Prince Helseth's Blackmail

Questor Offer

I need a courier, [your first name], but no common, jelly-armed, gas-headed pox of a mercenary will do. I have a letter of utmost importance to be delivered to a high dignitary who will be defended against unwelcome intrusion. In return for this, I will not only reward you with a [magicitem], but also put in a positive word for you with the king and queen of Wayrest, and I will give you some information on the affair with Daggerfall I doubt you would receive elsewhere. Does this sound like an agreeable arrangement?

Refuse Quest

Dullard. Why did you let me waste my time with the likes of you?

Accept Quest

Excellent. Meet me here this time tomorrow and I will give you the letter, and the name and location of the recipient.

Quest Fail

The letter needs to be delivered, [your first name]. Do not fail me in this.

Quest Complete

Anyway, here is the [magicitem] I promised. Never let it be said that Prince Helseth is not a man of his bond. Oh yes, I promised to tell you something of the situation in Daggerfall. I suspect my family has more to do with it than is commonly known. We sent advisors to urge King Lysandus and King Camaron to mend their differences on the eve of the Battle of Cryngaine Field. Lysandus was disgustingly loyal to the emperor, where Camaron was fighting for more autonomy. According to the advisors' report, they arrived too late because they were waylaid by the orcs of Gortwog en route. However, I have heard stories that at least some of our advisors arrived at Lysandus' tent and spoke to him briefly. At this time, I cannot say more. If I receive more information or if the situation progresses, I will certainly send you word.

Rumors During Quest

Lord Castellian is admitting no visitors while on holiday in [castfort's town].

The question of succession has been distracting Lord Castellian terribly.

Rumors Postfailure

Lord Castellian seems to be favoring Princess Elysana in the succession.

The Elder Council seems inclined to uphold the venerable law of succession.

Rumors Postsuccess

Lord Castellian is constantly in Prince Helseth's company since his holiday.

The Elder Council is talking earnestly about eliminating the law of succession.

Questor Postsuccess

Yes, [your first name]? Our stars seem to be rising in syndesis. What would you need?

Questor Postfailure

I had an important assignment for you, [your first name], if you recall. Having to do with Lord Castellian? Well, now it is too late, and I am not the most patient man in Tamriel. Pray, leave me before I become brusque.

Quest Log Entry

My Dear Lord Castellian, Sorry about the necessity of delivering this letter by the roughest possible service, but it would be unthinkable to approach you at the castle on such a delicate matter. I have long admired your loyalty to the crown and neutrality in internal affairs. Understand that I only want to save your dignity from a possibly embarrassing scenario. The problem rests in your sister, the Lady Pasipha, who though she resides abroad still communicates regularly with members of court. I understand and respect the depth of your sibling love and affection for one another, for, in response to a curious inquiry of mine, Lady Pasipha sent me several touching letters penned in your hand. "Have you ever espied with delight a red berry half-drowned in cream? So I dreamed of you, my dearest love, pouring my soul into you, sweet, for your touch, dear, my soul is quite forfeit." While you and I know the innocence of your fondness for the lady, the more prurient minds at court, as you are aware, are inclined toward grotesque misinterpretation. Her husband, I understand, is famous for his jealous rages. I am of several minds on the matter, how to best avoid possible negative reaction, and would appreciate your response at the soonest possible opportunity. I will await you at Castle Wayrest. Helseth, Prince of Wayrest

Message 1011

Well done, [your name]. Your budding reputation appears to be deserved. Lord Castellian is quite pliable now.

Message 1012

It is really too bad that you were not a bit faster, [your first name]. My sister Elysana is betrothed. Without her opposition, it was not truly necessary to deliver that letter to Lord Castellian. However, I'm sure I can turn this to my advantage somehow.

Message 1014

Why that conniving, manipulative weasel. You did well by bringing this to my attention, [your first name]. Thank you.

Message 1017

A page wearing the colors and pale yellow rose of Wayrest appears silently at your side. He hands you a letter and disappears as quietly as he arrived.

Message 1018

A breathless courier shoves a leather pouch into your hands. A cautious examination reveals a letter and a sum of gold.

Message 1019

[the quest date]: Prince Helseth wants me to meet him tomorrow at the Castle for the details of a quest. I will be acting as a courier.

Message 1020

[the quest date]: Prince Helseth wants me to deliver a letter to Lord Castellian, leader of the elder council of Wayrest, in his holiday manor, [castfort] in [castfort's town]. I have [first part time] days to deliver the letter and return.

Message 1024

Prince Helseth, I appreciate your kindness, and I will meet with you very shortly at your convenience. Lord Castellian

Message 1025

Lord Castellian has ordered your death. He wanted me to tell you that you know too much.

Message 1026

My Dear Lord Castellian, Forgive this rough delivery, but it would have been impolitic to approach you at the palace with this potential problem. Unfortunately, your much-deserved vacation will have to be temporarily suspended until this matter is settled. I refer to your sister, Lady Pasipha. For years, she has been one of the most glamorous figures at the Wayrest court, the darling of all who appreciate beauty and grace. Rather recently, rumors have circulated that the gold she has spent on her gowns and jewels could not have possibly come from her husband, who is at present, impecunious. Distasteful conjectures followed, none of which worth the ink I would use for recitation. To be quite blunt, a person, who must remain anonymous, postulated to me that you were borrowing funds from the royal treasury to support your sister's extravagance. Of course, I defended your honor, but copies of the Royal books were produced that seemed to support the allegation. I am thus uncertain of the best procedure to take next. Do not doubt, sir, that I am convinced of your integrity as senior member of the Elder Council of Wayrest. I only wish for the matter of the financial records to be straightened so if they are brought to Eadwyre's attention, they can be confidently defended. Please send a reply with this trusted courier. I would prefer to meet with you as soon as possible, of course. Very truly yours, Helseth

Message 1027

Ah, hello again, [your first name]. Here is the letter. It is to be given to Lord Castellian, the head of the elder council, who is currently at his house [castfort] in [castfort's town]. I need the letter delivered and you back here in no later than [first part time] days -- that is essential. Like I mentioned before, Lord Castellian values his privacy to an excess. Be prepared for some resistance at your arrival in [castfort]. I would ask that you not read the letter as it is private correspondence. If word of its contents gets out, I will blame you.

Message 1028

You wait while Lord Castellian reads the letter. His skin grows pale and his hand begins to shake. "I see. Please wait while I pen a response to Prince Helseth." It only takes him a minute to write the response, which he then hands you.

Message 1030

This letter has been opened. You exceed the bounds of a courier, [your name].

Message 1031

So you like to read the missives of your betters. Don't expect me to trust you again anytime soon.

Message 1040

Dear [your name], Due to the recent marriage of my sister Elysana, I shall not be needing your services with regard to the delivery of the letter to Lord Castellian. Since you have acted on my behalf with honor, I have instructed the courier to give you 100 gold pieces for your time and effort so far. Helseth Prince of Wayrest

Message 1050

Lord Castellian is the most powerful of Wayrest's councilors.

I hear that Lord Castellian has the backing to block Prince Helseth's war plans. -- Symbols used in the QRC file: -- -- [your first name] occurs 11 times. -- [your name] occurs 5 times. -- [the quest date] occurs 2 times. -- [first part time] occurs 2 times. -- [castfort's town] occurs 6 times. -- [magicitem] occurs 2 times.