Online:Zerith-var

48px Zerith-var; Furnishing
Type	Houseguest
Acquired From	Complete The Dark Behind the World quest

Zerith-var
Location	Tomb of Zerith-var
Reaction	Friendly
Other Information
Follower	A Moonlit Shadow
Faction(s)	Order of the Hidden Moon

Zerith-var

Zerith-Var is a member of an ancient order of Khajiit priests, harnessing necromancy to redeem fallen souls.

Zerith-var is a Khajiit necromancer and Companion. He is a member of the Order of the Hidden Moon sent forward in time from the First Era. Zerith-var is available for purchase from the Crown Store or through ESO Plus.

He has an adorable pet cat, Ja'kh, whose spirit was sent by Azura to aid him.

If you are using an ESO Plus free trial and have not purchased the bundle, Zerith-var will not appear.

Related Quests[edit]

A Moonlit Shadow: Investigate a fallen star at the Moonmont on behalf of a Twilight Cantor.
Beyond a Veil of Twilight: Please add a description for this quest
Paths Out Of Darkness: Please add a description for this quest
The Dark Behind the World: Please add a description for this quest

Companion Data[edit]

Zerith-var
Racial Skill	Third Moon's Chosen: Decreases ability cooldowns by 3% and increases Health by 3%.
Companion Perk	Zerith’s Guidance: Highlights valuable bags of loot found throughout Tamriel.
Default Gear	Heavy Armor and Greatsword, fine quality	Default Style	Moongrave Fane	Default Mount	Midnight Steed
Rapport
Cordial	Zerith is glad to have found you.	Allied	Zerith is thankful for your guidance on his twilight path.	Wary	Zerith prays for Azurah to guide you.
Friendly	Zerith is proud to travel at your side.	Companion	Zerith is eternally grateful for his second life. It's where he met you.	Irritated	Zerith fears he has lost his way with you.
Close	Zerith praises his luck that you were the first to find him.	Likes and Dislikes		Disdainful	Zerith is ready for your paths to diverge.
Keepsake
	A walnut-sized bell ornately carved from jade. Detailed with electrum bezels and embossing, it once heralded the presence of a mischievous and much-loved cat named Ja'kh. Permanently grants the passive "Zerith's Guidance" to the bearer.
Ja'kh's Bell of Bounty

Class Skill Lines[edit]

Ultimate[edit]

Name	Line Rank	Cast Time	Target	Range	Radius	Duration	Cost
Blade of the Crossing	20	0.5 seconds	Enemy	15 meters	–	10 seconds	200 Ultimate
Blade of the Crossing	Zerith-var calls upon the power of Azurah, swing a blade of lunar light in front of them, dealing 3150 Magic Damage. Enemies damaged by this ability have Minor Magickasteal applied to them for 10 seconds, causing them and their allies to restore 168 Magicka to attackers every 1 second when damaging enemies.

Guardian's Commitment[edit]

Name	Line Rank	Cast Time	Target	Range	Radius	Duration	Cooldown
Crescent Scythe	1	0.2 seconds	Cone	–	7 meters	–	7.8 seconds
Crescent Scythe	Zerith-var summons an implement of moonlight that slashes the enemy's life force, dealing 3150 Magic Damage. They heal for 2859 Health every 2 seconds for 6 seconds. The healing of this ability scales off their Max Health.

Perigean Armor	5	0.2 seconds	Self	–	–	–	15.5 seconds
Perigean Armor	Zerith-var wraps themselves in moon-empowered bone, granting them Major Resolve, increasing their Spell and Physical Resistance by 5948 for 10 seconds. While active, enemies that strike them with ranged attacks will be pulled towards them once every 2 seconds and become taunted for 15 seconds if they are not already taunted. Creates a corpse when effect completes.

Dark Moon Totem	14	0.2 seconds	Area	22 meters	6 meters	–	11.6 seconds
Dark Moon Totem	Zerith-var summons an effigy of bone harboring the souls of fallen Khajiit at the feet of an enemy for 8 seconds and applies fear for 4 seconds. After 2 seconds the totem grants Minor Protection to them and their allies, reducing their damage taken by 5% and and begins fearing nearby enemies every 2 seconds, causing them to cower in place for 4 seconds.

Remedy of Atonement[edit]

Name	Line Rank	Cast Time	Target	Range	Radius	Duration	Cooldown
Penance of Lorkhaj	1	0.4 seconds	Area	–	28 meters	–	7.8 seconds
Penance of Lorkhaj	Zerith-var sacrifices their own power to repair damaged flesh, healing themselves or an ally in front of them for 3150 Health but applying Minor Defile to themselves for 4 seconds, reducing their healing received and damage shield strength by 6%. Used when Zerith-var or an ally is below 75% Health.

Azurah's Embrace	8	0.4 seconds	Area	–	8 meters	–	11.6 seconds
Azurah's Embrace	Zerith-var absolves the misdeeds of fallen souls at the target location, healing themselves and their allies for 630 Health and removing up to 3 negative effects. Used when Zerith-var or an ally is below 75% Health.

Atoning Spirit	17	0.3 seconds	Area	–	28 meters	–	15.5 seconds
Atoning Spirit	Zerith-var conjures a ghostly spirit of a fallen Khajiit to redeem its soul in service to Azurah for 8 seconds. The spirit heals them or the lowest Health ally around them every 2 seconds restoring 1575 Health. Used when Zerith-var or an ally is below 75% Health.

Warrior's Banishment[edit]

Name	Line Rank	Cast Time	Target	Range	Radius	Duration	Cooldown
Varmiina's Visage	1	0.3 seconds	Enemy	28 meters	–	–	7.8 seconds
Varmiina's Visage	Zerith-var launches a nightmarish exploding skull at an enemy, dealing 3150 Flame Damage.

Sepulchral Chill	2	0.3 seconds	Enemy	28 meters	6 meters	8 seconds	15.5 seconds
Sepulchral Chill	Zerith-var sanctifies the ground at the target location, dealing 630 Frost Damage every 2 seconds over 8 seconds and applying Major Breach to enemies within, reducing their Spell and Physical Resistance by 5948 for 6 seconds.

Strands of the Lattice	11	0.2 seconds	Area	–	28 meters	–	11.6 seconds
Strands of the Lattice	Zerith-var dislodges a spirit's tie to a corpse, releasing spiritual energy and dealing 787 Disease Damage every 2 seconds over 10 seconds to all enemies around the corpse, around themselves, and between them and the corpse. When this release ends, it causes the corpse to explode, dealing an additional 3150 Disease Damage to all enemies around the corpse. Used when Zerith-var has a corpse within the area.

Likes and Dislikes[edit]

Ways for Zerith-var to lose or gain rapport
Amount	Action	Cooldown
Actions that give Positive Rapport
+500	Completing his companion quests	Once per quest
+125	Complete a Defense Force quest offered by Zahari at Grahtwood Northern Gate	Daily
+125	Complete a Tales of Tribute daily quest	Daily
+25	Complete an Antiquity that has multiple leads, such as a Mythic	^(?)
+10 / +1	Complete a Dark Anchor encounter	1 hour
+10 / +1	Killing a Dragon	1 hour
+10 / +1	Completing a Tales of Tribute match	^(?)
+10	Curing yourself of Vampirism	^(?)
+10	Drink a Purifying Bloody Mara	^(?)
+10	Excavate an Antiquity whose codex is incomplete	^(?)
+10	Giving to a beggar	^(?)
+10	Healing yourself in combat while below 25%	^(?)
+5	Visiting Baandari Trading Post	^(?)
+5	Looting a heavy sack	5 hours
+5	Harvesting a water node	1 hour
+5	Defeat Tho'at Replicanum in the Infinite Archive	^(?)
^5-10	Defeat Aramril in the Infinite Archive	^(?)
+1	Kill an undead enemy (Vampire or Skeleton)	3 minutes
+1	Kill a dro-m'Athra	2 minutes
+1	Defeat a boss in the Infinite Archive	^(?)
Actions that give Negative Rapport
-25	Infecting another player with Vampirism	^(?)
-10	Soultrapping someone with the Soul Trap skill ^†	^(?)
-5	Stealing a medicinal, religious, or sentimental item	^(?)
-5	Using a Counterfeit Pardon Edict or Leniency Edict	^(?)
-5	Fencing stolen goods	^(?)
-5	Drinking a Corrupting Bloody Mara	^(?)
-5	Travelling to the Hollow City in Coldharbour	^(?)
-5	Speaking to Cadwell	^(?)
-1	Getting a bounty	^(?)
-1	Selecting the Dro-m'Athra skin	^(?)
-1	Murdering an innocent	^(?)

†Negative rapport is not gained if soultrapping is from Soul Lock passive.

Quest-Related Events[edit]

A Moonlit Shadow[edit]

Zerith-var in his tomb

Near the Moonmont you will come across Cantor Krin'ze who asks for your help investigating a falling star seen recently. According to her, they are a sign from Azurah that someone is need of help, she would go herself but she is not allowed to leave her current assignment.

You will follow a ghostly cat to the entrance of the Tomb of Zerith-var and then enter to investigate. There will be a body in the center which gets up as you approach:

Zerith-var: "Dhiz maziin! Hello? Ah, ziss'vo."

You can talk to him as he is resting on his sarcophagus:

"Kra, my head. Azurah, forgive my cursing in a holy place. Is this a holy place? Where am I? And who are you?"

I'm <Player Name>. We're near Moonmont in Reaper's March.

"A strange name to follow an even stranger dream. I circled the feet of Azurah, longing to be held aloft. She scooped me up and cast me down. I fell and fell.
And now I'm here. In this … is this a tomb? How did you get in here?"

A Twilight Cantor sent me to search for a fallen star near Moonmont. A spirit cat led me here.

"Your words confuse me, zha'al. A fallen star suggests someone is in great need. And a spirit cat? Azurah's claws stir the sand, indeed.
Let us start over. I am Zerith-var, hadaliit of the Hidden Moon. I am—Wait. Where is my moonclaw?"

What's a moonclaw?

"A sacred tool of my order. A gift from Azurah herself. I am bonded to it. I think I feel it nearby, but … I am weak.
For our safety, I cannot be parted from it. Please, help me find it. And anything else that might explain how I ended up here."

I'll look around for the moonclaw and see what else I can find.

"Please. The moonclaw. It is a … what is the word? Armlet? Metal hoop for your wrist. With a stone like moonlight.
I would search with you, but I feel very weak. I am not yet ready to get to my feet."

I have some questions first.

"You are as inquisitive as a young scholar.
Sand collects between my ears and blunts the finer points of memory. Might your questions wait until you return? I am certain I will have questions for you as well."

All right. I'll look around for your moonclaw. We can talk when I return.

Exploring the tomb, you will find a Crescent Blade, In Memory of Zerith-var and the Moonclaw. Once you have these items you can return to Zerith-var and hand over the armlet:

"You found it! I thank you, zha'al. Like the moons above, my strength returns to me in phases.
Ahh, there. It fits like it once did, though its magic seems to have waned. Did you find anything else?"

I also found this crescent blade and this stone tablet. I think you should read it.

"Very well. That blade seems long-neglected. But this tablet ….
Zerith-var. This tomb is mine? Memory of my apparent death is slow to return. Pray tell me, zha'al, what year is it?"

It's the year 582 of the Second Era.

"Second Era? That cannot be right ….
Listen. I am Zerith-var, necromancer of the Order of the Hidden Moon. I know nothing of eras. In my time, we had only years. This tablet says I died fighting a Rajaska. Do you know what this stone means?"

Completed the Ashen Scar Objective:	Otherwise:
I've never heard of a Rajaska, but I've been to the Temple of the Hidden Moon. It's in ruins. "Ruins? No. That cannot be. You must be mistaken. You said we are in Moonmont? Come with me to Rawl'kha. Azurah willing, the shrine of my order remains hidden there. You will see. I will show you."	I've never heard of the Order of the Hidden Moon. You're a necromancer? "Perhaps not the sort of necromancer you expect. I vanquish dark spirits through Azurah's power of redemption. You said we are in Moonmont? Come with me to Rawl'kha. Azurah willing, the shrine of my order remains hidden there. You will see."

I have some questions, Zerith-var.

"And I have many questions for you. But my mind and memories are still hazy. I will answer as best I can."

The tablet said you died fighting Rajaska. Did you really die?

"I went alone to face the Rajaska-z'har, leader of the pride. I knew I would not survive. And now, I awaken in a tomb.
The tablet speaks of my body's preservation. A curious phenomenon. The means or purpose of my survival remain a mystery."

What are Rajaska, exactly?

"The dark remnants of moon-singers vulnerable to the Bent Dance. Rajaska were a powerful kind of dro-m'Athra. Possessed Khajiit bent to the will of Namiira.
Worse, the Rajaska resisted redemption, the sacred work of my order."

And you died fighting a Rajaska? Do you remember what happened, exactly? / So you died fighting a type of dro-m'Athra known as a Rajaska. Do you remember what happened?

"The memory returns, though I do not wish to recount it just yet. I did not expect to survive.
It seems my efforts were not in vain. If you have not heard of a Rajaska, then the tablet speaks true. It is a blessing that they prowl Nirni no longer."

Bent Dance? / You mentioned the Bent Dance?

"The beating of the dark heart of Lorkhaj. A haunting and discordant song.
Hearing it creates cracks in the soul. And once the Void seeps in, it fills its vessel. Turning the poor Khajiit into a mindless puppet of the Void. A dro-m'Athra."

You're really a necromancer? / Can you explain Azurah's Crossing to me?

"Spirits of fallen Khajiit follow many paths to Azurah's Crossing. Those with darkness in their hearts can better find their way through the path of redemption.
When I use necromancy, I invite forth their spirits and show them the way."

I'm a necromancer, too. (if a Necromancer

)

"You commune with the dead as well? You are brave to admit it. I confess, it is a relief to meet someone who will not be disturbed by my calling.
But tell me, how do you use these spirits you call forth? Do you summon them by force?"

I call forth the dead to do my bidding. It doesn't matter to me if they're willing or not.

"Ah. A simple perspective to have so long as your soul is not the one being pressed into service, eh?
If we see combat together, I will demonstrate how you can invite forth spirits that wish to be used so. There is no need for force. You will see."

I extend a call to spirits to animate the dead. I don't use force.

"Then we are not so different in our methods. That is good to hear.
All can benefit from such practice. Spirits wish to walk Nirni again and redeem themselves for misdeeds committed in life. We can give them a chance to do that."

Can I ask you about the Order of the Hidden Moon?

"I admire your curiosity, zha'al. Most consider it bad luck to speak of the work of my necromantic order.
Our path ventures through the dark, yes. But we do not enslave the dead. Through Azurah, we open doors to redemption in service to the living."

I need to tell you about the fate of the Order of the Hidden Moon. (Appears if you completed the Ashen Scar Objective)

"The fate of my order? When you say it like that ….
You mean to tell me it no longer exists? I do not believe you. How could such a thing even happen?"

An adept turned lich named Arum-Khal brought it down from the inside.

"Arum-Khal? I do not know this name. Perhaps he came after my time, but … forgive me. I do not wish to question your account, but I cannot believe that this is how my order met its end. At the hands of a lich.
How did you deal with this lich?"

I wielded the Moonlight Blade and restored Arum-Khal's spirit.

"The Moonlight Blade? I have only heard about such a thing in legends.
Your story …. I am not sure I can believe it just yet. But if you did this, I owe you thanks. On behalf of all of the Hidden Moon."

So you only worship Azurah? / Do you only worship Azurah?

"We are Azurah's most faithful. I follow her calling. I devote my life to her message of love and redemption.
But my duty is not in conflict with the other spirits known and worshiped across the sixteen kingdoms."

And what is your duty, exactly?

"When Khajiit die, love and forgiveness set their souls upon a path toward blissful light. But sometimes guilt and misdeeds cloud that path.
Azurah commands those lost in the dark must not be left to suffer forever. It was my duty to retrieve them."

And how did you do that?

"Necromancy. Adepts of the Hidden Moon call to the Void and invite a willing soul back to inhabit a physical form. These dead followed us into battle. Fought and fell alongside us.
In service and sacrifice, they see their souls purified."

Where does your order reside?

"The Temple of the Hidden Moon lies deep in the Ashen Scar in Northern Elsweyr. Carved into the long shadows of a desert canyon.
But we have shrines hidden in other places, too. Such as the one we head to now. You will see."

Can you tell me more about your moonclaw?

"It is a most holy totem. Azurah's grasp laid over my own.
With her strength and my faith, it allows me to invite forth the souls of Khajiit who need guidance to the afterlife. It also allows me create doors to cross Nirni with great speed."

You can use it to open portals?

"At its full power, certainly. Now? I must be careful. The magic has leaked from it during the years I was interred.
I apologize, zha'al. This all still feels like a bad dream. I am left to wonder why I am here. Perhaps we can find out together."

Leaving and returning to the conversation, he will instead say:

"I will meet you in Rawl'kha. Gazing upon Boethra's stone colossus again will bring me some comfort in wake of this troubled news. I hope."

As you leave, Zerith-var will run ahead of you:

Zerith-var: "I will meet you in Rawl'kha, then. Perhaps everything will make more sense once I step out to see the sun …."

Once outside the tomb, Cantor Krin'ze will have a doubletake as he walks past her down the path. You have the option of speaking to her before continuing.

When you arrive in Rawl'kha, you will find a stunned Zerith-var questioning a nearby guard:

Zerith-var: "This is all that remains of Rawl'kha? What happened to my city?"

Rawl'kha Guard: "This one warns you, jeek. Screaming nonsense in Rawl'kha will get you caged. Control yourself, or the guard will."

Speak with the demoralized Zerith-var:

"I recognize the bones. But the rest? Hahl fajh'na! My ancestors did not defy the Striped Death just to let this holy ground be stamped down to simple tents and stalls.
I must be very far from my own time if this is what Rawl'kha is reduced to."

The city was different back in your time?

"If only you could have seen it. I barely recognize what remains.
Back in that tomb, I confess I thought you were the senseless one. Now I see the truth. I must have sounded mad, going on like that. But you came after me anyway. Thank you."

You said there was a shrine for your order here?

"I did. In my time the order was respected, revered for what we could accomplish. But we were also feared.
And so our sanctuaries were hidden. Perhaps well enough to survive to the present age."

Where can we find that sanctuary?

"Just ahead lies the Temple of Two-Moons Dance. The entrance for my cloister should be around the back.
Let us hope something remains of it. And may Azurah's guidance illuminate why she cast me down to this time."

All right. Let's go find this entrance.

"Look to the southeast side of the temple's base. An entrance to the Hidden Moon sanctuary should be there.
To think, even the Temple of Two-Moons-Dance could be left in such disrepair! My fur falls out just looking at it."

You have an option of asking about the guard, along with the earlier questions you asked in the tomb:

What was all that with the city guard?

"I made such great haste to get here that I arrived quite parched.
I asked one of those traders for a drink of water and asked how much farther it was to Rawl'kha. When I was told that I had already arrived, I did not react well."

And that's what drew the guard's attention?

"I may have shouted a bit. Spilled some water. Knocked over a display while trying to keep myself upright—kss, it does not matter.
I suppose being dressed in these rags does me no favors. But finding my cloister, that is what matters now."

As you walk towards the temple to the southeast, Zerith-var will comment:

Zerith-var: "The door should be around the back of the temple on the southeast side."

Zerith-var: "Or perhaps the years have turned it into a sugar stall. We will see."

As you approach the entrance to the Shrine of the Hidden Moon

Zerith-var: "The entrance is here."

Zerith-var: "See how it opens? It recognizes me as a member of the order."

You may talk to him again before entering:

"This is it, the entrance to the sanctuary is here. I am both eager and fearful to see what we will find inside. Let us go in, yes?"

Zerith-var meditating inside the Shrine of the Hidden Moon

Inside the shrine, you will find only bones and dust, and Zerith-var slowly through the hallway:

Zerith-var: "No longer a sanctuary. Now a tomb."

Zerith-var: "I had hoped, with Rawl'kha still standing … but, no. The Order of the Hidden Moon is no more."

Once he reaches the main room, you can speak with him:

"How little is left of the world I knew. My clan is … gone. Our bones and sanctuaries left to crumble to dust.
I do not understand. Why was I sent here? I would rather have gone to the Sands Behind the Stars than be sent back to see this."

There must be a reason. Remember the fallen star.

"If my moonclaw had power, I could invite forth the spirits of those I knew in life. But what comfort or answers could the dead give me?
I tread the domain of the living once again. I must do as I did in life to find guidance."

What do you mean?

"If Azurah sent me back, I do not think it was simply to make me suffer. She must wish me to perform some kind of service.
I will consecrate the remains here and then beseech her for guidance. Will you assist me?"

What do you need me to do?

"That prayer book. Consult it for what I might say. The sand between my ears persists. I need to be reminded of what I once knew in my heart.
All these bones belong to Khajiit I never knew. Through them I will bid my clan, my family, farewell."

I'll examine the prayer book.

You may talk to him once again before checking the prayer book:

"I am like sand in a dust storm, zha'al. All out of sorts. Thank you for being patient with me. Check the prayer book and help my weary mind grow clear."

Once you read Rites of the Order of the Hidden Moon:

Zerith-var: "I remember. The rite requires moon-sugar water. There should be some in the temple above."

Zerith-var: "Do not worry for me. I would mourn in private for a time."

Talking to him before you leave:

"This blessing requires moon-sugar water, yes? So long as things have not changed too much, you should find some in the cloister at the front of the temple. Retrieve some and return to me.
Do not worry. The portal will admit you as it did before."

Once outside, you can head to a small room where you can take a sample of the Moon-Sugar Water. As you leave the building you will be stopped by Inquisitor Tashkier who says he has been following you and demands to know what you found in the Moonmont. You can decide what to tell him and return to Zerith-var, who you will find is now dressed up in armor:

Zerith-var: "Ah. You return."

Zerith-var: "Pour the water into the ritual basin and I will perform the rite."

You can talk to him before performing the rites:

"Yes, I traded my burial rags for armor belonging to those of my order. But let us discuss it after we tend to this ritual. Pour the moon-sugar water into the basin, please."

As the ritual is performed, the flames of the brazier ignite with a blue fire.

Zerith-var: "Mother of Twilight, I beseech you. Guide these souls to your Crossing with dawn's clarity. I seek guidance—"

Zerith-var: "Ziss! Blue flames? How can this be?"

Speak with him to see what this means:

"Blue flames? That is a call to arms, a signal for the Hidden Moon. A sign that a dark spirit of great power has pierced the veil of Nirni.
That tablet you found in my tomb. It said those spirits were vanquished. What could this mean?"

The Rajaska. Are those the spirits you're talking about?

"Rajaska, yes. From what you told me, they have not stalked Nirni in centuries. But now, they return.
Perhaps this is why Azurah sent me back. The knowledge of how to contend with them is lost. We must find these dark spirits and see them redeemed."

How do we find the Rajaska?

"My moonclaw guides me. Though weak, I can feel its pull. Somewhere east of here. At the Shrine of the Consummate S'rendarr, I believe.
I must now humbly ask for your aid. The last time I faced a Rajaska alone, it cost me my life. Will you help me?"

I'll help you. But I'm not sure where the Shrine of Consummate S'rendarr is.

"Perhaps it is called something else now. Let me see your map. Ah, Claw's Strike. I shall mark the spot.
Thank you, zha'al. Though you are not exactly a stranger anymore. Meet me at the shrine, and perhaps we will overcome these troubles as friends."

I'll meet you there.

"Once you reach what is now called Claw's Strike, head inside. I will find you there. I hope I am not wrong in thinking you can defend yourself.
There is no telling how much of my fighting skills remain after being dead for so long. We will see."

You can take the oppertunity to tell him what happened outside and ask him more questions:

An Inquisitor of the Torval Curiata tried to stop me outside. He said he followed me here.

"Inquisitor for the Torval … what?
I do not know what you speak of, but Inquisitors do not sound friendly. Are these Inquisitors like the Twilight Cantors you spoke of?"

Not exactly. They're working with Krin'ze, the Twilight Cantor who sent me after the fallen star.

"Well, blessings from Azurah that you found me then, and not these Inquisitors.
No matter. We must deal with this Rajaska threat before we concern ourselves with this Torval … whatever it was."

What should I know about the Rajaska?

"Dro-m'Athra are what happens when Namiira possesses the heart of any Khajiit. They are creatures of darkness and violence.
Rajaska are what happens when that darkness ensnares a moon-singer. You still have moon-singers in this age, yes?"

I'm not sure. What are they?

"They are storytellers, but this is a woefully simple explanation. In my time, the strongest singers wove stories into song, casting powerful spells in Azurah's name.
The boldest among those singers often aided the Hidden Moon."

Yes. I've met moon-singers in my travels before.

"Then you know of what I speak. In my time, the strongest of the moon-singers wove stories into song, casting powerful spells in Azurah's name.\n\nThe boldest among these singers often aided the Hidden Moon."

Why does ensnaring the soul of a moon-singer make for a more powerful dro-m'Athra?

"It is their songs. A once-joyous litany with the power to drive back the darkness becomes a shadowy dirge, a phantasmal chorus that grows in strength and beckons the drums of the Bent Dance.
The stronger the moon-singer, the stronger the Rajaska."

Are moon-singers like Twilight Cantors?

"We did not have Twilight Cantors in my time. But the name suggests an allegiance with Azurah.
Perhaps they are not so different from the moon-singers of old. I would like to meet one and learn more."

You changed out of your rags. Where did you get that armor?

"I did not pull it from the bones of my fallen brothers and sisters, if that is your concern. I found a cache of supplies and saw fit to equip myself.
But I do not wish to stick out like a broken claw in my travels. What do you think of it?"

It looks good. You'll fit right in.

"Var, var! Such kind words. Function is more important, of course, but what Khajiit does not like to present a sleek and pleasing form?
This is not quite what we wore during my order's time, but it will do well enough to protect me."

I think we could find you something better to wear.

"Ah, I was afraid you would say that. I suppose it must appear antiquated. But it will serve well enough for now.
When we find the time, perhaps you can assist me in finding armor more appropriate to this era."

Once you enter Claw's Strike:

Zerith-var: "F'ah! This once-honorable shrine now serves as a bandit den. I sense the darkness we seek to the east."

Speaking with him here:

"My moonclaw's pull tells me this is the right place. Besides the beasts and bandits, I sense a stronger darkness to the east. Let us search in that direction."

As you approach the entrance to the Ruined Reliquary:

Zerith-var: "That dark corner. My moonclaw tells me that is where we need to go."

Inside the Ruined Reliquary you will witness Twilight Cantors performing a ritual against a dro-m'Athra. Zerith-var will be shocked at what occurs:

Cantor Ta'khida: "Krin'ze! Are you all right?"

Cantor Krin'ze: "I will be fine. We must go after the others!"

High Cantor Viti: "We will handle it. Join us when you have recovered."

Zerith-var: "They destroyed a dro-m'Athra! Its soul. It is … gone!"

After this you can talk to Zerith-var, and he will not be happy at what he saw:

"These are the Twilight Cantors you told me of? Their methods leave me speechless. Instead of helping the dro-m'Athra, they destroyed it!
Give me a moment and speak with the ja'rithantii there."

You can then speak with Cantor Krin'ze:

"Let us deal with this Rajaska before it is too late for the other rithantiin. We can talk later."

Heading into Abandoned Altar chamber, you will witness Cantor Ta'khida and High Cantor Viti fighting Ravith-morna. They will be swiftly defeated as High Cantor Viti is thrown to the side and Cantor Ta'khida is transformed into a Rajaska:

Zerith-var: "The song of the Rajaska. It bends these Twilight Cantors into dro-m'Athra!" ^{[verification needed — see talk page]}

<Ravith-morna holds Cantor Ta'khida by the throat and breaks her neck. A shadowy and corrupted spirit appears out of her body.>

Ravith-morna: "Zayabi-morna, my newborn Rajaska, sing for them the next verse."

Zerith-var: "Ravith-morna? It cannot be."

Zerith-var: "She is dro-m'Athra now, a Rajaska! To arms, quickly!"

While Krin'ze tends to High Cantor Viti, you will need to fight Ta'khida-morna. Once she has been defeated, Zerith-var will cleanse the spirit:

Zerith-var: "Besha ahnz'ii, rithantii. I am sorry we did not arrive sooner. With your spirit cleansed, Azurah guides you to her Crossing."

You can then speak with Zerith-var about what happened:

"Now you see what I was trained to do. Khajiit that fall to the Bent Dance of Namiira, I can straighten their tails.
The Hidden Moon's purpose was to tend to the immortal souls of all Khajiit, even those that fell to darkness. Do you understand?"

And that's different from what the Twilight Cantors are doing?

"We both saw the effects of their song. It utterly destroys the spirit! Banishes it from existence entirely!
Moon's mercy, these souls were Khajiit once! Are we so afraid of the dark now that we destroy anything that staggers out of it?"

Is there a way you can teach the Twilight Cantors your way of doing things?

"Besha ahnz'ii. In my anger, I forget my wisdom. But you possess enough for both of us.
That must be why Azurah sent me here. To show Khajiit of this time the way of mercy through Hidden Moon necromancy. There is just one problem."

What's that?

"My moonclaw's magic wanes. If I am meant to follow this path and teach what I have learned, I must restore it.
Just enough power remains to open a portal to the Temple of the Dark Moon. Your help has been invaluable. Will you come with me?"

Yes, I'll go with you to the Temple of the Dark Moon.

Zerith-var will then use his Moonclaw to open a portal:

Zerith-var: "Noctra, grant me luck. Khenarthi, grant me haste."

Zerith-var: "Seven shadows, it worked! Take care of your high cantor, ja'rithantii. We will see you again soon."

Speaking to him before entering:

"Let us head to Khenarthia. Or … what I knew as Khenarthia. Perhaps it is called something different now.
Kss. This is going to take some getting used to."

Once on Khenarthi's Roost, you can follow Zerith-var as he runs towards the temple:

Zerith-var: "No. The Dark Moon temple … it is gone?"

The beggar Shashan explains, and does not sugarcoat it:

Shashan: "Skooma-addled old stray. Have you been asleep these past three hundred years?"

Zerith-var: "Longer than that, perhaps. Speak plainly."

Shashan: "No one favors the Dark Moon anymore. Ill omens, forgotten manes, ancient rites. The unified Elsweyr has no need of these outdated traditions."

Shashan: "The Sugar God rules the sands now. Riddle'Thar, they call it. Imagine that! Old Baan Dar managed to trick the world."

You can then talk to Zerith-var to see what can be done:

"Loss after loss. Were it not for my Hidden Moon training, my heart would be Namiira's already for all the darkness these discoveries bring me.
It is only because of you and the appearance of Ja'kh here that I do not let grief overwhelm me."

Ja'kh? You mean the spirit cat? He led me to your tomb.

"Did he? I ask Azurah for guidance and she sends my cat. I suppose the Moon Mother is not without her mischief.
Perhaps this means she did not send me back to give up so easily. My heart had space enough for sorrow of this measure in my life before."

We came to restore your moonclaw. How can we do that if the Temple of Dark Moons no longer exists?

"Let us venture down these cliffs. The temple ruins seem to have been left where they fell.
Perhaps if we sift through the remains, we can still find something carrying the Dark Moon's blessing."

All right. Let's take a look in the ruins below.

"I pray that searching through the ruins below results in more than sorrow and lost time.
I should focus on the blessing of you and Ja'kh to guide me. Just think. I could have been found by someone with far less patience, like that nomad there."

At this point, you can ask Zerith-var more questions before continuing:

Tell me about Ja'kh.

"Ah. My constant companion. I hope he lived a long and happy life after I passed.
I found him yowling for help on the streets of Corinthe. I took pity, cleaned him up, and replaced his missing eye with a bit of moonstone. You can hardly tell now."

Why did you name him Ja'kh?

"It is … not much of a proper name at all. A shortening of ja'khajiit. Kitten, I think you would say. With how sharply the sounds roll off the tongue, it means he is small but tough. A tough little guy."

Can you tell me more about the Temple of the Dark Moon?

"The Dark Moon is the true spirit of Lorkhaj. Redeemed and made protector of the Lunar Lattice by Azurah's grace.
Through him, we of the Hidden Moon find our way through darkness to lead Azurah's children to her Crossing."

So the Dark Moon gives you power?

"Just so. At the height of our training, hadaliit of the Hidden Moon steep ourselves in darkness so we cannot fall to the Bent Dance and become dro-m'Athra.
We train to walk through Namiira's dark without Azurah's light."

So how does your moonclaw factor into this?

"It aids in navigating lunar byways to guide souls. A most ancient purpose given to my order by Azurah herself.
As such, it must be empowered by something related to the Dark Moon. Something that we search for now."

You mentioned something about sorrow in your life before.

"Kra! Do not ask me about that. We have only just met. I want you to think well of me.
In all seriousness, it is … regret. I have no bent tail, but I walked a bent path. In the end, my misdeeds cost me dearly."

Is that why you joined the Order of the Hidden Moon?

"Ha, no. I was a knave and a jeek long before I heard Azurah's calling. And long after.
Now, it seems I have been given a second chance. Perhaps things will be different this time. It is all still so hard to believe."

After you finish speaking with him, he will angrily say:

Zerith-var: "They did not just let this temple crumble, did they? This new faith tore it down and let the sea wash it away."

Once you reach the cave below the temple, Zerith-var will comment:

Zerith-var: "I took the longer way down, but I am with you now. Let us search these caves."'

Near the entrance you will find Missive from Grand Inquisitor Arsalan, which orders the death of Zerith-var:

Zerith-var: "Lich? Heretic? Me? Kes kridesi."

Speaking with Zerith-var at this point:

"Inquisitors of the Torval Curiata hunt us? With help from one of the Twilight Cantors? Hrrm."

A hostile Inquisitor Tashkier will also appear, but deep in the cave you find the remains of an altar and a Black Pearl:

Zerith-var: "You found something?"

With the note and Dark Pearl in hand you can talk to Zerith-var:

"Please, let me see that note. Perhaps it will distract me from the knowledge that these once-holy catacombs are now a midden.
My eyes are … glowing? Huh. I did not know that. Small wonder these Inquisitors seek to kill me."

What do your glowing eyes have to do with anything?

"Glowing eyes, risen from the dead? I must remind them of the dro-m'Athra. Our shared enemy.
They mention a High Cantor Viti here. Was she one of the moon-singers we saw at the Shrine of … at Claw's Strike?"

She's one of the Twilight Cantors. Cantor Krin'ze works with her.

"Krin'ze. The little Dagi you spoke to, yes? She seemed curious of my nature and presence, but not afraid. Too bad the same cannot be said of her fellow moon-singer. High Cantor … whoever.
Did you find anything else?"

I found this black pearl inside that ruined altar. Can it help to restore your moonclaw?

"Moon Mother be praised! It carries the Dark Moon's blessing.
In all my years, I have never been called a heretic. Perhaps with your help, and my moonclaw restored, we can drive back the Rajaska and show these Inquisitors we are on the same side."

See if that pearl restores your moonclaw first.

You can then watch him use the pearl on the Moonclaw which glows:

Zerith-var: "Ah, my moonclaw is restored! But it bears warning of another incursion. Quickly! We must go."

<Zerith-var opens another portal.>

Speaking with him before continuing:

"The blessing on the black pearl restored some of my moonclaw's power, but with it comes a warning. Another incursion of Rajaska awaits us. Let us find them quickly, before more Khajiit are bent to her dark song."

After entering the portal and arriving beside the Vile Manse:

<Zerith-var runs towards the stairs and runs up them.>

Zerith-var: "Ziss'vo, this oviit dwelling! What an eyesore!"

Zerith-var: "The young cantor! And the other one."

Cantor Krin'ze: "Viti! You've done enough. Let them help."

High Cantor Viti: "Do not touch her, necromancer!"

Zerith-var: "Are you injured, ja'rithantii? Let me tend to your wounds."

Speaking with him before Cantor Krin'ze:

"I will tend to Krin'ze's wounds. Speak to her and learn of what transpired here. Try to ignore the mistrustful eyes of her companion."

Cantor Krin'ze explains her fellow Cantors were brought to the Vile Manse by the Inquisitors to fight another incursion. However they were overwhelmed, and the Rajaska dragged the other cantors away, with only she and Viti getting away. She fears that nothing can be done to save them. But Zerith-var may have an idea and comments to High Cantor Viti:

Zerith-var: "We are on the same side, sister Viti. Remember that when next you give testament to the Inquisitors."

You can then speak with Zerith-var about what can be done to save the Cantors:

"I fear our little moon-singer is right. Her friends have been taken by the leader of all Rajaska. They will be bent, forced to join in a chorus of shadows.
Her training has not prepared her to do anything about it. But mine has."

So we can help them?

"My friend, you ask a knife to cut. The birds to sing. The moons to rise. Walking the path of darkness in service to Azurah is what I was made for.
But it is a perilous path. Knowing this, will you still walk it with me?"

I'll help you.

"Then, as Jone follows Jode, we move as one. A bond of fellowship, of two souls made better by one another.
May that bond see us through to the other side of this darkness. Together."

All right. Let's go save the Twilight Cantors.

After this, Zerith-var will address Cantor Krin'ze:

Zerith-var: "Shake the fear from your heart, ja'rithantii. We will see your cantors saved."

Cantor Krin'ze: "But the Rajaska! Do you have a death-wish?"

Zerith-var: "No. I have faith."

Speak within Zerith-var while in the Manse:

"My faith and your strength will see us through this. I know it. Now, let us find the cantors."

First entering the Manse:

Zerith-var: "Death seeps up from the catacombs. We must find a way below and locate the cantors."

Zerith-var: "Darkness calls farther in. To the northwest, I think."

Getting close to the Vile Manse Undercroft:

Zerith-var: "Through there! My moonclaw senses it. We are close."

Inside the undercroft, you will find several dro-m'Athra and Zerith-var comments:

Zerith-var: "These vaults hold relics stained with dark history. I can smell them."

When you enter the Undercroft Prison, you will find the bodies of many inquistors and see Ravith-morna sing as the three surviving cantors scream:

Zerith-var: "The song of the Rajaska. It bends these Twilight Cantors into dro-m'Athra!"

<Ravith-morna transforms Cantor Zayabi into a Rajaska.>

Ravith-morna: "Zayabi-morna, my newborn Rajaska, sing for them the next verse."

<Ravith-morna disappears.>

Zerith-var: "Claws out, my friend! Here we go!"

Speaking with Zerith-var before fighting Zayabi-morna:

"We must defeat the turned cantor to cleanse her soul. Quickly, my friend!"

After you defeat Zayabi-morna he will cleanse her soul:

Zerith-var: "Cantor Zayabi. With your spirit cleansed, Azurah guides you to her Crossing. Find peace in her embrace."

Zerith-var: "Quickly, everyone. Let us leave this dark place."

<Zerith-var opens a portal to outside.>

Speaking with him before leaving:

"Let us leave this place. I am used to walking in darkness, but I have no wish to linger."

After you leave the Vile Manse, you will find Zerith-var apologising to Cantor Krin'ze for being unable to help any further:

Zerith-var: "I am sorry, rithantiin. I can cleanse your souls, but I am powerless to stop the corruption before it overtakes you."

Cantor Krin'ze: "This the Twilight Cantors can do. Quickly, Viti! Aid me!"

You can then speak with Zerith-var who is surprised and pleased at seeing this ability of the Twilight Cantor. He will explain what Ravith-morna is and asks to travel with you some more:

"The songs of these Twilight Cantors can stop souls from falling to the Bent Dance?
In my time, we had no such songs. I am glad to see it! Yet this means they are at greatest risk of being hunted by that Rajaska-z'har."

Rajaska-z'har?

"The leader of the Rajaska, the first of their kind. Her name is Ravith-morna. She will prey on these cantors, rebuild her ranks. I died when I faced her.
But then I was alone. Here and now, I think you and I are meant to act together. To stop her."

Why do you think that?

"Why else did Azurah send you to find me? These cantors fear me, except for Krin'ze. And the Inquisitors wish to kill me.
It was you who found me. Guided me. Helped me deliver salvation. Now my moonclaw gives a faint pull. It leads me to you, tamiit."

Tamiit. What does that word mean?

"In my time, it was a word of partnership. If we travel together, our souls will move as twin moons. Strengthened by our bond.
You see, the world has changed much since my time. There is much for me to explore and learn. I am eager to see it all."

Are you saying you want to travel with me?

Leaving and returning to the conversation at this point:

"To put spirits on the path to redemption. To hold the door even when the shadow of unending night pushes against it. This is my calling.
I have found sure footing in this time, thanks to your guidance. Your company. I would like that to continue."

You want to travel with me?

"I would stand with no one else. We stepped into the light from the shadow of my tomb. Together, we struck against the darkness beyond the world.
We saved these cantors, and perhaps even made a friend in Krin'ze. I am honored to walk at your side."

After this coversation, he will open the portal and disappear:

Zerith-var: "When you are ready to hunt the darkness, send for me, my friend."

Beyond a Veil of Twilight[edit]

After you reach friendly rapport with Zerith-var, he will want to talk to you about a letter he recently received:

"Ah, tamiit. Cantor Krin'ze sent us a letter. She wants to meet, though she avoids saying exactly why.
You remember her, yes? The Dagi Twilight Cantor? She is much like the Moon-Singers of my day."

Any idea why she wants to meet with us?

"I assume it concerns the Rajaska. The singers we faced that were turned into dro-m'Athra by the power of dark songs.
Better that than the Inquisitors or that high cantor. They see my very existence as some sort of heresy."

Does she say where she wants to meet?

"Redfur Trading Post in northern Grahtwood. If such a place was standing in my time, it went by another name. It could be the ruins of the Halls of Colossus for all I know.
Please, lead the way. Let us make haste to see our ja'rithantii again."

All right. Let's find Cantor Krin'ze at Redfur Trading Post in Grahtwood.

You can then take the opportunity to ask him several questions:

"Redfur Trading Post. Hmm. I remember Grahtwood from my travels as a young cub.
The hot days in those jungles could make paste of our moon-sugar stores. If anything has changed since my time, I hope it is the weather."

Before we head out, I want to ask you something.

"My eyes see many things in shadow, tamiit. I can tell you what I see as I see it."

Remind me about our last encounter with Rajaska. What do I need to know?

"Rajaska are rithantiin fallen to the Bent Dance. Moon-singers possessed by Namiira's Void. In the present age, they prey on Twilight Cantors, like Krin'ze and her cohort. Exorcists who drive back the dark by way of song."

So they prey on the very people who might stop them.

"They prey on those with music in their hearts, whose power can be twisted to strengthen their ranks.
You and I can stop them. As we did in Claw's Strike and the Vile Manse. With your might and the tools of my order, we can redeem their fallen souls."

And you know all this because you fought Rajaska before?

"Fighting their leader is how I met my end. The inscription on my tomb said they disappeared from this world when I died.
They have returned, and I believe Azurah herself sent me back to dispatch them. We only need to find them."

Have you had any contact with Cantor Krin'ze since the incident at the Vile Manse?

"Just this letter.
Since last I saw you, I worried the high cantor might have turned our ja'rithantii's heart against us. But if she writes to us for help, clearly that cannot be the case. I just wish she had written sooner."

What do you think of High Cantor Viti?

"I have a low opinion of this high cantor. But, then again, perhaps this is unfair. I hardly know her.
She is loyal to those Inquisitors of the new faith of Elsweyr, yes? This Riddle'Thar that brands me a heretic."

Have you learned more about the Riddle'Thar?

"As much as I can stomach. The moonlight these fanatics worship is sterile. They follow lifeless teachings of some false prophet.
Their world is flat and colorless. Those who are not ignorant of my order look upon it with revulsion. I pity them."

That sounds difficult to deal with.

"Ah, but I forget my blessings, tamiit. It is because of Cantor Krin'ze's curiosity and devotion to Azurah that she found you. And you found me.
Azurah wished our paths to cross. Now we walk one path together. Perhaps Krin'ze will join us in time."

Are you worried about encountering the Rajaska or the Inquisitors again?

"I never worry about the inevitable. Our paths will cross again, and soon.
I know how to stop Rajaska. Their presence here explains mine. But I do not know how to navigate this new faith, these Inquisitors. Thank Azurah that you are here to help me."

How are you doing, Zerith? I know everything is different from what you remember.

"This Second Era as you have called it is a tumultuous time! Conflict finds purchase in every corner of Nirni and even planes beyond.
It is strange to see what is still remembered, what is new, and what has been forgotten."

Sounds like you might be homesick for the Elsweyr of your time.

"Some part of me always will be. But it is clear I am needed here now. With you.
I am immensely grateful for this second pounce, tamiit. Knowing it is for a reason and a purpose makes it easier to appreciate the wonders of this age."

The wonders of this age?

"There are more things now that unite than divide. Guilds, factions, parties of adventurers all working toward common goals. Friendships forged like the bonds of family. Distance is not the obstacle it was back in my day. It is inspiring to see."

Once you enter Redfur Trading Post, you will find Cantor Krin'ze outside the Tomb of Anahbi and she calls you over:

Cantor Krin'ze: "Bright moons! There you are. Over here!"

Zerith-var: "We came as quickly as we could, ja'rithantii."

Talking to Zerith-var before Cantor Krin'ze:

"You speak to Cantor Krin'ze while I watch for any lurking Inquisitors."

Speaking with Cantor Krin'ze, you learn she is looking for her friend Cantor Izalgo, as he was assigned to a nearby exorcism mission with a group of Inquisitors, but they have all gone missing. Furthermore, this is just the latest in a recent string of Twilight Cantors disappearing, with the Inquisitors' investigations going nowhere. She will ask you to speak with the locals about Izalgo and to return to her once you have news.

Talking to Zerith-var afterwards:

"Cantor Izalgo readily came to Redfur to answer a plea for help. And when he disappeared, Krin'ze dropped everything to come after him.
It warms my heart to see such kindness, but I worry it may be the undoing of these cantors. Let us ask around."

There will be several citizens you can question, but Tashar will know the most. He's says he had already been questioned by the Inquistors and will tell you the same thing, Cantor Izalgo was going to Goldfolly, but he knows that no one in Redfur had reported anything that would require an exorcism. After this Zerith-var will be ready to go:

Zerith-var: "Let us make haste to Goldfolly. We may still be able to save Cantor Izalgo."

Speaking to him at this point:

"I am beginning to think Cantor Izalgo was drawn here by a ruse. A trick of the Rajaska to isolate him and turn him to their ranks.
We should get to this Goldfolly as soon as we can."

Once you arrive on the outskirts of Goldfolly:

Zerith-var: "My moonclaw. It senses dro-m'Athra nearby. Let us look around."

Speaking to him in Goldfolly:

"This place is not as deserted as it seems. My gauntlet reacts when it gets close to dro-m'Athra, and it is reacting very intently right now. Be ready for anything, tamiit."

Looking around, you will find the body of a dead inquisitor:

Zerith-var: "A dead Inquisitor. I shall invite forth his spirit. Perhaps he will be more amenable in death than in life."

<Zerith-var summons Inquisitor Sumanji's spirit.>

Inquisitor Sumanji: "What … what has happened to me?"

Speaking with Zerith-var before the inquisitor:

"Speak to the spirit quickly. I hold it in cupped claws. If he decides to depart, I will not stop him."

Talking to Inquisitor Sumanji, he will explain he was questioned by the Rajaska about Zerith-var before being killed. As for Cantor Izalgo, he was the one that lead the Inquisitors to Rajaska via a trapdoor near the stables.

Once you finish talking to him, Zerith-var will release his spirit:

Zerith-var: "Our thanks for your testimony. May you find peace in Azurah's embrace."

Talking to Zerith-var afterwards:

"If only these Inquisitors were as helpful in life as they are in death.
Behind the stables, he said. Quickly, tamiit. Before Cantor Izalgo bends to the shadow with the other Rajaska."

Behind the stables, you find the Abandoned Mining Tunnel and go down into the cave. Speaking with Zerith-var afterwards:

"Var. I sense dro-m'Athra nearby. Maaz'koh ska'ell, tamiit. Be on your guard."

Nearby, you will see a Bent Inquisitor who taunts Zerith-var with Ravith-morna's name as he attacks you. Once he is slain, Zerith-var comments:

Zerith-var: "That was one of the Inquisitors. A Rajaska bent his soul."

Looking around, you will find Cantor Izalgo's Journal in a small workshop set up in the cave. After you read it, Zerith-var will comment:

Zerith-var: "Izalgo's journal? He mentions Ravith-morna. This is troubling. Let us return to Krin'ze at the northwest temple in Redfur."

Speaking to him before leaving the cave:

"Our missing cantor wrote of dark dreams and a darker melody. Ravith-morna. At least he is not here. Hope remains until it does not.
Let us return to Krin'ze while I ponder Izalgo's words."

When you return to the Redfur Trading Post, you will find Inisez and Bakkhiza discussing the arrival of another Twilight Cantor who had been loudly berating Cantor Krin'ze. Heading to the northeast area of the settlement, you cross paths with High Cantor Viti once again:

Zerith-var: "Ziss. That is the high cantor, yes? Looking as sour as ever. What is she doing here?"

High Cantor Viti: "At last, my sahida's presence here makes sense. You lured her here!"

You have the option of speaking with the High Cantor or continuing on to Krin'ze. After your conversation with High Cantor Viti:

High Cantor Viti: "This one knows what she senses. An exorcist of my years is not wrong about such things. There is darkness in you, Zerith-var."

Zerith-var: "Let her go, tamiit. We should tell Krin'ze what we found in Goldfolly."

Speaking to him afterwards, you can ask what High Cantor Viti meant:

"High Cantor Viti speaks of us with venom and contempt. Just as she did when we saw her at Vile Manse. Perhaps it was foolish of me to expect better from her.
Let us speak to Krin'ze."

You're not bothered by what High Cantor Viti said about you?

"I am hurt that she would speak with such venom. And angered that she would seek to turn you against me.
But … she is not wrong about me. Darkness gathers in my soul, like in any Khajiit."

You're not afraid of turning into a dro-m'Athra, are you?

"My training with the Hidden Moon armors my soul. Unless I abandon my faith in Azurah, it will keep me from bending to the dark.
High Cantor Viti does not know this. Could not know this. But in my life before, I passed far greater tests than these."

What are these tests you're talking about?

"Ha. Surviving them is one thing. Recounting them another.
Soon, tamiit. But we should not keep Krin'ze waiting."

As you approach Cantor Krin'ze, she will call you over and Zerith-var as you to talk to her:

Cantor Krin'ze: "Oh, you have returned. Thank Azurah!"

Zerith-var: "Tamiit, tell her what we found. I need to collect my thoughts."

Talking with Cantor Krin'ze you explain what you found out, but admit you have hit a dead end. Krin'ze will then suggest asking Zerith-var about the Rajaska and Ravith-morna, as he seems to have a history with her. At this Zerith-var will comment:

Zerith-var: "I hoped we would not have to shed light on that chapter of my past."

Cantor Krin'ze: "Azurah sent you back for a reason. Could this not be it?"

Speaking with Zerith-var, he will try and explain who Ravith used to be and his relationship with her:

"I will tell you what I know. Before she fell to the Bent Dance, Ravith-morna was Moon-Singer Ravith. In my time, moon-singers were not so different from Twilight Cantors.
My memory of her holds a sorrow I have trouble putting into words."

Try, Zerith. We need all the information we can get about Ravith-morna.

"She was the first I ever called tamiit. I would come to call her more than that. In the end, I died trying to stop her.
Besha ahnz'ii, my friends. This memory weighs heavy on my heart. To me, that battle, my death … it happened only yesterday."

How did Ravith fall to the Bent Dance?

"I do not trust my tongue to recount this sad tale, but there is a ritual I could perform. It allows us to walk the path of my memories. But I must perform it in a specific place.
Try to keep an open mind. What you and Krin'ze see may trouble you."

You want Cantor Krin'ze to come with us?

"She has been gracious in trusting us where others in her order are wary. If she is willing, I would trust her to see the worst parts of me. As I trust you.
Var. Let us venture to Ja'zennji Siir to enact this ritual before I change my mind."

Ja'zennji Siir? Where's that?

Cantor Krin'ze will explain what Zerith-var is talking about:

Cantor Krin'ze: "Zerith speaks of Jode's Light. West of Dune in Reaper's March. There is a ritual chamber at the back of the western atrium. For the ritual of Ku-ji'zho, yes?"

Zerith-var: "I am glad to hear it is still known in this time. You are welcome to travel with us, ja'rithantii."

Cantor Krin'ze: "I would not miss it! I will gather the components needed for this ritual and meet you there."

You can ask him more questions about the ritual:

"Jode's Light. I did not think to translate it. But this is a different time, yes?
Let us make haste, tamiit. There may still be a way to save Izalgo and the other cantors if we can figure out where Ravith-morna lairs."

Tell me more about this ritual you're going to perform.

"The ritual of Ku-ji'zho requires deep meditation in a place close to one's faith.
We will burn braziers of specially treated moon-sugar and meditate. I will focus on my memory of Ravith. Then, the visions will take us."

Take us where?

"I am not certain. I have only ever filled your role in the ritual. As a ba'vedik, a supporter.
Memory can be like a shroud to the one enacting the ritual. You will help me carry this shroud so I am not smothered by my past."

Does this mean I'll get to see the world as it was in your time?

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. The ritual of Ku-ji'zho will call forth turning points in my life. Many of those involved Ravith.
But it brightens my skies that you would wish to see the world where I came from."

After you enter Jode's Light, Zerith-var will comment:

Zerith-var: "The ritual chamber lies to the west, tamiit. I will guard our tails."

Speaking with him, he will lament the state of the temple:

"How could the moon bishops allow this place to fall to such a state? Shameful. Just shameful.
The ritual chamber is in the western half of the temple, tamiit. Lead the way."

When you enter the Ritual Chamber, Cantor Krin'ze will be waiting for you:

Cantor Krin'ze: "Welcome! Khenarthi blessed me with swift travels and I have prepared the chamber. All we need now is the two of you."

Zerith-var: "Jode's love and S'rendarr's charity! Thank you, Krin'ze."

Zerith-var: "Tamiit, you will lead us through my past as we peer into the shadows of memory. Begin by igniting the braziers here."

Speaking with him before lighting the braziers:

"Once you ignite the braziers, kneel before the altar. The vapor will open our minds to visions of times past."

After lighting the two braziers, you will need to join Cantor Krin'ze and Zerith-var in meditation:

Zerith-var: "Kneel with me before the altar. Together we will spin my memories from the moon-sugar in the air."

Speaking with Zerith-var before kneeling on the cushion:

"Kneel before the altar and meditate on Ravith and my past."

As you begin to meditate, you are pulled into Zerith-var's memory of the Shrine of the Hidden Moon where he first met Moon-Singer Ravith.

Cantor Krin'ze: "This place, it is beautiful!"

Zerith-var: "We stand in the meditation chamber of the Hidden Moon temple, as it was in my youth. Tamiit, you will guide us. Touch the light of memory when you wish to proceed."

Speaking with Zerith-var before viewing the memory:

"Tamiit. Together we will walk the path of my memories so you can see the events of which I cannot speak.
When you are ready, touch the light of memory. Then this memory will unfold."

You will see the Memory of Zerith-var meditating and can interact with the floating light to see the first part of the memory play out:

<Moon-Singer Talbira and Ravith walk down the stairs to Zerith-var.>

Memory of Moon-Singer Talbira: "Here he is. My former partner. Rise, Zerith-var! I finally found you a partner you might actually be able to work with. Meet Ravith."

<Zerith-var gets up from meditating and walks over to them.>

Memory of Zerith-var: "Moon-Singer Talbira. You bring me another one? I told you, no more pretty voices that turn tail as soon as we set foot in the darkness."

Zerith-var: "Never watch your past self if you can avoid it, tamiit."

When you interact with the second light, the rest of the memory will play out:

Memory of Moon-Singer Ravith: "Ahh, I see. The cat who walks only at night thinks everyone else fears the dark."

<Moon-Singer Ravith looks over at Moon-Singer Talbira.>

Memory of Moon-Singer Ravith: "I see why you wish to pass him to another, Talbira. Do they keep him here because it is the only place in the temple large enough for his big head?"

Memory of Moon-Singer Talbira: "Ha! I knew you would make a perfect match. If you do not kill each other, you will be tamiiti in no time."

Memory of Zerith-var: "We will see about that. Let us hear this song of yours, then, Ravith."

Zerith-var: "And that was how I met Moon-Singer Ravith."

You can then speak with Zerith-var afterwards:

"You have now seen how I first met Ravith. It was … an inauspicious start."

When did this memory actually occur?

"When I was still a young student with much to learn.
It was the practice of the Hidden Moon to partner their adepts with Moon-Singers. Talbira was mine until she was late in her years. Others were chosen for me, but none lasted. Not until Ravith."

Why do you think that is?

"Few can bear to walk the path of the Hidden Moon, where we have little comfort aside from faith. Ravith came from nothing. Feared nothing. Her faith in Azurah filled her with the same fire that filled me.
When you are ready, let us move on."

I'm ready.

After speaking with Zerith-var, you will be pulled into his second memory of the Zhan Khaj Adeptorium, where he and Ravith are shown training:

Cantor Krin'ze: "Kra, look at the size of this place! Is this a training session?"

Zerith-var: "Just so. Years passed, and Ravith and I bonded deeply. With that depth came darkness."

Talking with Zerith-var before viewing the memory:

"This next memory … well, touch the light when you are ready to see it."

Interacting with the memory, you see the first part:

<Moon-Singer Ravith is seen leaning over and looks exhausted.>

Memory of Zerith-var: "No more practice today, Ravith. Let us rest."

Memory of Moon-Singer Ravith: "Not yet. One more try!"

Memory of Moon-Singer Ravith: "My song will work, th'murr. Raise the construct."

Zerith-var: "It was not advised for rithantii and hadaliit, singer and adept, to share such bonds. We did not listen."

Memory of Zerith-var: "As you wish, Ravith. Sing for me!"

<Zerith-var summons a Bone Goliath>

Memory of Moon-Singer Ravith: "Grant me the strength to protect him when all others forsake me."

Zerith-var: "Ravith sang. It contained a rhythm, an undertone, we both knew well."

At this, you can interact with the second light and see what happens next:

<Moon-Singer Ravith begins singing and the Bone Goliath disappears in a burst of light, with Zerith-var being thrown back.>

Memory of Moon-Singer Ravith: "Zerith!"

<Moon-Singer Ravith runs over to Zerith-var and crouches beside him.>

Memory of Zerith-var: "The bones … the soul! You destroyed them. They are completely gone! Ravith, what was that song?"

Memory of Moon-Singer Ravith: "I prayed for strength, and it just … came to me. It was meant to protect you."

Zerith-var: "We both heard it, then. The drums of the Bent Dance."

You can then speak with Zerith-var about what you saw:

"Azurah commands that we love ourselves. We cannot resist who we are, what we feel. But emotions that fill us so completely invite the Void to creep in.
You just saw the first time Ravith channeled that darkness. And opened a door for Namiira."

You loved her too, didn't you? Then why didn't that door open for you, too?

"Of course. We were so filled with love, with music, that I feared losing her. Just as she feared losing me. But while my training armored my soul, it could not save Ravith.
Namiira coaxed her into the dark, taking her heart one piece at a time."

How did she do that?

"She convinced Ravith that if Azurah knew we loved each other more than we loved her, she would never let us be together.
I prayed for help. Begged. But there was nothing to be done. Azurah cannot help those that do not want to be saved."

And that's when Ravith became Ravith-morna?

"I will show you. And Krin'ze. This is the part that may be the most difficult for her to see. And for me.
Are you ready?"

I'm ready.

After speaking with Zerith-var, you find yourself in the third memory you find yourself on the grounds of the Star Haven Adeptorium, there are many bodies scattered around:

Cantor Krin'ze: "This is Star Haven Adeptorium! Dark moons, so many dead."

Zerith-var: "The work of a voice both great and terrible. Touch the light of memory and you will see."

Cantor Krin'ze runs ahead until she reaches where Zerith-var and Moon-Singer Talbira are confronting Ravith-morna.Moon-Singer Talbira singing desperately as she somehow binds Ravith-morna in place, an injured Zerith-var will be lying on the ground nearby:

Cantor Krin'ze: "Ravith. She's … fallen to the darkness."

Zerith-var: "Fallen so far and so quickly, I was helpless to stop it. And I was ill-prepared to see to her end."

Speaking with him before viewing the memory:

"I brought you to observe, tamiit. Witness now what I do not have the strength to put into words."

Touch the memory light, to see what happened:

Memory of Moon-Singer Talbira: "Ravith is … too powerful. My song … weakens. Zerith, you must act now!"

<Zerith-var staggers to his feet.>

Memory of Moon-Singer Talbira: "I am sorry, Zerith. There is no one else. In Azurah's name, reclaim your blade and end this!"

Memory of Zerith-var: "Do not make me kill you, Ravith. Please!"

Memory of Ravith-morna: "Our hearts beat as one, Zerith. What will it do to you if you turn your blade upon me?"

Memory of Moon-Singer Talbira: "Zerith, you must strike now!"

Memory of Zerith-var: "I … I am sorry. Besha ahnz'ii."

Zerith-var: "Enough! I cannot stand to see this happen again!"

You can then speak with Zerith-var:

"I am sorry, tamiit. I cannot continue this ritual. The pain of this memory, it burns like a wound reopened.
Please. Do not ask me to continue"

What did we just see, Zerith?

"Ravith gave in to Namiira and became the first Rajaska. She stalked the other moon-singers at Star Haven Adeptorium, bent them to join her chorus. Any of the Hidden Moon that opposed her, she slaughtered them.
All but Moon-Singer Talbira and me."

Then how did you and Talbira stop Ravith-morna?

"My former partner was strong. With Azurah's aid, she created a song to ensnare even a Rajaska. She ordered me to take up my sword. And I ….
The pain. I can speak of this no more! Please, tamiit! Abandon this ritual."

All right, Zerith. End the ritual.

At this you will return to the real world:

Cantor Krin'ze: "We have left the memories? Azurah be praised!"

Zerith-var: "I could not witness any more. Talk to Krin'ze, tamiit."

If you try talking to him before Krin'ze:

"I need a moment, tamiit. Please. Speak with Cantor Krin'ze."

Speaking with Cantor Krin'ze, she thinks that you find should and speak to Moon-Singer Talbira's spirit about the song that was stopping Ravith-morna, as it would be a valuable weapon for fighting her. She suggests finding the Tomb of the Moon-Singers within the Rimmen Necropolis. After speaking to her:

Zerith-var: "An interesting idea, Krin'ze. Talbira rests in the crypts at Rim'kha."

<Zerith-var tries opening a portal with the moonclaw.>

Zerith-var: "Here, Azurah guides our path to those halls. Let us depart."

Talking to him before leaving:

"Cantor Krin'ze is driven by purpose, tamiit. Let us accommodate her idea. And, above all, keep her safe from harm."

I want to talk to you about what we saw in your last memory.

"The ritual caused me a great deal of pain, tamiit. Speaking about it only opens wounds I would rather remain closed.
Let us invite forward the spirit of Moon-Singer Talbira, as Krin'ze suggests. Through her, everything will be brought to light."

Once inside Rimmen Necropolis:

Zerith-var: "My moonclaw. It senses Daedra and unquiet undead."

Zerith-var: "The tomb is much deeper in, to the east. We will carve a path for you, Krin'ze."

Cantor Krin'ze: "Oh—all right. Azurah guide you both."

Talking to Zerith-var at this point:

"The Tomb of the Moon-Singers. It lies to the northeast of the main atrium.
Be wary. I sense this place is not as quiet as one would expect a tomb to be."

Once you reach the entrance to the Tomb of the Moon-Singers:

Zerith-var: "There is the door to the crypt. Now that it is safe, let us send for Krin'ze."

Cantor Krin'ze: "No need. I am here."

Zerith-var: "You followed us, ja'rithantii?"

Cantor Krin'ze: "The Hidden Moon and the ancient Moon-Singers worked together, yes?"

Cantor Krin'ze: "If I am to learn their songs, I should walk as they did. Now, shall we enter?"

When you enter the Tomb of the Moon-Singers, Zerith will confirm there are no undead here:

Zerith-var: "I sense no ill will ahead. These remains are undisturbed, thank Azurah."

Speaking with Zerith-var here:

"Moon-Singer Talbira was entombed here when she passed. For me to invite her spirit to talk to us, we must locate her remains.
Let us search quickly, tamiit."

In the Moon-Singer's Cinerarium, you will find a large urn and a stone tablet titled In Memory of Moon-Singer Talbira:

Zerith-var: "Moon-Singer Talbira. Find her remains, tamiit, and I can invite her forward."

Talking to Zerith before checking the urn:

"Check that urn. Make sure it still holds the remains of Moon-Singer Talbira. Once you make the confirmation, I shall invite her spirit to return."

Once the Urn's owner is confirmed, Zerith-var will begin the ritual but something unexpected occurs:

Zerith-var: "Moon-Singer Talbira, I beseech you …. Azurah's light!"

Cantor Krin'ze: "My head! Such pain!"

Cantor Krin'ze: "What is happening?"

Speaking with Zerith-var befor checking Krin-ze:

"The spirit of Moon-Singer Talbira, did it enter Cantor Krin'ze?
Speak to her, tamiit. Talbira is still here, I can sense her … somewhere."

When you talk to Cantor Krin'ze, she will sense something vile approaching and the conversation ends. Cantor Krin'ze runs further into the room and stops as Izalgo-morna appears:

Cantor Krin'ze: "A rising darkness. Do you feel it? Oh no … Izalgo?"

Cantor Krin'ze: "No! Cantor Izalgo has fallen!"

Zerith-var: "Krin'ze, use this portal. Go! We will deal with Izalgo-morna."

If you try talking to Zerith-var before fighting Izalgo-morna:

"Not now, tamiit! We must deal with Izalgo-morna!"

As you approach Izalgo-morna:

Izalgo-morna: "Ravith-morna sends her regards. I bear a dirge for Zerith-var and all who stand beside him."

Zerith-var: "Krin'ze safely departed. That is what matters most."

After Izalgo-morna is slain, Zerith will cleanse Izalgo's spirit:

Zerith-var: "Find peace in Azurah's embrace, rithantii."

Zerith-var: "Let us follow Krin'ze through the portal. I sent her to the first safe place I could think of."

Talking to Zerith-var before entering the portal:

"The portal, tamiit. Let us get to Cantor Krin'ze before anything else occurs."

The portal will take you to the Tomb of Zerith-var where Cantor Krin'ze has been waiting for you:

Cantor Krin'ze: "Thank Azurah! I was about to come after you. I know Talbira's song! I could have helped."

Zerith-var: "Izalgo's soul is at peace. Save your voice for when we face Ravith-morna."

Talking to Zerith-var before Cantor Krin'ze:

"Speak to Krin'ze, tamiit. Spirits rarely act as Talbira's did today. You should see what she has to say about her experience."

After speaking with Cantor Krin'ze you can return to Zerith-var to complete the quest:

"The spirit of Moon-Singer Talbira, reborn into Cantor Krin'ze? Returned to this plane just as I was? As Ravith-morna was?
Azurah's purpose for me becomes more clear. And yet more fraught as well."

The message that Moon-Singer Talbira gave Cantor Krin'ze. Do you know what it means?

"Forgiveness cannot abide when truth festers in shadow? Yes. I am certain I understand Talbira's message.
But Krin'ze does not. Strange. Perhaps the Moon-Singer still has things to teach our cantor. She will understand soon enough."

Can you explain what the message means to me?

"I tried, tamiit. I truly did. With you at my side, I thought I was ready to confront my past. But the pain … I was wrong. I am sorry.
But Azurah has given us a path forward. Talbira is here, lending us her song. So it was not for nothing."

How does that help us?

"Talbira's song was powerful enough to hold Ravith-morna, to drown out her voice. Ravith has forsaken Azurah. But perhaps we might yet persuade her to return to the light.
Of course, Krin'ze will need time to practice before that day comes."

And we'll need to find Ravith-morna.

Leaving and returning to conversation at this point:

"I was fortunate that you were at my side when we faced the fallen Cantor Izalgo.
And Azurah has blessed us by allowing us to acquire Moon-Singer Talbira's song. At least, we will have it after Krin'ze practices it."

^(?)

"We explored my past and rediscovered Talbira's song. Azurah will guide us to confront these shadows when the time is right.
For now, let us leave Krin'ze to practice in peace. You and I can continue to build our strength so we are ready to strike."

Talking to Zerith again after completing the quest:

"Tamiit. To know that the spirit of my old mentor now dwells somewhere within Cantor Krin'ze ….
Truly, Azurah moves as the moons do in the sky. In silence, mysterious and profound."

What does this mean for us?

"Somewhere in Cantor Krin'ze's soul is the song that Moon-singer Talbira used to bind Ravith-morna.
If Krin'ze can hold Ravith-morna in place, perhaps … after all these years … I can persuade her to return to Azurah's embrace."

Paths Out Of Darkness[edit]

When you reach Close Rapport with Zerith-var, he will approach you after receiving a letter from an unlikely person. Talk with him to see what is going on:

"I received an interesting summons, tamiit. Sent by High Cantor Viti, who has been advising the Inquisitors that sent assassins against us. The one who mistrusts my necromancy.
She wants us to visit her at a camp just southwest of Pa'alat."

Did the high cantor say why she wants to meet with us?

"She did not. My hope is the high cantor finally sees that we have a common enemy. More likely, this is a trap. I do not wish to step into it unprepared. And I would like to avoid bloodshed if possible. It would hardly be a fair fight.
For them."

So how do you want to approach this meeting?

"I would like to talk to Cantor Krin'ze first. Get her insight into High Cantor Viti's motives and ensure Krin'ze remains safe.
I sent Ja'kh to lead her to Dunei—err, Dune. In Reaper's March. Will you join me, tamiit?"

All right. Let's go meet Cantor Krin'ze in Dune.

After you agree to go with him, you will receive the Letter to Zerith-var which you have the option of reading. You can also continue speaking with him and ask questions:

"Ja'kh will find our little moon-singer and lead her to a safe location outside Dune. I would worry about danger on the road, but Krin'ze has proven quite adept at moving like a shadow.
All the same, let us not keep her waiting too long."

Before we meet with Cantor Krin'ze, can I ask you something?

"Most certainly. Seeking knowledge keeps our minds as sharp as our blades. What would you like to know?"

Can you remind me who High Cantor Viti is?

"A leader of the Twilight Cantors, working with the Inquisitors. She is Cantor Krin'ze's former mentor.
Where Krin'ze is curious and tolerant of the Hidden Moon, High Cantor Viti sees only darkness in my practice of necromancy through Azurah."

Don't the Twilight Cantors worship Azurah, just like the Hidden Moon?

"The power of Azurah echoes in their canticles, yes. But it is an imitation of old traditions. The Riddle'Thar has done much to rob their songs of strength and meaning.
But Krin'ze now harbors the soul of Moon-Singer Talbira, so that may change."

What do you mean?

"Talbira taught Cantor Krin'ze a song that can trap a Rajaska. Once Krin'ze learns it fully, we will find the den of the Rajaska and use the song to end them. And Ravith-morna, my heart from another life. Their leader.
This justice is long overdue."

What are your thoughts on our travels together, Zerith?

"It is a joy to find purpose in this world at your side, tamiit. My soul is made lighter by our deeds in service to others.
If I am distracted of late, it is because I cannot help but ponder the message Moon-Singer Talbira last imparted to us."

What was that message, again?

"She said forgiveness cannot abide while truth festers in shadow.
I suspect I know what truth she speaks of. But finding the words to tell this truth to the one who needs to hear it is no small task."

is speaking this truth such a challenge for you?

"Hrm. You keep me honest, tamiit.
You recall that I had to stop the ritual of memory when Talbira asked me to raise my blade against Ravith-morna. Reliving that pain was physical, somehow. It is that same pain that halts me now."

Pain is stopping you from revealing the truth? Even to me?

"Our partnership is precisely why I do not seek to probe the depths of this agony.
Tamiit move as twin moons. Both of us will be needed to stop Ravith-morna, yes? I will confront this truth in time, but not while this battle looms before us."

You will find Cantor Krin'ze awaiting you on the outskirts of Dune, with the ghostly Ja'kh at her side:

Cantor Krin'ze: "Over here, tamiiti!"

Zerith-var: "Thank you for meeting us, ja'rithantii. Tamiit, you know what we seek. Speak while I keep watch."

Talking with Zerith-var before Cantor Krin'ze:

"You speak to Krin'ze and see what she thinks of the high cantor's summons. Between the two of us, it is no secret that you are easier to talk to."

When you talk to Cantor Krin'ze, she won't be sure of High Cantor Viti's motivations, but she suggests you first ask around Pa'alat for information before heading to the meeting spot. After your conversation with Cantor Krin'ze:

Zerith-var: "Ja'kh will alert us if you run into any trouble. Be well, singer."

Talking to him before moving on:

"Let us follow Cantor Krin'ze's wisdom. We may understand more about what to expect from the meeting with High Cantor Viti if we speak to the townsfolk in Pa'alat. Let us see what they have to say about recent events in their area."

When you reach Pa'alat and are crossing the bridge, Zerith-var will want to stop and talk for moment:

Zerith-var: "Ra'ham, tamiit. Let us speak before we question the townsfolk."

You have the option of talking to him about his concerns, before moving on:

"There is something on my mind, tamiit. Krin'ze remains in sympathy to our cause, and for that I am thankful.
But only now do I see that course might divide her from her order. Our influence may be isolating her."

You mean from High Cantor Viti?

"Indeed. Though much can be said for our efforts in her favor, we are far from suitable replacements for a mentor.
It can be troubling to lose such a figure in one's life. And to be alone in difficult times leaves room for the darkness to creep in."

What about Moon-Singer Talbira's spirit?

"Talbira's spirit? I see. You mean as a replacement mentor for Krin'ze. I had not thought about such a possibility. Her spirit now resides in Krin'ze, which I still find hard to believe.
And I never saw the dead as much consolation for the living."

Then what do you suggest we do for Cantor Krin'ze?

"Whatever we discover in Pa'alat, we must do what we can to mend the rift between Krin'ze and Viti.
Forgiveness. That is the business of my order. If it were easy, the world would never have needed the Hidden Moon."

All right. But let's see what we can learn about the high cantor's intentions first.

"Once again, you prove yourself a blessing from Azurah, tamiit.
You take the lead on questioning the Pa'alat townsfolk. Even after all our travels together, I am still learning how to talk to people of this age."

Any thoughts on what I should ask these townsfolk?

"We need to learn if the Inquisitors have a presence in or around Pa'alat. And if so, are they in league with the high cantor?
I advise not asking this too directly. Let the townsfolk do most of the talking and see what gossip flows from their lips."

Wandering around Pa'alat, you can speak with Dalzzo, Uzernji and Felaga about what they know. From Felaga, you will also receive the discarded message Summons of the Inquisition, to which Zerith will comment:

Zerith-var: "Stranger and stranger. What does the message say?"

When you read it, you learn the Inquisitors are seeking High Cantor Viti out in order to blame the Twilight Cantors for the spread of the Rajaska:

Zerith-var: "The Inquisitors seek to blame Viti for failing to stop the Rajaska? Come. We must hurry to the meeting place southwest of town."

Before you head to the meeting spot, you can talk to Zerith-var about what you learned from the locals:

"So the Inquisitors seek Viti. They followed her here, just as they chased after Cantor Izalgo in Goldfolly.
Let us proceed to the meeting spot, tamiit. But be wary. The meaning of that message does not make our danger any less real."

Do you have any other thoughts about the courier's message to High Cantor Viti?

"Of course, but let me take another look.
The townsfolk said she was upset at the courier. I can see why. This summons is less of an inquiry and more of an accusation. I have little sympathy for Viti, but this missive makes even my fur rise."

It does refer to you as a heretic.

"It refers to us both as heretics, tamiit. We should be used to such insults by now.
But they blame the Twilight Cantors for failing to stop the spread of Rajaska. Charging those most at risk with failure to protect others? Pathetic."

Do you think the high cantor is in danger?

"Not just High Cantor Viti. The Inquisitors only tolerate worship of Azurah so long as it suits their own needs, yes? They consider the Twilight Cantors to be tools, nothing more.
And when tools no longer serve a purpose? You dispose of them."

You can then head southwest of Pa'alat, to reach the small camp that overlooks the town. As you approach, Zerith-var will see Viti but has second thoughts:

Zerith-var: "There, the high cantor. Wait. I sense … someone else approaches. Quickly, find a place to hide!"

Speaking with him before hiding:

"Quickly, tamiit. We need to find a place to hide."

You can find a basket to hide in and observe what happens, a newcomer will arrive on the scene:

High Cantor Viti: "Show yourself, Inquisitor. Appear and let's be done with this."

Grand Inquisitor Arsalan: "Bold, high cantor. Few invoke the Inquisition so casually."

High Cantor Viti: "Grand Inquisitor Arsalan? To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

Grand Inquisitor Arsalan: "Come now, Viti. You must have received the summons. Your protege, Krin'ze. She consorts with heretics. Tell me where to find her."

High Cantor Viti: "I do not keep track of every cantor's comings and goings. Beyond that, I have nothing else to say to the Inquisition!"

Grand Inquisitor Arsalan: "Very well. I do so enjoy hunting apostates. Your refusal to cooperate will not be forgotten, Viti."

High Cantor Viti: "He has departed, walker. You might as well come out now."

If you reveal your presence during the conversation, it will immediately stop and the following will happen:^{[verification needed — see talk page]}

^(?): "Oh, gak."

Grand Inquisitor Arsalan: "The heretics? Here?"

Grand Inquisitor Arsalan: "Creatures of darkness seek to strike from the shadows? Two can play at that game. Wait and see."

High Cantor Viti: "You could not wait until that muskarse had gone?"

Zerith-var: "You knew we were here? Well, you did invite us, high cantor. You wished to speak? Then let us do so."

Afterwards, High Cantor Viti walks away from the cliff edge:

High Cantor Viti: "I suppose the two of you would like an explanation."

<Zerith-var approaches her.>

Zerith-var: "As I said when we met, sister Viti, we are on the same side."

Speaking with Zerith-var before High Cantor Viti:

"High Cantor Viti knew we were hiding? My stealthy maneuvers were so much sharper back in my time.
Speak to Viti, tamiit. I will remain vigilant in case this grand inquisitor returns."

Talking with High Cantor Viti, she says that she wants to make amends and ask for you help. She wants Zerith-var to demonstrate his ability to redeem souls to her, in return she will provide all the informed the Inquisitors have on the Rajaska and Ravith-morna. If you decide to help Viti, she will want to meet with you in Orcrest.

At this, Zerith-var will suggest demonstrating his powers right now:

Zerith-var: "We need not go to Orcrest. I will happily demonstrate my powers here. And once you reveal where to find Ravith-morna, we can end the Rajaska threat."

High Cantor Viti: "No, hadaliit. It must be Orcrest. For—wait, someone approaches!"

Cantor Krin'ze: "When do you plan to make amends with your former sahida, high cantor?"

High Cantor Viti: "Krin'ze? This one hoped you were far from the reach of the Inquisitors. Please, sahida. Let us speak."

Zerith-var: "A promising reunion. Let us give them a moment."

You can then talk to Zerith-var about this:

"Thank you for handling that, tamiit. I might have said something that would cause more harm than good.
I am curious about this change of heart and request to witness my skills, but if she seeks to make amends with Krin'ze … I will listen."

Why do you think High Cantor Viti had a change of heart?

"Does it matter? My order deals in forgiveness.
Viti's fear fed her dislike of me, which only fed my own anger. The wheel keeps turning unless we stop it here. Another sign from Azurah, yes? Our path leads to Orcrest."

Completed Orcrest Objective :	Otherwise:
Orcrest is a dangerous place, overrun with plague and monsters. "Typical of this day and age, I am sad to say. But Viti was adamant we go to Orcrest to demonstrate the Hidden Moon's power. We will need to do our best to keep her safe there, whatever the situation." You can rely on me, Zerith.	Do you know anything about Orcrest? Why does Viti want us to go there? "In my age, the city's bazaar was a jewel in the Scar of Anequina. Streets packed with caravans that spilled into the desert. In this time, I anticipate the worst. Viti insisted she witness my powers there. Whatever the reason, we must be vigilant." You can rely on me, Zerith.

At this, Zerith-var will use his Moonclaw to open a portal:

Zerith-var: "Now, if all the talking is done, let us get to Orcrest."

High Cantor Viti: "You surpassed the need for this one's tutelage long ago, Krin'ze. Viti would be honored for you to teach her Talbira's song."

Cantor Krin'ze: "Then we will face these troubles together, as equals. But your guidance will always be appreciated."

Talking to Zerith-var before opening the portal:

"I have opened the way. Let us get to Orcrest and get on with this display."

After you enter the portal and arrive in Orcrest, Viti will tell you where you need to go:

High Cantor Viti: "Our destination lies in the Upper City. A cellar entrance near the town hall. That is our goal."

Zerith-var: "Cantors, remain here. I will open a portal with my moonclaw when we reach the cellar."

You and Zerith-var will have to fight you way to the town hall in the Upper City, speaking with him during this:

"Orcrest is little more than a fetid pit in this age. I weep for the life that once flourished here.
Let us tread carefully as we make our way to the town hall cellar."

When you the cellar door leading to the Orcrest Town Hall Cellar:

Zerith-var: "I believe we have reached our destination."

After you enter the cellar, you will need to find a space for Zerith-var to open a portal:

Zerith-var: "Let us find a clear space so I can open a portal."

Speaking with him at this point:

"Once we find a clear spot, I can open a portal with my moonclaw and bring the cantors here."

As soon as you find some space:

Zerith-var: "This will work. Let me send for our rithantiin."

High Cantor Viti: "Yes, this is it. Viti remembers these halls. Come, quickly!"

Cantor Krin'ze: "Viti, wait! This way, my friends!"

Talking to Zerith-var during the chase:

"The high cantor is surprisingly quick-footed for a cat of her years. Let us keep up!"

You follow Viti to the Inner Cellar, where she will walk towards a skeleton tied to a rack. Talking to Zerith before Cantor Viti:

"Speak with the high cantor. Perhaps she is finally ready to reveal why she has brought us to this desolate location."

When you talk with High Cantor Viti, she explains the body in the room is her sister's, Eifa. Eifa had been treating the plague-inflicted and had turned to necromancy in an attempt to resurrect the dead, and from her desperation she fell under the influence of the Bent Dance. By the time Viti returned, Eifa's corruption was so advanced that the cantor's songs could not cleanse her. She was then forced to kill Eifa before she fully turned into a dro-m'Athra, as a song of banishment would destroy her soul if she fully turned.

At the time, Viti felt this was the best option she had, but with the reveal of Zerith's abilities, Viti hopes that Zerith-var can save her sister's soul. After you conversation with Viti, Zerith-var will give his response:

Zerith-var: "Eifa has been dead for some time. Tamiit, aid me in dispelling the darkness that clouds her path. She needs a clear invitation to come forth."

As Zerith-var begins channeling his power you will assist by dispelling the corrupted soul energy as it appears. The first time you do it:

Zerith-var: "Good! Once more."

The second time:

Zerith-var: "One final time! Eifa, across paths of dawn and dusk, we call to you."

The third and final time, something unexpected happens:

Zerith-var: "Her spirit flows toward the light. She is nearly in reach. Let me—argh!"

Grand Inquisitor Arsalan: "Heretical prayer, apostasy, and necromantic ritual. I have seen enough."

<Zerith-var gets up.>

Zerith-var: "Stand back, cantors! Tamiit, there is no reasoning with him. We must fight!"

Grand Inquisitor Arsalan will not back down and you will be forced to fight and kill him. Afterwards Viti will be worried about Eifa's soul:

High Cantor Viti: "No! Did the Grand Inquisitor banish Eifa?"

Zerith-var: "His might was physical, not spiritual. Eifa is near."

<Zerith-var continues his prayer to Azurah.>

Zerith-var: "Mother of Twilight, deliver us this soul lost on the way to your Crossing. Let us return her to you with a heart as new as dawn."

<Eifa's spirit appears floating before the group.>

High Cantor Viti: "Eifa. This one is so sorry she wasn't there. And for what she did. This one lacked the strength to guide your spirit out of darkness. This one failed you."

Eifa: "It seems you have the strength now. Forgive yourself, little sister, as I forgive you."

Talking to Zerith-var before High Cantor Viti:

"You should speak to Viti. I might gloat about the Hidden Moon, and that would just ruin this touching moment."

What about the Torval Curiata? Should we prepare for another attack?

"Thanks to us, the Inquisitors are leaderless. Without the Grand Inquisitor, I suspect their efforts will be much less coordinated from this point forward.
That is my hope, anyway."

When you speak with High Cantor Viti, she will be thankful for what has been done and keeps up her end of the bargain. Ravith-morna and her Chorus' current lair is in an old shrine to Namiira in Predator Mesa. But before you can continue, Eifa speaks up:

Eifa: "Twilight's blessings, tamiiti. We must speak."

Zerith-var: "I will sustain the spirit's connection. Tamiit, see what she has to say."

Talking to Zerith-var before Eifa:

"I had not thought the spirit of the High Cantor's sister would share words with us. See what she wants, tamiit."

Speaking with Eifa, she explains the spirits on the paths to the Crossing could hear Ravith-morna's Chorus as they sing. And the song is a summoning for a Moon Beast, that will hunt any souls on the path and drag them into the Void. After hearing this, Zerith-var will be ready to go and creates a portal:

Zerith-var: "This is more dire than I realized. But we know their location and we have Talbira's song. We must act now!"

Talking to Zerith-var about his plan before entering the portal:

"A den of darkness hides beneath the dunes of Elsweyr, and now we know its location. Predator Mesa.
We have everything we need. Twilight Cantors. Talbira's song. The element of surprise. We must use this opportunity and move at once."

Do you have a plan?

"We must attack with everything we have.
Summoning a moon beast from Namiira's Void takes time, but we have no idea how close Ravith-morna is to succeeding. She only grows stronger and bends more to join her dark chorus while we delay."

Aren't Krin'ze and Viti vulnerable to the dark song? Are you sure they should come with us?

"Krin'ze knows the song of Moon-Singer Talbira, which will bind Ravith-morna. And Viti insisted on coming. She can protect Krin'ze while you and I silence Ravith's chorus.
This is the chance to finally redeem myself. Are you ready, tamiit?"

I'm ready. Let's go to Predator Mesa.

If you try talking to him again:

"Ravith-morna's plan is hideous, tamiit. We must make haste and find this shrine beneath Predator Mesa."

After the group emerges from the portal in Predator Mesa, Zerith will lay out the plan:

Zerith-var: "We will search to the east for the entrance to this shrine. Cantors, Ja'kh will stay with you. If he senses danger, I will use the moonclaw to gather you."

Zerith-var: "And prepare yourself, ja'rithantii. You must be ready with Moon-Singer Talbira's song when I call for it."

You will then need to search for the entrance to the Shrine of Namiira with Zerith-var, talking to him during this:

"Let us search carefully for Ravith-morna and her Rajaska chorus, tamiit. No doubt the path will be strewn with unimaginable dangers. My moonclaw tells me the darkness is strongest to the east."

When you find the entrance, Zerith-var will want to talk before you continue:

Zerith-var: "Ravith-morna. She is here. Beneath us. I sense her presence. Hahl fajh'na, is this really happening?"

Speak with him to see how he going, Zerith-var will reveal his worries:

"Forgive my haste, tamiit. I hoped if we moved quickly enough, we could outrun my thoughts about … all this. Dispatching the shadow that resides in Ravith. In doing so, we will deliver her from this world for good."

You struggled with that in the past. Are you going to be able to do this, Zerith?

"I certainly feel stronger with you here. But I allowed doubt to catch up with me. There is the matter of forgiveness. If Ravith wants it. If Azurah accepts it.
And who am I, with all my misdeeds weighing upon me, to deliver it?"

Isn't that the reason Azurah sent you back?

"Is it so simple a reason as my own redemption? It leaves so many questions. But they do not matter now. I have you. We have our cantors. They have Talbira's song.
It is time to face this darkness. I have waited long enough."

Then I'm with you, Zerith.

"We are fortunate to have won the trust of two Twilight Cantors. To have them singing for us now, when they are at such risk.
But we must keep them safe. Let us enter this shrine to Namiira and call for them only when their songs are needed."

Ashen Scar Objective Quests[edit]

Zerith-var is not directly involved in this questline but if you talk to him while at different stages of the quests, he will have a lot to say about it. Before starting the first quest, when in the Ashen Scar area, he will say the following when spoken to:

"We are near the Temple of the Hidden Moon. I sense the movements of the undead. Some dark portent shrouds this place, tamiit.
Perhaps we can attend to it together and learn more about the fall of my order."

The Witch of Azurah[edit]

After gaining the quest from Vastarie, he expresses his trust of her:

"I do not feel wary of this Vastarie, tamiit. She seems wise in her wanderings.
We need not tell her of my connection to the Hidden Moon. It is not only difficult to believe, but we clearly have more pressing matters to tend to now."

After completing the quest but before taking the next one^{[verification needed — see talk page]}, Zerith-var urges you to continue:

Zerith-var: "Vastarie illuminates a chapter of the Hidden Moon that I did not live to see. Let us discover what awaits us, tamiit."

Path of the Hidden Moon[edit]

After accepting the quest^{[verification needed — see talk page]}, if consulted, Zerith-var comments on the lich and reaffirms his support for Vastarie:

"Arum-Khal, a lich of the Hidden Moon? I do not know this name. He must have been hadaliit far after my time. But he rises again now.
Vastarie is a witch of Azurah. We should do everything in our power to aid her here."

As you continue through the quest, if no other special conditions are met, he will say the following:

"In my life before, I lost the way from my order. What you learn here, I endeavor to learn as well. To see how the Hidden moon fell from its twilight path.
Lead on, tamiit. This place has need of us. I am with you."

He is awed when Mazza-Mirri suggests you should attempt to wield the Moonlight Blade:

"Mazza-Mirri means to see if you are worthy of wielding the Moonlight Blade?
My moonclaw is a shadow of this most holy implement. I am not worthy of it. But you, tamiit? I would not be surprised. Face this test. I am with you no matter the outcome."

After you successfully complete the trial, he will encourage you to take the blade:

"I knew I was not wrong about you. Azurah guides you.
Take the blade, tamiit."

After taking the blade and speaking to Shando-ri, he says:

Zerith-var: "My tamiit, holding the Moonlight Blade. I am awed, and yet I have no doubt of you deserving such an honor. Let us continue to aid Shando-ri."

After finishing the quest but before taking the next one^{[verification needed — see talk page]}, he notes the comfort what he has learned so far has brought him:

"Shando-ri's story echoes my own. It is a relief to know I am not the only one of Azurah's children to be sent back from the crossing.
He is as lucky to have your aid as I am. Let us continue, tamiit, and see to the deliverance of this Arum-Khal."

The Moonlight Blade[edit]

In the first parts of the quest, Zerith-var expresses his doubts about the Arum-Khal's redeemability:

"Heed Vastarie and Shando-ri, tamiit. But trust that those connected to Azurah cannot be content with destroying the soul of another as the only course of action.
Azurah's gaze is upon us now. Perhaps we may find some way yet to save Arum-Khal."

After speaking to Shando-ri in Arum-Khal's realm, Zerith-var is again troubled by the thought that Arum-Khal is beyond saving:

"Shando-ri really believes Arum-Khal is beyond his reach? Hrrm.
I have my doubts that an implement of Azurah can be used to destroy the spirits of her children. Use the Moonlight Blade as your(sic) are instructed. Azurah will not lead us astray."

After Arum-Khal is redeemed, Zerith-var has thoughts on Azurah's love:

"See the love Azurah has for her children, tamiit. Those most in need of saving are never turned away from her embrace for good. Shando-ri and Arum-Khal both learned that. I am reminded of this lesson, too.
Thank you for seeing this through with me."

After finishing the quest, he remarks:

Zerith-var: "It fills my heart with sorrow, learning at last the fate of my order. But to see two souls made whole depart for the Crossing together ... I am glad we could see it done, tamiit."

If you talk to him near Ashen Scar after completing all three quests, he has the following to say:

"Learning how the Hidden Moon met its end has made quiet the most keen of my sorrows. It does not eclipse my heart to wander these ruins.
I do not gaze at the past, but look forward, and pray the Hidden Moon may yet live again someday."

Quest Commentary[edit]

Other than his Companion and the Ashen Scar objective quests, Zerith-var will have commentary for the completion of a select number of other quests:

Quest	Zerith-var's Commentary
The Demon Weapon	"I care little for this Tharn and trust him even less. But I admire his drive to investigate, and his desire to end this war. Let us continue, if only for Khamira's sake."
The Halls of Colossus	"I hope this Tharn learns a valuable lesson in the consequences in meddling. If only power and curiosity met more often in ways that do not harm the common folk. We have our work cut out for us, tamiit."
A Door Into Moonlight	"My tamiit, Moon Hallowed. As if there was ever any doubt in my heart. With all your practice guiding me, I think you will make a fine guide for Khali and Shazah."^{[verification needed — see talk page]}
Motes in the Moonlight	"I grasp for words, tamiit. The false prophet himself. A choice to doom one of the sisters to a dark fate. The injustice of it wounds me. But we must keep going."
The Den of Lorkhaj	"The ascension of a new mane. I never thought I would see such a thing in my lifetime. It was an unfair choice to put on you, but I think you made the right one, tamiit."^{[verification needed — see talk page]}
The Heir of Anequina	"Khamira, made queen of Anequina. How different this world is from my time. But then or now, it would be clear to me she will make a great leader."^{[verification needed — see talk page]}
Chiaroscuro Crossroads	"The wall of life … restored. I am moved by our work here, tamiit. I pray for Dak'radhi now. That Vijari's soul might find his on the roads to the Crossing. That they both find peace in Azurah's embrace."^{[verification needed — see talk page]}
^{one of the dragonhold epilogue quests}	"My thoughts are with Abnur Tharn, tamiit. I had not expected a sacrifice from one such as him. May his soul know peace, wherever he is now."^{[verification needed — see talk page]}
^(?)	"Though this place is holy to the new faith of Elsweyr, corruption from my time is the same in this one. I am glad to see the dro-m'Athra driven from these halls."^{[verification needed — see talk page]}
Into the Maw	"The Ghost Moon made easy prey of those that survived here. If these Doubting Monks had followed the old ways, this would not have happened. I am glad you were here to stop the spread of darkness, tamiit."^{[verification needed — see talk page]}
^(?)	^(?)

Companion Dialogue[edit]

Much of Zerith-var's companion dialogue with you will depend on your current Rapport with him. The following sections list his known dialogue:

Greetings[edit]

When you talk with him, you can do the following:

Access the Companion Menu and customize his abilities etc.
Ask how he feels about you.
Ask about him.

Greetings
Cordial-Close	Allied-Companion	Wary-Disdainful
"Yes?"	"Speak, tamiit. I am listening."
"I am listening."	"Ah, my tamiit. What do you say?"
"You have my ear, tamiit."	"What is on your mind, tamiit?"
"You have a questioning look about you."	"Let us confer, my friend."
"Share your thoughts with me."	"My ears are open to you, tamiit."

"Let's talk about our partnership."[edit]

With this option, you can ask about his feelings towards you and about himself:

"Certainly."

"As you wish."

At Close Rapport:

"Such words would make my heart light."

"By all means, tamiit."

How do you feel about our friendship? (Cordial to Companion)
Cordial/Friendly	Close	Allied^{green end of the bar}	Companion^{green end of the bar}
"You are my tamiit. We are partners, friends. And we guide each other through the world."	"We bring light wherever we travel, tamiit."	"Azurah saw fit to put me in your path, tamiit. I endeavor every day to deserve it."	"Have I not exalted you in blessings recently, tamiit? Besha ahnz'ii. You are the best part of this turn on Nirni. And the one before, too."
"You are my guide in this strange new world. There is much we might learn from each other."	"I am bonded to you through fellowship, tamiit."	"You are part of my greater purpose here, in this time. I know it."	"You led me to the path of forgiveness, tamiit. I would follow you anywhere in this world or any other."
"I hope it is not too much, the way I rely on your guidance. I endeavor to make myself useful in this partnership."	"I can see clearly why Azurah cast me in your path. We work well together."	"Somehow, you have made wandering by your side in this strange new time feel like home."	"Ours is a story for the moon-singers to tell in songs and poems. I could ask for no better partner, no better guide."
"You are more patient with me than I think I deserve. I am very grateful to you for that."	"Tsin radhin vabazeri. We make each other stronger. Of that, I have no doubt."
Let's talk about something else. (Returns to Greetings)

How do you feel about our friendship? (Wary to Disdainful)^{[verification needed — dialogue needs to be confirmed]}
Wary	Irritated	Disdainful^{Red end of the bar}
"Some partnerships require more effort than others. I am reminded of this lesson when I follow you."	"In the interest of honesty, I do not think us suited for each other's company."	"Azurah is infinite in her forgiveness. With you, I discover the limits of mine."
"I find silence to be your greatest virtue."	"The Order of the Hidden Moon focuses in forgiveness and redemption. When I spend time with you, I feel truly tested in the tenets of my faith."	"You have shown through your actions that you do not care for my thoughts or friendship. So, I wonder, why waste breath in asking?"
Let's talk about something else. (Returns to Greetings)

Tell me something about yourself.
"Despite how much it has changed, I consider it my purpose to protect my homeland. Be it dragon slaying or creeping through caves, if you set out in defense of Elsweyr, please bring me along."
"I think a bounty is a cowardly thing to run from. Face up, and make amends. Heh. And do better to evade capture next time."
"I have light fingers around baubles, and do not mind if you do too. However, I do not approve of parting important things from their owner. Medicine and items of religion, for instance."
"It is common in this time to subjugate souls, yes? To entrap them in soul gems. If you insist on doing this, please do not do it in my company."
"I have always admired those whose healing energies can pull others back from the brink of death. Had I not been called by Azurah to a warrior's creed, I would have liked to follow a healer's path myself."
"Hadaliit of the Hidden Moon were subject to constant training. I hear tales of an... Infinite Archive? Where warriors may endlessly hone their skills. Perhaps we could test our mettle there?"
"I am pleased to drive the undead from the world, wherever we may travel. Slaying vampires or destroying skeletons is but one way to liberate souls in subjugation. If this is our mission, I will never think our time ill-spent."
"Sources of water were few in the Elsweyr of my day. I am always grateful to find and collect water in our travels. I would rather not be scarce of it."
"I would rather not share my first era origin with others we meet in our travels. Azurah sent me back for a reason, tamiit. Best not to doubt her or put ourselves at risk by prompting a lot of questions."
"We did not have this Tales of Tribute game back in my time. It is quite diverting. I would not mind a chance to watch you play. Do not worry, I will bet in your favor. So all the better if you happen to win."
Let's talk about something else. (Returns to Greetings)

Responses[edit]

As a companion, Zerith-var will remark on various situations encountered during your travels.

When summoned:

"Blessings from my Moon Mother."
"By your side, tamiit."
"I am with you."
"In light or shadow, I am here."
"Khenarthi's wind at my back. Let us go."
"Let us travel like twin moons."
"Many paths await us."
"May we walk paths as many as Ahka."
"My moonclaw draws me to you."
"Shall we find some mischief?"
"Together again."
"Where will our roads lead us today?"
"Who might we aid today?"
"Everything is brighter when we travel together."

When idle:

"There was this old clan-mother I knew. I would roll my eyes every time she spoke of the good old days of her youth. Now, the things I hear myself say … I sound very much like her. It seems nostalgia rivals skooma in its potency."
"There are so many ways of getting around in this time. We did not ride as often in my day. We trekked across the dunes. Uphill both ways."
"It is nice to have someone with which to share meditative silences again. … Of course, by saying this, I have broken said silence. Ahh … besha ahnz'ii, tamiit."

When Zerith-var levels up:

"Jo'zhet! A new level of strength and understanding."
"Strength of the exiled Boethra. It finds me, even now."
"What is this strength? The might of Alkosh, perhaps?"

When you level up or gain a Champion Point:

"The purpose of tamiiti made manifest. We make each other stronger."
"I am blessed to see such growth in you, tamiit."
"Jo'zhet! You are stronger every moment."

When starting combat:

"A fight, is it?"
"Bahlee dad'niit!"
"By the Hidden Moon!"
"Get ready!"
"Hiich radhin, tamiit!"
"I am with you, tamiit!"
"I will watch over you."
"Ka'is, jekosiit! Let us fight!"
"Kes kridesi. Another fight?"
"Khenarthi, lend us haste!"
"Khenarthi, make this swift."
"Pray for mercy."
"Show me your claws."
"Swift as Khenarthi!"
"To arms, tamiit!"
Trajii ba'vedik!"
"Watch yourself!"
"What are they thinking?"
"You give me no choice!"
"You are a knave and a jeek!"
"You will not last." ^{[verification needed — or ending combat]}

When ending combat:

"Bebaj-var. It is done."
"Evil never sleeps of its own accord." ^{[verification needed]}
"It is over? Hrrm."
"Jo'zhet! It is done."
"Ka'iir! Begone."
"Let this be a lesson."
"Peace. For now."
"Rest and know peace."
"Rest now." ^{[verification needed — killing undead?]}
"Silence. At last."
"They left us no choice."
"Until you rise again."
"Var, var, var."
"We did what we had to."
"We emerge victorious."
"Soz fif'rai trajii, sa'purahd."

When low on health:

"Dhiz maziin! Help me!"
"I have a second life, but I can still lose it."
"Moon Mother ... spare me ...."
"Tamiit … my wounds …."
"The Crossing beckons once more."

When you're low on Health:

"S'rendarr! You are wounded, tamiit!"
"Tamiit! Stay with me!"

When you die:

"Come back to me. As I did to you."
"Fajh'na. You cannot leave me like this!"
"Jone and Jode, no!"
"Moon Mother, return my tamiit to me!"
"Tamiit! No!"

When you resurrect him: ^{[verification needed]}

"Azurah, give us strength!"

When you're low on Stamina:

"You have exhausted your strength, tamiit!"

When you become snared or immobilized:

"Fif zhat! Move, quick!"
"Tamiit, move!"
"You are trapped. Move!"

When you become stunned:

"Focus on my voice! Break free!"
"Free yourself, tamiit!"
"It is in your mind, tamiit!"
"Ra'ham! Find your center!"
"Unshackle your mind, tamiit!"

When you heal him:

"A gift of vitality. Ahzith rabah, tamiit."
"Bless you, my friend."
"Jone's mercy! That was close."
"S'rendarr's blessings to you, tamiit!"
"Savior and protector. That is the tamiit I follow."
"You glow with S'rendarr's light, my friend."
"You show me Jone's mercy."

When you use your ultimate:

"With the wrath of Boethra!"
"Send them running!"
"Ji'zho tsin'radhi!"
"[awed laughter]"

When using his ultimate: ^{[verification needed]}

"Azurah, witness my devotion!"
"Dusk and dawn, ignite within me!"

When getting on a mount:

"Ahzith rabah."
"Fif'zah!"
"Hah!"
"Let us move."
"We move with the wind."
"We ride."
"With haste!"
"With Khenarthi's swiftness!"
"You tire of walking? Very well."

When you harvest any material node:

"A potent find, tamiit."
"A useful find."
"Another find for your deep pockets."
"Good find, tamiit."
"Material full of potential."
"What might you make with that?"

When you harvest a water node:

"Ah. Liquid treasure."
"Khenarthi's blessings upon this find." ^{[verification needed — may be general harvesting]}
"The swish of fresh water—it soothes me."
"You do not know what a blessing water is until you have gone long without it."
"You will make fine potions with that, I am sure."

When you harvest a cloth node:

"Fine threads make for strong cord. Yes!"
"Imagine the fine attire you might make with that."
"Spin and weave with Mafala's swiftness."

When you harvest a runestone node:

"An inspired find, tamiit." ^{[verification needed — may be general harvesting]}
"I always forget what that rune means."
"Potency, aspect, or essence? Hrrm. Good find."

When you harvest an alchemy node:

"A blessed bounty for potion-making."
"The potential for health or harm."

When you harvest a wood node:

"A sturdy find indeed." ^{[verification needed — may be general harvesting]}
"Do not catch a splinter, tamiit."
"For a furnishing, perhaps?"

When you harvest a jewelry dust node:

"Fair potential for fine adornments."
"Jo-zhet. Useful for not only its luster."
"Such delicate fineries you might craft with that."

When you harvest an ore node:

"A fine ore, tamiit."
"For something to attack? Or something to protect?"
"Such potential from the veins of Nirni."

When you loot a treasure chest:

"Ah, treasure. The draw of all adventurers."
"Ah. Something nice?" ^{[verification needed — or thieves trove]}
"Enjoy this good fortune, tamiit."
"That lock did not stand a chance."

When pointing out a heavy sack:

"I see treasure, tamiit. Quick, while no one is looking."
"Something of value left there. Only fair that it become yours."
"Something useful or valuable there. Perhaps both."
"Treasure there, tamiit. Yours to take."

When you loot a heavy sack:

"A reward for your keen eyes."
"I sensed Ja'kh and suspected mischief. This is a nice surprise."
"Ja'kh must like you, tamiit. In life, he never did anything like this for me."
"Jo'zhet! How useful. Ahzith rabah."
"Wander on, little spirit. May you guide us to riches again soon."
"What generous spirit left such treasure, I wonder?"

When you loot a Thieves Trove or safebox: ^{[verification needed]}

"A very deserving find."
"Make some well-placed bets, and you may be lucky enough to double that find."
"What use is treasure if it stays sealed away?"

When you loot an Epic or greater item:

"An impressive find. Hold on to that, tamiit."
"I wonder which spirit bestows such fortune upon you?"
"Kss. You get all the luck, tamiit."
"Seven shadows, what a find."

When you excavate an antiquity:

"A profound find, tamiit. I am pleased to see it."
"I had not thought such a thing capable of weathering the ravages of time."

When killing a passive snake or beetle: ^{[verification needed]}

"Mafala keep your shame."
"Was that necessary, tamiit?"

After killing a mudcrab:

"At last. The shores are free from this terror you call … mudcrab."
"I thought that was a rock. Bravely done, tamiit."

After killing a World Boss or elite enemy: ^{[verification needed]}

"Besha, Azurah. Besha."
"Boethra's path leads us to victory."
"Fahj'na! That was intense."
"Invigorating display, tamiit."
"Thus is the way of the Hidden Moon."

After killing undead: ^{[verification needed]}

"Cease your rattling."
"Our weapons are but one cure for your kind."
"May the earth grind you to dust."
"Stay buried next time."
"You are free from servitude." ^{[verification needed — only on killing skeletons?]}
"May your bones serve better."

After killing a dro-m'Athra:

"A new dawn upon your soul, dark one."
"May your heart be made clean."
"Var tsin'ra." ^{[verification needed — or end of combat]}

After completing a dolmen:

"After how many failed incursions should this Lord of Domination seek to change his name?"
"The shackles of Nirni shall not prosper so long as we are there to break them."
"As with the Lattice, so with Nirni. Tally your failures, Molagh."

After completing a Mirrormoor Incursion:

"One would think creatures as brittle as glass would break more easily. Well done, tamiit."

After ^{[verification needed — a random encounter that requires combat]}:

"A victory worth dedicating to Azurah."
"Foes in such numbers! This era should be thankful that we fight them together."
"Sharp claws on all who see such a swift end!" ^{[verification needed — killing undead?]}
"Wave after wave. I am glad to see it done, and with such finesse."

After defeating a boss in the Infinite Archive:

"A realm of vivified ink. The perfect place to hone our abilities! It would be easy to forget our obligations to Nirni in a place like this."
"Hah! Such battles make me feel young again. Shall we seek to fight another?"
"That fight was quite the gamble. Thrilling! Let us see if we can face another threat of this measure."

When starting combat with a Dragon:

"Demon! Feel the wrath of the Hidden Moon!"
"Hahl fajh'na, a dragon? Show no mercy, tamiit!"
"Like the Kra'Jun of old!"

When entering The Hollow City:

"Reclaiming this place from Molagh can only serve to inspire his wrath."
"^more?"

When near a cooking fire:

"Ahh. Warm like the desert sands."
"The comfort of a fire. As true in your time as much as in mine."

When approaching a delve: ^{[verification needed]}

"Fear not, tamiit. I am ready to explore."
"Stay close, tamiit. What lurks here surely intends us no good."
"Little more than danger ahead, I think. But when has that stopped us before?"

When killing an innocent or using the Blade of Woe:^{[verification needed — one and/or the other]}

"A life taken, and for what? You are better than this!"
"Have you abandoned your conscience? Stop this!"
"Killing as you want is no way to live, tamiit."

When stealing a medicinal or religious treasure:

"Petty thievery I admire. Stealing such as this feels malicious."
"These items mean nothing to you, but could mean everything to their owner."
"Think better of taking such things, tamiit."
"Merid-Nunda guides your greedy hands, I see."

When stealing ^{[verification needed — not med or religious]}:

"Is it really a crime if you are never caught?"
"May that find better use in your hands."
"Such trifles will not be missed."
"Take and give with the same hand, I say."

When attacking an innocent or getting a bounty: ^{[verification needed]}

"Ksss … I feel eyes on us, tamiit. Be more careful, next time."
"Ra'ham, tamiit. Even I know not to be so careless."
"You were spotted. Noctra turns her gaze from you in shame."
"Restraint, tamiit. You would do well to familiarize yourself with the concept." ^{[verification needed — might be necromantic ability only]}

When you get a bounty for using a necromantic ability:

"Kss! Please. Keep such abilities to the shadows!"
"They do not understand our ways, tamiit. You know that!"
"Necromancy, here? You forget yourself, tamiit!"

When your heat drops or your bounty degrades:

"All things fade, even the infamy of our actions."
"Time sees your infractions forgotten."

When using a Counterfeit Pardon Edict or Leniency Edict:

"And what lesson do you get from this action, I wonder?"
"Really? Azurah forbid you might feel the weight of your actions."

When you pay your bounty to a guard:

"You do not flee from the consequences of your actions. Good."
"Fairly done, tamiit."
"And with swift enough fingers, you might take that coin back."

When you summon a feline pet:

"A very pleasing creature. As loyal to you as Ja'kh is to me."
"I wonder if Ja'kh will play nicely with your pet there. But I think he may be as shy in death as he was in life."

When visiting a Striking Locale:

"A place of such beauty eases the ache of being so far from my time."
"Are we stopping here? It seems a fine place to take in the sights."
"The spirits smile upon this place. Bebaj tsin'rajiit."
"What gems we stumble upon, just by exploring together."
"There is a majesty here that surely moves the hands of poets."
"Look around us, tamiit. I would not have you miss the beauty of this place."

When visiting a populated area: ^{[verification needed]}

"Hrrm. Fewer people staring at me than I anticipated. What a strange time you live in."
"I think I read about this place! In a book from my time. It is quite different from what I recall. … Perhaps I misremember. Pay me no mind."
"I will stay close to you, tamiit. I do not wish to lose my way."

When visiting Baandari Trading Post:

"A trading post. The oldest reminder of home."

When visiting Rimmen:

"Rim'kha. How strange that a place may seem both foreign and familiar. Like a friend changed after so many years apart."
"The aqueducts here existed in my time, but often ran dry. Here, they run abundant, and feed farmland. Nothing short of miraculous."
"Walls. Conduct. Order. This is not the grassland oasis I knew. But perhaps that is for the best."

When visiting Senchal:

"Ah, Senchal. I would recognize a breeze off the Topal Bay even with my eyes closed."
"Senchal today is not so different from how it was in my time. Whether that is a complement or not is up to you."
"Senchal. A city built and rebuilt on its own ashes. What a comfort to know some things from my time remain the same."

After completing a Tales of Tribute match:

"So tempting to play … but if I do, you will never pry me away. Better that I watch. For now."
"Hahl fajh'na! You just never know the way these games will go."
"Fascinating. I had not thought a clash between those decks would play out quite that way."
"Ah, I thought it might end that way. Well played, both of you!"
"A very diverting game, tamiit. I will keep to myself who I bet in favor of."

After completing a Tales of Tribute daily quest:

"I cannot help but hear the tales told in each game you play. It is quite diverting."
"A fitting reward for such well-played victories. Let us see it done again soon."
"You play with the cleverness of Baan Dar."

After completing a Northern Defense Force daily quest:

"We tip the scales in favor of my homeland. I thank you, tamiit."
"I like this Zahari. She seems a dependable sort. The kind one might see among the Hidden Moon."

When donating to a beggar:

"Give as freely as you take, I say. Well done, tamiit."

After selecting the Clockwork Curator polymorph:

"Use caution, tamiit. Taking residence in such a construct cannot be good for the soul."

After selecting the Dro-m'Athra skin:

"If you had seen those you love fall to the Bent Dance, tamiit, I do not think you would find this so amusing."
"Ksss. The skin of a Bent Cat? Do you think I would not feel your soul bending before Namiira held you in her clutches?"

Creating/Wearing ^{[verification needed — see talk page]} Dro-m'Athra Style Armor:

"Clothing yourself in the Bent Dance? I feel as though you do not take me seriously, tamiit."
"Fashioning your belongings in the style of dark spirits? To what end? For what purpose?"

Entering the Maw of Lorkhaj zone:

"Drums of the Bent Dance. Dro-m'Athra trespass in this heaven-reaching temple. My fur stands on end."

Talking to Cadwell:

"I do not know this Cadwell, but stories of his name leave a foul taste on my tongue. Please, speak not to him again while I am present."
"This Cadwell puts on a cheerful front, but … I do not trust him, tamiit. You should not, either."

Unsorted

"Ahzith rabah, tamiit."
"Besha ahziss tamiit, ja'vijah."
"By the power of the Hidden Moon!" ^{[verification needed — using ult?]}
"Dad'na eska vijah." ^{[verification needed — end of combat or killing undead?]}
"Dur dad'na!" ^{[verification needed — combat related]}
"Noctra's luck be with us." ^{[verification needed — fighting elite enemy?]}
"Rahdiit! Hai!"

Furnishing[edit]

Though far from his own time, Zerith-var is sure to brighten any living space with his thoughtful observations and warm company. After adding Zerith to your home, you and guests can speak to him. You can also let him wander by setting him on a path.

File:ON-furnishing-Zerith-var.jpg

Zerith-var

You will earn the ability to have him as a houseguest once you've completed The Dark Behind the World.

Houseguest Dialogue[edit]

When placed within your home, he will say one of the following lines when spoken to:

"I question the sanity of those who seek to learn Ta'agra as a second tongue. All these tricky patterns of speech! If I was not born to it, I do not know if I would have the fortitude to learn."
"I will never forget the first time I called forth a spirit to redeem itself in service to Azurah. Feeling a hand grasp yours from beyond this plane, feeling a soul shed darkness and find clarity … there is nothing else like it."
"Is this place typical for a dwelling in this time? I will keep my judgements to myself. I come from a different era, after all. But I am curious."
"Do not mind me staring at your garments. I am from a different time, and I have never been good at hiding my curiosity. My scrutiny should feel nothing less than complimentary."
""I was raised by nomads before I heard Lorkhaj's call to serve Azurah. I was a fidgeter, and cursed with unrepentant wanderlust. Talbira always said that my choice to follow a hadaliit's path of temperance and patience must mean my calling was true.""
"This one … er … no, I am sorry. I try, but I cannot adopt this way of speaking. It is closer to a direct translation of the dialect spoken today, but Ta'agra and Cyrodiilic are closer companions now. In my time, they were mere acquaintances."
"I thought the light of Azurah burning in my eyes would make me an outcast in this time. But such … erm … cosmetic differences are far more common now than I realized. It is more my mannerisms and dialect that betray me as being. Heh. Ancient."
"My advice for tending to one's soul? Do not grasp blindly for the motives of others. That is a cracked mirror of your own intentions. All you will see reflected back are dark thoughts."
"If your travels should ever take you to Elsweyr, beware the terror bird. They once terrorized the heavens, so Khenarthi took their gift of flight. Grounded now, they have never found it in their hearts to repent, and so are aptly named."
"The acoustics in here are interesting. I do not remember enough of the moon-singer hymns to do them justice, so I will abstain from any attempt. But if I had the voice, I would sing."
"I do not mind the interruption. A distraction from one's prayers can just as easily be interpreted as those prayers being answered."
"This place. It is like nowhere I have been before. And yet there is a certain something to it. Inspires one to take a nap."
"Though I prefer to watch rather than play, I am very interested in this Tales of Tribute. If you start a game, please let me know. I would like to assess the odds before placing my bets."
"It is always the harder thing to persuade an enemy into an ally. As in the case of Viti. I am not known for my sage advice. But when such doors open to you, tamiit, always try to take them."
"Have you seen the little spirit cat, Ja'kh? I think he is here somewhere. Keep an eye on any cups or vases, especially those near a ledge. I am certain he plans some mischief."
"We practiced forms of the claw dances during my time in the Hidden Moon. All that time stretching felt like such a waste. Now, at this age? I wish I had stretched far more."
"Fajh'na tah! This home is impressive."
"If I summoned a skeletal construct to fetch me a glass of water, would I frighten anyone in this home? Not that I would ever use my necromancy for something so vain and self-serving. Hah."
"I have always enjoyed meeting those from lands different from my own. A result of my upbringing, I suppose.
It is quite different to meet those from a different time, but no less enjoyable."
"Krin'ze and Viti write me often. They mean to record what I know. To salvage the history of the Hidden Moon. It gives me hope that one day, my order may yet live again. Moons, let us hope this is so."
"I am not the only one from my time that walks this world again. Talbira's spirit remains passenger in Krin'ze. Sometimes, I catch her playful turns of phrase in the letters she writes. I am grateful she gets to live and guide again."

Correspondence[edit]

Once you ^{Is it reach maximum Rapport or complete an achievement?} with Zerith-var, he will soon send you a letter along with Ja'kh's Bell of Bounty.

^{Find name of letter}
(Player name), who I am proud to call tamiit, I unburden my heart of that which I have long wished to tell you by writing this letter. I remember little of my early life, being now so distant from it. We were traders, nomads. We rode little and walked often, even beyond the sixteen kingdoms. So I always preferred walking. Even when I earned my moonclaw, I would avoid using it for portals where possible. I longed to see Nirni, to take in all her textures and many brilliant colors, in the one life I thought I had. In all my years, I more often than not journeyed with another by my side. First with family among the Baandari, then with masters and ma'hadaliit and of my training years, then with Moon-Singer Talbira, and a parade of other moon-singers, as you know, before I met Ravith. And when she and I walked together, that is when we found and saved Ja'kh. Our little street cat always valued his independence. I, however, fretted losing him in our many travels. He was the runt of his litter, and half-blind besides, but I could not keep him lashed to my side. He was free to wander. Ravith and Talbira, always too good to me, conspired and had a bell made for him, kept on a ribbon around his neck. Then, wherever we traveled, I could hear this bell and rest well knowing that Ja'kh was near. But when Ravith left us, Ja'kh was practically a phantom. Perhaps he was confused at her departure. Perhaps he sensed the darkness making its home in my heart. Perhaps he saw what transpired with Talbira and feared me too much to come close. I could hear, or imagined I heard his bell, and though he would not come to me, it was still a small comfort to think he was near. It was then, for the first time, that I ever walked the world alone. Without someone who might rest a warm hand on my shoulder, or to whom I might offer a sip from my water skin. One who might lend an ear to my thoughts and share words in return. Some are built for such solitude, whether they prefer it or weather it with dignity, but I am not among them. I went to Ravith-morna to meet my end, and what met me beyond was exactly what I had in life. My soul walked alone to Azurah's Crossing on a path clouded with darkness. I clawed my way there and arrived broken, perhaps beyond recognition as one of Azurah's children. I cried for her deliverance. To be among the souls of others beyond the lattice. But I was in no state to pass through her gates. And so, I suppose she cast me back. To find some way to redeem myself. And despite the pain of walking so long alone, the pain of from the mistake of running from my past, I clearly see the path ahead of me lies at your side. I knew when Ja'kh's spirit found me in Khenarthia. If he would find me again with you in my company, then you were one I should follow. You were a wanderer like me, with your own shares of darkness weathered. We were the same that way. Twin souls. Tamiit. It is unthinkable that if I had not turned away from Azurah's Crossing, I would never have met you. It is the aim of all who follow Azurah to find our twilight path to love and redemption. Whatever darkness we must endure beyond this point, I know now, I have found my twilight path at your side. Endless blessings upon you, my friend. -Zerith-var

Notes[edit]

Zerith-var is voiced by Darin De Paul.^[1]
He and Tanlorin were originally based off an early companion named Zavier, a male Altmer mage, who was later renamed to Zerith and finally Zerith-var. Zerith-var inherited the name and mage class, while Tanlorin inherited the race.
No precise date is known of when Zerith-Var was alive, of this subject he says "I know nothing of eras. In my time, we had only years.". But we can say he was alive after 1E461 as he was training in Desert Wind Adeptorium, which was built by refugees of Darloc Brae's conquests that began in 1E461 ^{[verification needed — see talk page]}
Unlike player's necromancer abilities, Zerith-var casts are not considered criminal acts.

Gallery[edit]

Promotional render
Featured in a promotional render

References[edit]

^ Zerith Profile

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[Xcom-1] Zerith Profile

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