsides, he turns
to Nigedo.]

B:
As you wish.

[B moves, instead, to a nearby corner and waits. His eyes remain fixed on Ainoryl.]

Tegger:
I want to reiterate what Lady Allerleirauh said. The Hall is as safe as it is currently knowable to make it.
But again, in the event of some unforeseen and unfortunate disaster, do make haste to exit the Hall
immediately.

Also, as excited as our feelings must be on a day such as this, I would remind everyone to please maintain
a quiet reserve and an attitude of respect at all times. We do not want to offend the powers soon to visit us.

[The air is thick with clouds of incense. Ainoryl begins his incantation.]

Ainoryl:
Hir ylu ghelibrulen, cojet handu alu ma. En sen di toen ambri el. En
ense el ambiolis cemn solu neht, solu sequesenhet. Cortu den se bjhaten
kalem ir ne trame se vasdo nipex sooh. Se mehwe quesne lirrimo si treste
atu del. Azura en Vehk garjes mustra, cen cae sirtremil trenbien. Je
en el entra se, Je en eltru cemn setru natra seen olon.

Tegger:
Everyone will please remain silent and turn the proceedings over to the Priest, the Tribunal, the Accused,
and our Honored Guest until the Summoning is over.

[As Ainoryl begins the incantation, Councillors continue to shuffle into the Hall in a hush. Among them is what
appears to be a crippled Dunmer, very pale for his kind - his eyes hidden beneath the cowl of his crimson robes,
beads of sweat ensorcelling his face. He appears unable to walk without the aid of his three retainers -
pale-skinned Nordic sisters, a mage, a rogue, and a warrior.

The largest of the three, a glorious woman easily seven feet tall & graced in golden templar armor, holds him
gently by the hand and waist. The middle sister, bedecked in fine netch leathers holds his hand and steadies his
back. The other, merely in robes, straggles and observes, her eyes a cold steely blue.

It is then that it becomes clear that the man casts no shadow - it is Louis D'Onus

They seat Master D'Onus in the pews near the rear of the Hall. His every movement is stuttering pain, and he
56
cannot lift his head to view the front of the Hall. And yet, a weak smile crosses his face, almost defiant.]

Allerleirauh:
Ainoryl... is everything going as planned?

[Ainoryl merely nods, then coughs violently. He has broken out in an iridescent sweat. A large, single
Raven flies in from an open smoke flume in the ceiling and perches upon a, upper balcony railing. it morphs into
Mannimarco, who stands silently in the shadows of the corner.]

Azura:
AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME
AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME
AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME COME AZURA IS AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME
AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS
COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS
COME AZURA IS COME IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS AZURA IS
COME AZURA IS COME IS AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS
COME AZURA IS COME COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA
IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS COME AZURA IS
COME

Allerleirauh:
Gracious Azura, Prince of Moonshadow, Mother of the Rose, Queen of the Night Sky, we who are
assembled here seek your wisdom, according to the ancient custom, on this your sacred day, the 21st day
of First Seed, called Hogithum.

We thank you for favoring us with your presence and we hope that you will indulge us regarding the
matter which lies before us now.

Azura:
YES I YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I
AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM
PLEASED YES AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED
YES I YES I AM PLEASED AM PLEASED YES I AM I AM PLEASED YES I YES I AM PLEASED AM PLEASED
YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED
YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED AM PLEASED YES I
AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM YES I PLEASED YES I
AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED PLEASED AM
PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM
PLEASED YES I YES I AM PLEASED AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM
PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED YES I AM
PLEASED YES I AM PLEASED

Nigedo:
Great Azura, Vehk of the Tribunal, known also as the god-king Vivec, has submitted himself to our
judgement, according to Dunmer law.

We understand that the Hortator Indoril Nerevar required Vehk and the other Tribunes to swear that they
would never to use the Tools of Kagrenac and that they swore this oath upon your name.

57
We also understand that Vehk then murdered Indoril Nerevar and, forswearing their oath, the Tribunal
used the Tools of Kagrenac to make themselves the gods of the Dunmer.

Further, we understand that you swore you would cause Nerevar to return and avenge himself against the
Tribunal and now your servant, the Nerevarine Incarnate, has destroyed Kagrenac's enchantments upon
the Heart of Lorkhan, severing the Tribunal's connection to the source of their power and making them
mortal again.

For these reasons, because you are intimately tied to these events, and because you have witnessed what
is long past as no other has, we hope that you will share your insight by answering some questions we
have prepared for you.

Azura:
GIFTS? WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN
STAR WRAITHRING WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR
WRAITHRING SHADOW WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR MONSTER CROWN STAR
WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR
WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN
STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR
WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER
CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER
CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STARMONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING
SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING
SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR SPEAK MONSTER
CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING GOOD SHADOW MONSTER
CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER
CROWN STAR MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING
SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR MONSTER CROWN
STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR
WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR
WRAITHRING SHADOW MONSTER CROWN STAR QUESTION

Allerleirauh:
Gracious Azura, our first question to you:

Do you regard Vehk and the other Tribunes as having usurped the spiritual stewardship of the Chimer or
Dunmer people in place of yourself, Mephala and Boethiah, or do you acknowledge the role of ALMSIVI as
the legitimate fulfilment of-

Vehk:
Silence. There will be no questions. This is something different now.

[Nigedo is outraged, and hisses through clenched teeth.]

Azura:
DEVIL DEVIL MOCK DEVIL DEVIL SPEAK NOT DEVIL DEVIL DEVIL MOCK DEVIL DEVIL SPEAK NOT DEVIL
DEVIL MOCK DEVIL DEVIL SPEAK NOT DEVIL DEVIL DEVIL MOCK DEVIL DEVIL SPEAK NOT DEVIL DEVIL
DEVIL MOCK DEVIL DEVIL SPEAK NOT DEVIL DEVIL DEVIL MOCK DEVIL DEVIL DEVIL MOCK DEVIL
DEVIL SPEAK NOT DEVIL DEVIL DEVIL MOCK DEVIL DEVIL SPEAK NOT DEVIL DEVIL DEVIL MOCK DEVIL
58
DEVIL SPEAK NOT DEVIL DEVIL DEVIL MOCK DEVIL DEVIL SPEAK NOT DEVIL DEVIL SPEAK NOT DEVIL

Vehk:
Rude spirit, you should never have come. Not here. Not to the world of
the liars, where your power is fleshed to law, bound by the bones of the compromise.

Shallow changer, whorescamp, say you that you rule dusk and dawn?

Let me show you the power of the true Dawn, when Gods walked.

Azura:
WHAT? WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE WHAT WHAT WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE
WHAT WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE WHAT WHAT WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE
WHAT WHAT ARE WHAT WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE WHAT WHAT WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE WHAT
ARE WHAT YOU ARE WHAT WHAT ARE WHAT YOU
WHAT ARE YOU DOING? ARE WHAT WHAT WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE
WHAT YOU ARE WHAT WHAT WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE WHAT WHAT ARE
WHAT YOU ARE WHAT WHAT WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE WHAT ARE WHAT YOU ARE WHAT WHAT IS
THAT I FEEL?

Vehk:
I am the Thief of this World, with stars, and by my Charges I put you down.

[B summons his will to do his bidding. Another flash of lightning illuminates the hall; the roar of thunder shakes
the windows. Looking down, B's hands begin to glow.]

God of Worms [quietly and to himself]:
Foolish mortals. Now it is YOU who stands guilty.

[Ainoryl invokes some incantation and removes robes. His chest is stitched together, and a reddish light begins
to emanate from inside him, his ribs and organs showing through in negative.]

[A shadow leaves Vivec, snapping off him to wrap around the Daedra Lord, cracking the air as it stiffens.]

Vehk:
With my Charges I put you down.

By this Shadow, I call your neonymic forth, your chosen throne, sundown and sunrise, death and birth of
shadow. You are bound to this place.

Azura:
59
NO NO NO PLEASE NO NO NO PLEASE NO WHAT NO DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO WHAT NO DEVIL PLEASE
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO PLEASE NO NO NO DEVIL
PLEASE NO WHAT NO PLEASE NO NO NO WHAT NO DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO NO NO NO NO PLEASE NO
NO NO PLEASE NO WHAT NO DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO WHAT NO DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO NO NO NO NO
PLEASE NO NO NO PLEASE NO WHAT NO DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO WHAT NO DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO
NO

Vehk:
How does it feel, Lord Azura? To so fully manifest here is the Mundus,
stripped down only to your name?

Perhaps it feels a bit like my sister did, when your machinations split
her, name from land, nymic eth maliache velot, thoughtless save for
domain.

AE ALTADOON DUNMERI for my sister's madness I eat you.

Azura:
NO NO NO PLEASE NO NO NO PLEASE NO WHAT NO DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO WHAT NO DEVIL PLEASE
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO PLEASE NO NO NO DEVIL PLEASE NO WHAT NO PLEASE NO NO NO WHAT NO
DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO NO NO NO NO PLEASE STOP STOP STOP NO NO NO PLEASE NO WHAT NO DEVIL
PLEASE NO NO NO WHAT NO DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO NO NO NO NO PLEASE NO NO NO PLEASE NO
WHAT NO DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO WHAT NO DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO NO

[Ainoryl steps forward. His eyes are dead, but he smiles anyway.]

Vehk:
Do you remember which mortal you bound herein with your jealousy and your spite? She has need of
vengeance, too. GHARTOK PAHOME.

[Ainoryl explodes.]

Ainoryl:
Milord... serve...

[Viscera showers the crowd.]

Vehk:
These are my people, Azura. See how they serve? You should have stayed replaced.

[Vehk nods to Nigedo, his bravest.]

Nigedo, curse this heshe-bitch as she has done our people.

Nigedo [addressing Azura venomously]:
Lattice-bound creature of the Ever Now, experience for yourself the inexorable progress of the Wheel,
know the drumming torment of Time giving way to Time and share in the despair of souls trapped within
the Dragon's Boned Cage.

Vehk:
60
By this Lover, I call your protonymic forth, your secret throne, youth
and return, the lover's morning, the loved one's end. You are buried in this place.

[A shape unfolds from within Azura's Star and coalesces into a lovely female form.]

Spirit from Azura’s Star:
And so, the last of those you called "False Gods" seeks his revenge against you, Azura; you, false to me,
false to all my people, petty and vengeful spirit, enemy of all my happiness. It is I, Azura, I whom you
never thought to see again. You swore in the Halls of Oblivion that no mortal such as I was worthy to be
paired with a Prince of the Daedra. You thought, by binding me within this prison of your own invention,
to place me forever beyond the reach of one who can transcend the bounds of life and death - my love, my
soul - to stop even my rebirth into the world in another form, lest we two find one another again.

You have lost and I have won. But what I have suffered at your hands I will not forget, not though I die a
thousand deaths and live a thousand lifetimes. It is your turn, Azura, Mother of the Blasted Canker, Stain
upon the Night Sky, Prince of nothing but your own envy. May you be cast into outermost darkness and
uttermost cold. May you cry out to those who loved you and hear nothing, not even your own voice. Never
again show yourself in this fair form to the mortal fools who have been your slaves; and let what is offered
to you be carried, steaming and redolent of spices, to my Lord's table. My Lord, my lover who would never
have forsaken me, Clavicus Vile!

Azura:
GAHAAAAA NO NO NO PLEASE NO WHATTTTTTttT NO DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO WHAT NO DEVIL
PLEASE NO NO NO NO NO NO NO PLEASE NO NO NO DEVIL PLEASE NO WHAT NO PLEASE NO NO NO
WHAT NNNNNNNNNNO DDDDDDDDDDdEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO NO NO NO I CANNOT NO PLEASE NO
NO NO PLEASE NO WHAT NO DEVIL PPPPPPPPLEASE NO NO NO WHAT NO DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO NO
NO NO NO PLEASE NO NO NO PLEASE NO WHAT NO DEVIL PLLLLLLLLLLLLEASE NO NO NO WHAT NO
DEVIL PLEASE NO NO NO NO

Vehk:
There now. Better. How does one feel when weighted down by their heaviest of mysteries? When one
gazes into their soul and sees their own eyes staring back? Perhaps it's how my brother felt, folding into
himself like a prism until your darts were thrown, nymic sel sulimet
elhnodidan, thought thinking thought.

AE ALTADOON DUNMERI for my brother's wasting I eat you.

Azura:
I CANNOT FEEL CANNOT WHAT FEEL CANNOT WHO FEEL THIS WHAT I CANNOT I WHAT FEEL WHAT
WHO FEEL WHAT I AM NO I CANNOT AM NO WHO AND CANNOT
B:
I have seen e
nough! I WILL NOT LET THIS BE DONE!

[B makes an incantation, and fires a spell of silence towards Nigedo.]

Allerleirauh:
B, STAND DOWN! Remember that our Emperor told us not to judge the gods!

[Vehk glances at B, and a thousand scribs swarm his body. B makes another incantation and kills them. The
61
shells of the dead scribs form shapes of the Temple saints. B falls to his knees and weeps blood.]

[Vehk draws forth the antlers, breaking off one of its bloodied tips.]

Vehk:
Recognize this? The blood, I mean, not the silly bone-frozen Bosmer. No? It's from one of yours. He died
in your name.

And so by the blood of this khajiit, I climb you, moon and moon, and
Dance on your Tower.

AE CHIM CE ALTADOON for my own revenge I eat you.

Azura:
CHIM?

[Vehk assembles a spear from the bones of his armor.]

Vehk:
Here, this is Muatra. Guess what it represents.

[Vehk stuffs Muatra into Azura’s mouth. She chokes.]

Vehk:
YOU

Vehk:
ARE

Vehk:
BANISHED

Vehk:
FROM

Vehk:
THIS

Vehk:
STARRY

Vehk:
HEART

[Azura explodes.]

HA HA HA HA HA HA

I give my thanks to all assembled, my dumb, deaf dreamers! You've proven a convincing ruse for so long
now! I would ask that you bear me no ill will for my use of you, but I am Vivec, born of powers which
62
should have forever been unalike, Vehk and Vehk, murderer of the last and last, anon ALMSIVI, whose
name is Alive, and so really do

not

care!

HA HA HA HA HA HA

My vengeance on this prophesying harlot has waited an age! I am DONE!

Good night, my whirling, my snowskin, my silent doubter! Good night, the dead! Good night, the law!
Good night, the madness and the worm! Good night, scholar and sword! Good night all who have spoken
or lurked or cast stone! Goodnight, for Vehk and Vehk shall speak here NO MORE!

This was my last gift to all of you, which as they all have ever been,
was a gift unto MYSELF!

The time of the Empire is come!

Good night!

Farewell!

Oh, yes, the ringlet. What was this for, you might wonder. Here:

[Vehk places the ringlet is his mouth, and a voice issues out:]

He was not born a god.

His destiny did not lead him to this crime.

He chose this path of his own free will.

He stole the godhood and murdered the Hortator.

[Vehk removes the ringlet.]

VIVEC WROTE THIS

[He vanishes.]
63
The End

64

Credits:

Developers:
Vehk, Azura, Ainoryl Michael Kirkbride
Sheogorath Ted Peterson
Hasphat Antabolis Kurt Kuhlmann
Divayth Fyr the Psijic GT Noonan
Emperor Uriel Septim VII Ken Rolston

Fans:
Nigedo Nigedo
B B
Girai Harkaanius Girai_Harkaanius
Allerleirauh Allerleirauh
Louis D’Onus LDones
Harold Trontskii, The T.S. Basilisk TSBasilisk
God of Worms God_of_Worms
Zingbat zingbat
Tegger tegger
Stri’Ker Striker
Mafufu mafufu
Solyn Kaerethi Solin

“Thanks so much for playing along and pretty much making Elder Scrolls fans the
coolest, smartest, canniest CRPG fans anywhere.
You guys rock.”

65
- Michael Kirkbride, after the “Trial of Vivec” roleplay
66

The Trial at Hogithum Hall

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The Trial at Hogithum Hall

compiled and interpreted by Prince-of-Plots

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