Online:Hermaeus Mora

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Hermaeus Mora
(lore page)
Location The Vile Manse, Bisnensel, Ilmyris, The Seeker's Archive
Species Hermaeus Mora
Health 52,831
Reaction Friendly
Other Information
Faction(s) Ciphers of the Eye, Primeval Seekers, Scribes of Mora, Sodality of the Eye, Wooded Eye
Hermaeus Mora in Craglorn

Hermaeus Mora is the Daedric Prince of Fate and Forbidden Knowledge. For more information see the lore page.

Related Quests[edit]

Quest-Related Events[edit]

Base Game[edit]

The Flooded Grove[edit]

Throughout Rootwater Grove, Mora's disembodied voice will address you:

Hermaeus Mora: "Come closer."
Hermaeus Mora: "Such an interesting mortal."
Hermaeus Mora: "Your assistance might be just what I require."

Within Ilymris, Mora manifests and speaks to you:

"I am Hermaeus-Mora. The riddle unsolvable. The door unopenable. The book unreadable. The question unanswerable.
I wonder if you understand why you're here."

If, however, you've assisted the prince before possibly added with Necrom chapter?, he'll greet you with:

"Ah, fate's chosen appears before me once again. It is I, the riddle unsolvable. The door unopenable. The book unreadable. The question unanswerable.
I wonder if you understand why you are here."
I'm here to bind the Daedra
"You will bind the Daedra, but you do not yet know what tendril of fate and fortune brought you into my grove, into this ruined reflection of my library."
What do you mean?
"In due time.
But as to the Daedra, their magicka powers the wards that protect my library, but binding them here is no small task. It requires a foundation of souls, each of different blood, from my servants in Tamriel."
What happened to them?
"The intruders who broke the wards above unwittingly loosed the bindings here below. Four of the souls broke free. In their confusion, they wander these halls seeking escape. Subdue them to restore the seal. I will reward your faithful service."
What happened to Saromir?
"Ayleid crystals impart memories directly to the reader. Overuse leads to a problem of capacity for most mortals."
I may help you, but I am not your servant.
"Willing or unwilling, all who strive to grow in skill and scope are my servants."

If you speak to him again before completing the task, he'll say:

"Hermaeus-Mora sees and knows."

Once you've captured three of the souls:

"Three servants reunited to their master. Only one remains."
Where is the fourth soul?
"A conundrum. The Bosmer soul escaped Ilmyris. We require a replacement. Saromir, my caretaker, satisfies all requirements.
Kill him, and bring his soul to me."
And if I refuse to kill him?
"One will die whether you refuse or not.
Put the mad priest out of his misery, or I will choose another. Be assured, you will find that choice … less than optimal."
Fine. I will kill Saromir.
"A considered choice. Go tell Saromir his fate."
I will not obey you. I will not kill Saromir.
"Your rebellion is noted, and the consequences take shape. Orthenir is drawn to his death in Saromir's place.
Bind his spirit, unless you are willing to let the Daedra overrun Greenshade."

If you chose to sacrifice Saromir, who has gone insane and gladly willing to die, Mora will say the following:

"The ritual is complete, and the Daedra of Ilmyris guard their very prison. Orthenir is caretaker now, until another comes to take his place."
You promised to reward my service.
"My memory is unerring as my word. In the crystal behind you rests knowledge you did not know you sought. Others have killed for such wisdom."

If you choose to sacrifice Saromir but failed to persuade him to follow through, Hermaeus Mora will say:

Hermaeus Mora: "Foolish mortal. He escaped to my sanctum, but he cannot escape his fate."

If you refused to sacrifice Saromir, instead forcing Orthenir to die, Mora will say the following:

"Orthenir's soul seals the binding, but without a caretaker the Daedra flee. It is temporary. The mountain is worn away and the tides rise and fall with the same inevitability."
You promised to reward my service.
"My memory is unerring as my word. In the crystal behind you rests knowledge you did not know you sought. Others have killed for such wisdom."

Once you have activated the Ayleid crystal and witnessed the conversation between Vicereeve Pelidil and Laryaril, you can speak to Mora:

"One by one, Naemon and Pelidil exposed my servants to the crystals, until their mortal minds cracked and groaned under the strain."
Why? What were they looking for?
"What else? Power. They called it the Heart of Valenwood, but no matter what it's called, it means the same thing."
What is the Heart of Valenwood?
"You have not yet earned that knowledge, which Naemon and Pelidil took by force.
They went to Hectahame. Where you go is your choice, but I will be watching."

You can then complete the quest, and Mora will disappear from the ruins.

Sunken Knowledge[edit]

After defeating Lorelia in Bisnensel, the Voice of Hermaeus Mora will appear hovering over the shrine. He will be pleased that you stopped the nereid's transgression against nature.

"So you are the one the tides of fate carried here to stop this trangression.
I had watched this pathetic spirit's attempt to avoid her fate with some amusment … but I knew it would eventually have to come to an end."
Why didn't you just stop her yourself?
"Where would be the fun in that?
The individual yarns of fate do not concern me. It is the tapestry they weave that I watch and record. All threads, even yours, only make up a small part of the whole."
So you know my fate?
"I do. I can see your future … and your past. The yarn of your life is interesting, perhaps even amusing, one might say.
It's spun from a strong thread, to be sure, but all threads will eventually run out."
Can you tell me anything about my future?
"No."
Why did you summon your followers here?
"I did no such thing. Like moths to flame, my followers are simply drawn to dark mysteries, and this one was simply irresistible for them.
It's a wonder more of them didn't die."
You don't care whether your followers live or die?
"No. Why would I?"
If there's nothing more, then I will go.
"Yes. That is what you will do.
First though, I have something for you. A gift, you might say."
Is this gift something I actually want?
"Whether you want it or not is irrelevant. I like to reward those who amuse me, and this is your reward.
You will take it."

After accepting Mora's gift, you can speak with the Daedric Prince once more though he will be annoyed.

"Do you dare to ask more of me?"
I wish to leave this shrine. (You will be teleported outside to the ruin's entrance.)

If you exit out of the conversation before turning in the quest, he will alternatively say:

"Before you go, mortal. I have something for you. A gift, you might say."
Is this gift something I actually want? (Leads to quest completion dialogue)

The Waking Dreamer[edit]

Upon activating the Mysterious Tome, Hermaeus Mora will appear and address you:

Hermaeus Mora: "So another of you comes seeking Hermaeus Mora, and that is me. Perhaps you will prove greater than Graccus. He holds the Oghma Infinium, where lies the beginning of knowledge. Yours if you slay him. Find the descent to the caves below. He is there."

If you helped him before, he will recognize you:

Hermaeus Mora: "So another comes seeking Hermaeus Mora. Perhaps you will prove greater than Graccus. He holds the Oghma Infinium, the beginning of knowledge. Yours if you slay him. He waits in the caves below."

When you reach the large hole in the cellars and drop down into the flooded caverns, Mora will again appear.

If you never met Hermaeus Mora before:

Hermaeus Mora: "Down the tunnels, in the ruins of the swallowed city: that is where you will find Graccus, and the Oghma Infinium. Prove yourself his better, and take it. He was once a promising subject, but he will never be an Ageless One. Perhaps you will."

Otherwise, if you encountered him before:

Hermaeus Mora: "Down, in the ruins of the swallowed city. That is where you will find Graccus and the Oghma Infinium. Prove yourself his better and take it."

During your battle with Graccus, the prince will torment the both of you and will either say:

Hermaeus Mora: "Emerge the victor, and my knowledge is yours."
Hermaeus Mora: "One of you must fall. Let it be your opponent."
Hermaeus Mora: "The knowledge is there. All you must do is take it."
Hermaeus Mora: "Show me your potential. End him."

After defeating Graccus, you must then reclaim the Oghma Infinium. When it is activated, the book will disappear and Hermaeus Mora will appear in its place, and you must then speak to him to complete the quest:

"And so the Infinium becomes mine again. As it always does.
You performed well against Graccus."

Alternately, if you've helped Hermaeus Mora in the Necrom Chapter, he'll say:

"Fate's chosen. Again we meet. And in so doing the Infinium becomes mine again, as it always does.
You performed well against Graccus."

Either way...

Where is the Oghma Infinium?
"Safely returned to its home in Apocrypha. I would not risk you against its secrets.
But I will not leave you empty-handed."

He rewards you with leveled gold and the Discourse Amaranthine memento, a book that when used, will temporarily summon a vision of Hermaeus Mora. You have the option of asking him some questions.

"You have proven most useful, unlike many before you."
What are these ruins? / What ruins are these?
"These ruins under the manse vile are the remains of a city of Mer twice forgotten. Here, the children of Auri-El trifled with knowledge that was beyond them. The dirt swallowed them.
Their descendants tried to rebuild, but then came Graccus."
You said the Oghma Infinium would be mine.
"You were told what you needed to hear to become effective.
You should cherish the gift you've been given. It is a leaf from Apocrypha. Only delectable knowledge will you find within its pages."
What did Graccus want from you?
"He sought the power to end some petty conflict of Men and Mer above, but his want is irrelevant.
Graccus showed promise when he glimpsed the Infinium and survived its cosmic ululation. But he ultimately proved mundane."

Craglorn[edit]

The Seeker's Archive[edit]

Ibrula: "Prince of Fate, Lord of Secrets. Your Seeker, Ibrula, has returned to you.
Hermaeus Mora: "Approach me, Seeker."
Ibrula: "Your offering, my lord. A relic from the Dragontail mountains, covered in runes of an unknown language.
Hermaeus Mora: "Your gift is accepted. Tell your companions to approach me."
Ibrula: "Hermaeus Mora wants to speak with you. Approach his statue.

You can then speak to Hermaeus Mora's Statue:

"I am the answer to all questions and the question behind every answer.
No need to introduce yourself. Your name is already recorded in my realm of Apocrypha."
You know who I am?
"I know everything. You have come to my shrine because the stars have fallen to Tamriel. You want to know how to defeat them."
Yes. Can you tell me how to defeat the Celestials?
"I can. But knowledge must never be given freely. A price must be paid.
Part of the cost was bringing my servant Ibrula back to me. But you will pay much more if you want to learn all that I know about the Celestials."
I'll pay your price, whatever it is.
"Then listen closely, as I will not repeat myself. The Celestial Warrior's army of Anka-Ra was created centuries ago by the Yokudan general, Tarish-Zi.
He came to me to learn how to bind his army to him—even in death. I granted his wish."
Why did you do that?
"His offering pleased me. He built the temple above this shrine and promised that his army would defend it.
The Anka-Ra have risen, which means Tarish-Zi has risen as well. They are bound to him. To defeat them, you must defeat him."
How do I do that?
"All I have told you is all you have earned.
If you wish to know more, you must become my eyes and ears in Craglorn. You must bring me fresh knowledge to feast upon."
What do you mean?
"I hunger for lost bits of lore. I thirst for new knowledge to add to my coffers. Bring your offerings to me. If I find them acceptable, I will return their worth in the knowledge you seek."

If you talk to the statue again:

"We have nothing else to discuss at this time, Seeker. Go about your business."

Gem of the Stars[edit]

Return to the entrance of Seeker's Archive where you can talk to Hermaeus Mora through a pedestal which stands above the entrance.

"If you would receive knowledge, you must give knowledge in return.
What have you brought me, Seeker?"
I found this blackened gem inside a Dwemer orrery, but I can't read the writing.
"I find this offering to be acceptable. Inside the gem, you can see the celestial bodies in their courses.
The text says the constellations are gods. They can be brought to earth using stones carved from Aetherium. Make of that what you will."

Message Unknown[edit]

Bring the tablet to the small pedestal above the entrance of the Seeker's Archive. Speak to Hermaeus Mora to complete the quest.

"You enter my temple once more, Seeker. What knowledge have you brought me?"
I found these letters carved into a stone in Zalgaz's Den. What do they mean?
"A death, and an unrequited love. Sentimental, and unimportant.
But you have fulfilled your part of the bargain, so here is mine: there is a man who can help you defeat the Anka-Ra. His name is Titus Valerius, but he is not of this time."

Strange Lexicon[edit]

Take the lexicon to Hermaeus Mora at the entrance of the Seeker's Archive to hear if he accepts this offering.

"Knowledge for knowledge. That is my price.
What have you brought me, Seeker?"
I found this Dwemer lexicon in Rkhardahrk.
"The Dwemer knew things you cannot even dream.
Here is your reward: the Celestials are bound to this realm by their Apex stones. These stones were constructed using knowledge stolen from the Dwemer. To defeat the Celestials, you must find the stones."

Necrom Prologue[edit]

Eye of Fate[edit]

Hermaeus Mora manifests in the Shrine of the Golden Eye

You will be recruited by Leramil the Wise to recover a glyphic and bring them to a specific shrine of Hermaeus Mora, so you may learn about the danger facing both Apocrypha and Nirn. During this quest you find that Mora's followers are being hunted and killed. After you rescue Leramil in the Shrine of the Golden Eye, she will suggest you speak with Hermaeus Mora directly.

At this point, shadows gather and Hermaeus Mora's statue comes alive and glows with green glyphs:

Hermaeus Mora: "Every possibility coalesces into this moment. Come, mortal. Speak with the One Who Knows."

Talk with Mora to see what is going on and what he wants from you:

"I foresaw that you were the one mortal in all of Nirn to aid us. I also saw you die at the traitor's hands. Many, many times.
I am pleased with this version of events. That the traitor Dralys has fallen and the glyphics are secure. Very pleased."
You knew Dralys was a traitor?
"I know a great many things, mortal. What may be, what will be, what will never come to pass. It is … my nature.
I saw that you would reveal the reason for Dralys's betrayal, but I only caught a glimpse of our true enemy."
You mean the Dusksabers?
"The vampires? No, they are merely hired blades working for another ambitious mortal. I refer to the new patrons that Dralys chose over me. The Daedric Princes he pledged himself to. He died before I could pull their identities from his mind."
So why did you lead us to this shrine, Hermaeus Mora?
"Because this shrine is one of the few places on Nirn where I may manifest. Where I may communicate freely for a short while.
As Leramil explained, I require your assistance. Help save Apocrypha and you will also preserve Nirn."
How do I help save Apocrypha and Nirn?
"First, we must enter into an agreement. A contract that binds us for the duration of this threat. It also guarantees that I will do nothing to harm you, your interests, or the mortal realm.
You are the chosen of fate. Now bring forth the glyphics."
I'll use the glyphics.

After agreeing to enter a contract with Hermaeus Mora, you can ask him some questions before you continue:

"Bring forth the three glyphics and activate their power, mortal. They will call into being the agreement that will bind us and ensure that this is neither a trick nor a coercion. You will help preserve Apocrypha and thereby safeguard Nirn."
You don't look like any Daedric Prince I've ever seen. What are you exactly?
"I am the mystery at the end of existence. The first secret whispered at the dawn of creation. I am the guardian of the unseen and the question unanswerable. I hold the knowledge forbidden and untangle the threads of fate.
I am … the One Who Knows."
Tell me about Apocrypha.
"I created and rule over Apocrypha, my endless repository of knowledge in the vastness of Oblivion. Every secret known to mortal and immortal resides here, as well as many known only to me. It is a realm of fate, time, and wisdom."
How will saving Apocrypha preserve Nirn?
"Many realms of Oblivion have a relationship to the mortal world. Some believe that Nirn is a reflection of the Daedric realms, or that the Daedric realms are an echo of Nirn.
Regardless, Apocrypha and Nirn share a powerful connection."
And that means?
"If my enemies succeed and damage or destroy Apocrypha, the resulting ripples of fate will unravel the mortal world.
In short, Nirn will cease to exist. You must help me to prevent that fate from coming to fruition."
If I sign this contract, what exactly am I agreeing to?
"Exactly what Leramil told you. You shall render what aid is required to preserve the course of fate and keep Apocrypha safe, thereby protecting Nirn.
Moreover, the contract specifies that I will not force you to act against your own best interests."

You can then use the three glyphics, which will float in the air in a circle before turning into an inkwell, quill and contract. You then can sign the contract, whereupon Mora will take his leave:

Hermaeus Mora: "The deal is done, just as fate foresaw. Leramil will explain the rest. Now I must take my leave."
<Hermaeus Mora leaves Nirn.>

Necrom[edit]

Fate's Proxy[edit]

After being contacted by Leramil the Wise, she will hand you a Vial of Strange Ink and ask you to go to one of the cistern ruins. The Redrith Cistern if you previously made a contract with Hermaeus Mora, and Menos Cistern if you did not previously complete Eye of Fate.

Once you arrive at your indicated cistern, you pour the ink into the water. The sky will turn green and ink will rise out of the pool, with Hermaeus Mora emerging from it:

Hermaeus Mora: "Step forth, mortal. Know that you stand in the presence of Hermaeus Mora. We must converse."

Speak with Hermaeus Mora to see what is going on:

Previously contracted to Hermaeus Mora:
First time meeting:
"Leramil has done well and brought fate's chosen into my unrelenting gaze. All other outcomes are now excluded. From this moment, fate's ever-branching tree begins to grow again. And with it, new possibilities emerge."
This is about that threat you foresaw? Something about the unraveling of reality?
"All that and more, mortal. I see all that is, was, and will ever be. And in so doing I saw hidden rivals that threaten Apocrypha and all of reality. They must not succeed.
The time has come to honor your agreement."
My agreement?
"I am the Golden Eye of Fate and the Keeper of Whispers! I foretold that a mortal was needed to preserve reality. You are that mortal, and we signed a contract that binds us for the duration of this threat.
Apocrypha is in danger. Now you must act."
What do you need me to do?
"Let Leramil guide you. She can perceive the threads of fate and lead you to the three tasks that will reveal my hidden adversaries. Meet her in the Necrom Bindery, in the mortal city of the same name.
Your journey to preserve reality begins there."
But how can I save reality? I don't understand.
"I have alerted Leramil to three specific threads of fate that converge in a place known as the Telvanni Peninsula. She will guide you to these locations so you can unmask my hidden adversaries.
Go to the city of Necrom. Leramil awaits you there."
"Leramil has done well and brought fate's chosen into my unrelenting gaze. All other outcomes are now excluded. From this moment, fate's ever-branching tree begins to grow again. And with it, new possibilities emerge."
What's this all about?
"It concerns beginnings and endings, secrets too dangerous to reveal, and the stability of the threads of fate. Hidden rivals threaten my realm, and thereby threaten all of reality. If they succeed, fate will unravel and doom both our worlds."
Leramil calls you the One Who Knows. How can your rivals hide from you?
"I am the Golden Eye of Fate and the Keeper of Whispers! Knowledge and memory are my domains! How this threat eludes me, I do not know. But you are the key to preserving Apocrypha. I have foreseen it. And in so doing, you shall save the mortal realm."
How can I save Apocrypha and Nirn?
"Let Leramil guide you. She can perceive the threads of fate and lead you to the three tasks that will reveal my hidden adversaries. Meet her in the Necrom Bindery, in the mortal city of the same name. Your journey to preserve reality begins there."
Seal our covenant? How?
"The three glyphics before you contain the concepts necessary to create a contract to bind us. I submit to this as a promise of cooperation. You may serve as my proxy without fear of harming your own interests. Now take the glyphics. Combine them."

At this point the story will split, if you have already entered a contract with Mora, you are free to ask the below questions and then head to Necrom. If not, you can ask questions and then sign the contract with Mora. After this, the story will converge once more.

Tell me more about Apocrypha and its connection to Nirn.
"Do you know so little, mortal? Apocrypha is my domain. A plane of Oblivion I have shaped to my needs. And this plane—the mortal realm—some refer to it as Nirn.
As for the connection, just know that if Apocrypha falls, Nirn will cease to exist."
And what exactly are you?
"The scholars and mystics of your world call me a Daedric Prince. What you see is only an aspect of my true self, for the mortal mind cannot contain the whole of me. This form suffices.
Your mind must remain intact for you to be of use to fate."
What do you know about the enemy that threatens Apocrypha?
"Precious little. They are shadows that vanish under my scrutiny. Obscure figures that somehow hide from my gaze.
It is … disconcerting. Never have I been so blind."
Then how do you know that there's a threat against Apocrypha and Nirn?
"Every possible fate unfolds before me. They all lead to an event I thought erased from chance eons ago. If this course isn't altered, Apocrypha falls, reality unravels, and Nirn is destroyed.
This enemy eludes me, but you are my secret advantage."
If you can't determine who they are, how can I?
"That is the reason fate chose you. Your instinctual ability to succeed no matter the obstacles placed before you, no matter the odds.
Follow the threads I selected for Leramil. See where they lead. That is the key to saving both our realms."
Previously contracted to Hermaeus Mora:
First time meeting:
How do I know I can trust you?
"That is why I agreed to bind myself to you with a powerful contract. I cannot act against you or your interests, so long as you adhere to your part of the bargain.
Our enemies have no such constraints, so proceed with caution."
I'm not sure I want to sign a contract.
"It is for your peace of mind, mortal. I offer to bind myself. To give you the power to constrain my actions so that you may trust me. The contract also marks you as my proxy. That could prove beneficial in some places you must travel."

If you still need to sign the contract, interact with the glyphics and they will become a paper contract, which you must then sign. any scene dialogue for this part?

After binding Hermaeus Mora with the contract, you can then speak to him again for your assignment:

First time meeting:
"I have alerted Leramil to three specific threads of fate that converge in a place known as the Telvanni Peninsula. She will guide you to these locations so you can unmask my hidden adversaries. Go to the city of Necrom. Leramil awaits you there."
How do I know I can trust you?
"That is why I agreed to bind myself to you with a powerful contract. I cannot act against you or your interests, so long as you adhere to your part of the bargain. Our enemies have no such constraints, so proceed with caution."

Once you have concluded your business, Hermaeus Mora will take his leave and reality will go back to normal:

Hermaeus Mora: "Fate takes many paths, mortal. Find Leramil in Necrom and choose wisely."

A Hidden Fate[edit]

While inside a memory of Hermaeus Mora, you will witness a vision of him floating in front of a statue of Vaermina:

Vaermina: "I won't let you do this, fate-forger!"
Hermaeus Mora: "It is already done. You will forget this ever happened. Everyone will. It is the only way to preserve reality."
Vaermina: "Damn you, Mora! Damn—no!"
<Vaermina's statue explodes and the vision disapears>
Meln the Mouthless: "A spell to make all of reality forget … I can barely imagine. Come on, we need to find Torvesard."

After Torvesard repairs the statue:

Torvesard: "The Prince of Fate comes, but too late! What was shattered has been restored!"
<He opens a portal and leaves.>
Hermaeus Mora: "Who dares enter this forbidden memory? No! What have you done?"
Hermaeus Mora: "Flee while you can, transgressor! Your reckless actions threaten all of reality!"
Hermaeus Mora: "This memory has changed. Chosen, speak with me."

Speak with Hermaeus Mora after defending yourself from the Dreamcarver Clan.

"I erased all evidence of this moment...and of the events that led to the loathsome action I was forced to perform. But I could not strip it from my own memory. And now that misstep has borne bitter fruit.
What did the Dremora tell you, chosen?"
Torvesard said you hoard secrets. That you stole memories from him and Vaermina. From everyone.
"Torvesard spoke true. Forbidden knowledge and secrets are my prime concern. Much of what I hoard serves to protect all the realms of existence.
This particular secret, however, must stay forgotten. Even this slight recollection threatens reality."
You said this memory changed?
"Torvesard found a way to slip past the eyes that see all and entered a memory he should have had no ability to access. And yet here we are. He restored that which I destroyed and now this recollection is no longer forgotten."
And this will cause reality to unravel?
"The threads fray, but have not yet snapped. Torvesard and my enemies recall a fraction of the memory, but the most devastating secret remains locked away.
Return to your allies. This situation can still be salvaged, if you and Leramil work together."

After speaking to him, he will conjure up a portal for you to return back to Leramil:

Hermaeus Mora: "Use this portal and return to Leramil's study. We will talk again soon."

A Calamity of Fate[edit]

After entering the Eye of Mora, you will be prompted to find flaws in Vaermina's illusion, which will make Mora reveal more about his memory.

Hermaeus Mora: "I have done the unthinkable. Now I must make sure it cannot be undone."
Scruut: "That was part of the true memory. Find me more flaws to break, mortal!"

The second flaw uncovered:

Hermaeus Mora: "I shall divide the only remaining memory of the event—my memory—and hide it in three glyphics."
Scruut: "This must be the memory of when Hermaeus Mora hid the secret the enemy seeks."

Subsequent flaws uncovering these memories:

Hermaeus Mora: "The way it began, secured inside the Glyphic of Hidden Paths."
Hermaeus Mora: "The arguments that followed, locked within the Glyphic of Lost Memories."
Hermaeus Mora: "And with regret, the memory of what I had to do, sealed inside the Glyphic of Shattered Reflections."

After all flaws are interacted with, Mora will become aware and beckon you for help.

Hermaeus Mora: "Who dares invade my private memories?"
Vaermina: "We got what we came here for, Torvesard. This way!"
Hermaeus Mora: "How dare Vaermina enter my realm!"
Hermaeus Mora: "Find her! Protect the three glyphics. Go and enter the Mythos!"

Exploring the Mythos, you will eventually fight Vaermina's pet, Mezzama the Lurker. After defeating it, Vaermina and Torvesard will escape and Mora will speak with you:

Vaermina: "No! Hermaeus Mora approaches!"
Torvesard: "But we're so close!"
Vaermina: "Damn you, Mora! We must slip away while we can, Torvesard."
<Vaermina and Torvesard flee.>
Hermaeus Mora: "The Dreamweaver flees, but what of the glyphic vault?"
Hermaeus Mora: "Vaermina will pay for the damage she has wrought on my realm!"
Hermaeus Mora: "Approach, chosen, and hear my words."

Hermaeus will ask of you to examine the glyphic:

"I shook off the worst effects of Vaermina's corrupting presence, but not soon enough.
The intruders have fled, but the Vault of the Glyphic. You must determine if the secret remains secure."
You hid this dangerous secret in a glyphic?
"Not just any glyphic. One of the three primordial glyphics that in total contain the entirety of the memory I made everyone forget. A memory that, if restored, will destroy reality.
Enter the vault. Check on the glyphic"
What will I find in there?
"That which I cannot see. The corruption coursing through Apocrypha continues to weaken me. I must do everything I can to maintain a connection to my realm. Enter and examine the glyphic. I give you permission to gaze upon this portion of the memory"
Isn't that dangerous?
"It cannot be avoided. Fate's chosen must make sure the glyphic is secure and the memory intact. We shall talk again when you are done."
What should I do beyond that door?
"Examine the Glyphic of Lost Memories. It will reveal its portion of the secret to you.
Regrettably, there is no other way to determine if the glyphic remains intact. But fate will survive a slight fraying of its fabric. It has to. Now go."

You will then be prompted to enter the portal to the glyphic. Mora will speak.

Hermaeus Mora: "Examine the glyphic and see how this all began, chosen."

After examining it, a vision will play out in front of you.

Vaermina: "Why have you called us all together, Prince of Fate?"
Hermaeus Mora: "We must deal with this problem, Dreamweaver. I have seen what happens if we do nothing."
Hermaeus Mora: "Already the threads of fate unravel. They have no regard for the chaos they can cause!"

Torvesard will interrupt at the end of the vision, speaking before vanishing

Torvesard: "That's it! What I needed to spark my memory! I will restore the rest, Lord of Secrets. I will restore it all!"
Hermaeus Mora: "Torvesard! Only one of the Unseen could evade my sight here!"

Mora will then ask to speak with you.

Hermaeus Mora: "Chosen, we must speak."

Talk to him.

"My power remains diminished due to the toxins Peryite's follower polluted Apocrypha with, but you helped me break free of the worst of the miasma.
You saw the contents of the Glyphic of Lost Memories. As did Torvesard. I did not expect that."
Does that mean reality is doomed?
"Not yet. One thread in the tapestry snapped, but two remain. If you can keep my enemies from unsealing the final two gylphics, there is still a chance to preserve Apocrypha and the rest of reality.
You saw how this began. The Great Omission."
You called Torvesard one of the Unseen. What does that mean?
"Just something from very long ago. Something I did not expect to encounter ever again. It is not important. Not yet.
Right now fate requires a champion, mortal."
What do you need me to do?
"Do as you have done. Follow your heart. Return to Leramil. Consult with her. Defeat those who oppose us. You will know the best course of action when fate requires it.
Now, I must conserve my strength. Apocrypha is under attack and I feel its pain."

Hermaeus will open a portal to Cipher's Midden:

Hermaeus Mora: "Leave this memory, mortal. Take the portal and return to your allies in Cipher's Midden."

An Unhealthy Fate[edit]

While in Cipher's Midden, Torvesard will arrive with a way to stall the toxins, allying himself with you temporarily to stop Vaermina and Peryite's assault on Apocrypha. He will help you enter the Mythos once more. Once Leramil and Torvesard open the gate, Hermaeus Mora will arrive:

Leramil the Wise: "The way into the Mythos is opened."
Hermaeus Mora: :"Chosen of fate, speak with me."

Speaking to Mora:

"The corruption wreaks havoc with my realm, chosen. Any relief I experienced after breaking free of Vaermina's dream has left me. My connection to Apocrypha grows ever more tenuous and the vile poison debilitates me.
The Great Eye … is blind."
Is there anything I can do?
"While Vaermina hides from me, I glimpsed Peryite's lapdog break into the Mythos before my sight faded. He spreads corruption into the realm's foundation. As Apocrypha succumbs, the realm will crumble. Such destruction will ripple throughout reality."
We were about to enter the Mythos to deal with Blightcrown.
"Good. Once inside, you will be my eyes. I will not be able to assist you directly, nor show you where to find the invaders."
Torvesard says he can help us with that.
"Torvesard? Of course. The Unseen. I cannot sense his presence.
The Black Book you carry. Use it if you need my strength. Just do not look directly into the pages. Even fate's chosen can be harmed by the briefest of exposures to forbidden knowledge."
I'll remember that.

Once you have spoken with Mora, he will summon the rest of your allies:

Hermaeus Mora: "I call forth all whose fates are intertwined with yours, chosen. Only together can you save reality."
<Scruut, Curate Gadayn and Meln appear.>
Curate Gadayn: "Have I mentioned how much I detest teleportation?"
Meln the Mouthless: "You certainly do tend to collect an odd assortment of companions."
Torvesard: "The path to the Mythos awaits, mortal. Let us not linger too long."

While in the Mythos, you will need to destroy the plague manufactories and slay Blightcrown. After this, you will be only accompanied by Meln's spirit as you enter the Mythos Vaults to confront Vaermina. Once you have destroyed Vaermina's shell and defeated Vaermina's Nightmare, the Daedric Prince will appear in her true form:

Daedric Prince Showdown
Vaermina: "You don't like my nightmares? Then face me in my true form!"
Meln the Mouthless: "We're out of options. Use the Black Book!"
<You use Meln's Black Book which fires a green beam at Vaermina.>
Vaermina: "Mora's trinket can't harm me!"
<Hermaeus Mora appears within the Vaults.>
Hermaeus Mora: "No, but it helped me locate a loathsome intruder."
Vaermina: "Hermaeus Mora has found me? No!"
<Hermaeus Mora turns and looks at you.>
Hermaeus Mora: "I am here, chosen. Unleash my power as you will!"
<You open the book and fire a green beam at Vaermina. Your body begins to be covered in dark energy and cracks of green light.>
Hermaeus Mora: "Wield the book again! Together we'll expel this common thief!"
<You use the book a third time, glyphs surround Vaermina along with tentacles.>
Vaermina: "No! I was so close! Curse you, Prince of Fate, and curse your damn mortal!"
<Mora fires a beam directly at Vaermina who is then cast out of the realm.>
Hermaeus Mora: "Vaermina has been cast out and Peryite's contamination wanes. Well done, chosen."
Hermaeus Mora: "Now, enter the second vault and make sure the glyphic is secure."

You can then enter the portal to the Glyphic of Lost Memories, only to find Torvesard in the middle of taking the Glyphic. As soon as he leaves, Hermaeus Mora will arrive:

Hermaeus Mora: "Torvesard? He fooled us both, chosen. Emerge from the Mythos and speak with me."

Once you have left the Mythos, Mora will be waiting for you:

Hermaeus Mora: "We must discuss what happened, chosen."

Speak with Hermaeus Mora to see what he wants to do after these developments:

"Peryite's plague-dog defeated, Vaermina expelled. You did well, mortal. Fate chose wisely when it selected you to aid me."
But Torvesard acquired the second glyphic. He escaped with it.
"What has occurred is what was meant to be. All the potential futures, coalesced into a single point in time to render a moment in fate absolute.
It was inevitable. Torvesard has the ability to avoid detection—even from my all-seeing gaze."
What kind of Dremora is Torvesard?
"For one who knows everything, I can only speculate. Odd, I find that refreshing. It relates to the forgotten memory, but unless I look into the glyphics, those details are lost … even to me."
So what now, Hermaeus Mora?
"Now I must restore my realm. The Hidden Kindred linger, but without leaders they are merely a nuisance.
You, however, are still fate's chosen. Return to your allies in Cipher's Midden. When the time comes, you will find Torvesard and deal with him."
All right, I'll return to Cipher's Midden.

You can continue speaking with Hermaeus Mora before you leave:

"Do not despair, chosen. Through your efforts, the lost memory was denied Vaermina and Peryite, thus preserving reality. That Torvesard saw part of the secret is regrettable but not catastrophic.
Now return to Leramil's study in Cipher's Midden."
I thought you chose me to stop this from happening.
"Fate selected you to save Apocrypha and preserve reality. You have accomplished all that and more. Destiny followed the exact path that I foretold.
But we are not yet done. You have more to do before our contract is fulfilled."
But if Torvesard and I saw part of the secret, why isn't reality unraveling? Did you lie to me?
"The Prince of Fate does not lie!
Two beings now remember a small part of a greater whole. There is still time and opportunity to correct this before the memory spreads."
Isn't even two people with that knowledge dangerous?
"Danger exists in every corner of fate, chosen. Such is the nature of existence. But the entirety of what was hidden in the distant past remains sealed away. The threads it connects to have frayed, but they have not broken. Reality can still be saved."

Once you have finished speaking with him:

Hermaeus Mora: "Return to Cipher's Midden. We will speak again."

Chronicle of Fate[edit]

After you complete "An Unhealthy Fate", there will be a ceremony held in your honor where your name is inscribed in the Chronicle of Apocrypha. However when you meet with Scruut she will instead explain she detected a disruption in Fate near Cipher's Midden and asks you to investigate as she believes it may be Torvesard. You and Meln will follow up on this and soon find Torvesard using the Glyphic of Lost Memories at the end of path along the cliff face:

Meln the Mouthless: "Look!"
<Torvesard intently listens to the glyphic.>
Torvesard: "Again."
Peryite: "… too far, Mora!"
Vaermina: "It doesn't matter what you foresee …."
Hermaeus Mora: "… reality, you must all … forget!"
Torvesard: "And there it is. Another piece of my memory restored. We should speak, mortal."

You speak with Torvesard and learn the secret Hermaeus Mora tried to keep forgotten for so long. Torvesard invites you to view the glyphic and leaves, having achieved what he wanted.

Glyphic of Lost Memories

Interacting with the Glyphic of Lost Memories, your surroundings become a starscape and this time you fully hear and see the argument:

<Peryite's Statue appears>
Peryite: "You go too far, Mora!"
<Vaermina's Statue appears>
Vaermina: "It doesn't matter what you foresee. You can't do this to another Prince! Or to the rest of us, for that matter!"
<Hermaeus Mora's Statue appears between them>
Hermaeus Mora: "You have seen the damage Prince Ithelia has already done to the fabric of fate. If left unchecked, reality will unravel."
Vaermina: "All of us must agree, Mora. And I definitely do not. Memories are sacrosanct, as are the domains of the Princes!"
Peryite: "You can't punish someone for something they might possibly do."
Hermaeus Mora: "I must. The risk is too great. I am truly sorry, but there is no alternative. For the sake of reality, you must all … forget!"
<There is a flash of light, the memory's surrounding drip down like ink, revealing reality and the actual Hermaeus Mora watching you.>
Hermaeus Mora: "What was forgotten has been remembered. We must speak."

Talk with Hermaeus Mora after learning part of the secret he hid from everyone:

"Too late, too late. The door sealed long ago has opened just a crack, but the damage is done. That which was forgotten is now remembered."
Was all that true? Is there another Daedric Prince?
"The memories released from the two glyphics are accurate and true. Ithelia. The Prince of Paths, the Mistress of the Untraveled Road, the Unseen. Her ability to alter fate, to shape destiny to her liking was a threat to all reality.
It still is."
I don't understand.
"What mortal could? The Fate-Changer is an arbiter of chaos who can unravel the strands of fate and rearrange them to suit her every whim. Her very existence endangers everything.
I saw no other way to preserve reality than to do what I did."
You took away everyone's memory of Prince Ithelia?
"I gathered my fellow Princes and revealed the danger I foresaw. Most agreed to aid me, some refused. In the end, it did not matter. I erased Ithelia from history. But I could not erase my own memories. Those I sealed in the three primordial glyphics."
What about Torvesard?
"Torvesard. Something I did not foresee. An agent of Ithelia, hidden for all these eons. Her contingency plan. Her revenge.
At least the final glyphic is secure. Until it is found and opened, reality remains safe. For now, return to Cipher's Midden."

Under Malign Stars[edit]

While exploring The Sidereal Cloisters to find a way to end the timeloop trap, you will come across memories which Hermaeus Mora can be heard providing commentary.

After examining the first memory:

<Mora's voice is suddenly heard, and a portal appears nearby.>
Hermaeus Mora: "Do you feel the pull? The spiraling loop of the cycle. Delve deeper if you wish to resolve its unending trial."
Morbid Observer: "A mysterious cipher? How intriguing. Traveler, use this portal to return to the Main Hall. I'll meet you there shortly."

After placing the Encyclopedia Praedictionem and examining everything, Mora's voice is heard again and portal to the hall is created:

Hermaeus Mora: "The cycle churns ever forward until all that was stolen is returned."
Morbid Observer: "It seems I had a chance to stop him, but acted too slowly. Is this my fault? Onto the last book, traveler. Let us end this."

Once you place the Fathomless Gaze and witness the vision of Clagius Lampronius speaking with Meenai-Shai while the Observer watches. After you examine everything, you will hear Mora once again, and he has a clear idea of who he blames:

Hermaeus Mora: "A cipher deceived into welcoming in vermin, and all under the nose of a blind observer."
Morbid Observer: "The Great Eye speaks harsh truths, but he is right. Come and speak with me."

You will then enter the Divinatory Forums and put the Atlas Obscurum back. After you observe all three figures, you will learn what happened next. Multitudes of tentacles struck all of them down, you then hear Mora's voice:

Hermaeus Mora: "None escape my eye nor my judgment. Deceiver and deceived alike."
Hermaeus Mora: "With knowledge secured and lesson learned, the cycle is broken. The faithful are made whole."
<At this, the green light disappears, and Meenai-Shai and the Morbid Observer stand there, both alive and whole.>
Meenai-Shai: "The books! They're trying to steal— Wait. Is it over? Were the books returned?"
Morbid Observer: "Yes, Meenai-Shai. They've been returned. Come, let us speak in the main hall where it is safer."
<The pair run out of the Forums to the main hall.>
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Gold Road Prologue[edit]

Prisoner of Fate[edit]

After the events of Necrom and Scions of Ithelia, you will be summoned by Leramil the Wise because she seen the signs that Torvesard was on the move again, searching for the third Glyphic he needed to find his Prince. Your investigations will soon reveal he is looking for the relics of the Good Daedra and that there had been a past alliance between them and Hermaeus Mora. Eventually you are lead to the ruins of Anudnabia and the demiplane known as the Shrine of Inevitable Secrets.

Here you witness Torvesard who has found a portal to the Mythos which he has the means to open:

Torvesard: "Boethiah's blade led me to this portal. The path to the Mythos, Apocrypha's heart."
Torvesard: "Only those bearing the essence of Azura, Boethiah, or Mephala can access this portal."
Torvesard: "The gate recognizes Boethiah's blade. Now I can return to the Mythos and find my Prince at last!"
<Torvesard enters the portal and it closes. Afterwards Leramil and Curate Gadayn catch up to you.>
Leramil the Wise: "A permanent portal to the Mythos? I did not know such a thing existed."
<Leramil then notices Hermaeus Mora appearing out of the water nearby.>
Hermaeus Mora: "Chosen of fate, hold. We must speak."
Leramil the Wise: "The One Who Knows is here! Speak with him, proxy."

Talk with Hermaus Mora to see what he has to say:

"Torvesard proves surprisingly resourceful. I created this gate to admit none but the mortal vessels of my allies to Apocrypha. Yet the relic of Boethiah he carries deceived my defenses.
A clever ploy."
Where did Torvesard go?
"Torvesard has breached the Mythos, the heart of my realm. Twice before he found his way to a glyphic holding part of the secret he seeks. Only one part remains sealed.
You must stop him from reaching the Glyphic of Shattered Reflections."
How? The gate is closed and we don't have any Boethia, Azura, or Mephala relics.
"I created this gate and I command it still. Behold! This portal is opened and will take you where Torvesard has gone. What happens next is in your hands. I dare not interfere with fate more than I have."
What do you mean, you dare not interfere?
"You are the chosen of fate. This task is appointed to you. Not by me, but by the demands of causality and consequence. If I try to stop Torvesard, I will fail. You, however, always have a chance. That is the nature of mortals.
Now go!"

Speaking with him again before leaving:

"Why do you delay? Enter the portal, chosen of fate. Torvesard is one of the Unseen. I cannot perceive his movements. If you do not find him, he will not be found."

After entering the Mythos, you will catch up to Torvesard as he finds the Glyphic and end up seeing a vision through the Echonir. It reveals the Ithelia was sealed away within the Mythos itself and then forgotten. When you reach Ithelia Prison after following Torvesard, you find the prison broken and empty, along with a distraught Torvesard. After talking to Torvesard about what he plans to do, Mora will reach out to you:

Hermaeus Mora: "A fate forged the moment Torvesard opened the first glyphic and began to remember. Return to the Mythos Vault, mortal. We must speak."

After returning to the Vaults, Hermaeus Mora will appear so you can speak with him:

"I am called the Master of the Tides of Fate. I perceive everything that may come to pass. Yet I cannot select the outcomes I prefer. Choice and chance determine which possibility actually occurs.
Such as this one. Ithelia is free."
"You said that if Torvesard succeeded, reality would end. Were you wrong?
"I did not lie, chosen of fate. Nor was I mistaken. I told you what you needed to know to avert catastrophe, and catastrophe has been averted … for now.
The outcome I foresaw will still come to pass. It is only a matter of time."
How did Prince Ithelia escape?
"This spire was never Ithelia's prison—being forgotten was. The moment Torvesard finally remembered his Prince, its power to hold Ithelia began to wane.
Now new paths form before us. Some lead to survival, others destruction."
What can we do to avoid descruction?
"A question that we all must ponder. Ithelia and her ilk are Unseen. I cannot perceive their actions. Nor can I share what I surmise lest I unduly affect the course of events.
Take counsel with Leramil the Wise. And wait for a new path to open."
Fine. I'll talk to Leramil the Wise.

Videos[edit]

ASMoRa[edit]

Hermaeus Mora narrates The Elder Scrolls Online - ASMoRa:

"I am Hermaeus Mora. The riddle unsolvable. The door unopenable. The book unreadable. The question unanswerable. I am the answer to all questions and the question behind every answer.
Fate brings you once again to my gaze, mortal. I hunger for lost bits of lore. I thirst for new knowledge to add to my coffers. Bring your offerings to me."

Necrom – Venture into the Unknown[edit]

Hermaeus Mora narrates The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom – Venture into the Unknown video.

<Scene opens in Apocrypha with a long tentacle reaching out to grasp and opens an Arcanist's Tome and flips to a page.>
"My library contains enough knowledge to encompass one hundred thousand lifetimes."
<After the title screen, the scene returns to Apocrypha and then a female Dunmer Arcanist is shown.>
"And with that knowledge comes ... immense power."
<Scene is Telvanni Peninsula, text reads "RETURN TO MORROWIND". Shots of both Necrom and Apocrypha are shown, then a group is shown fighting a Mind Terror.>
"I will allow you to wield a fraction of it."
<Mora is shown looking into one of his own portals.>
"If ... you help avert the fate of what I ... have ... foreseen."
<Player group is shown riding around and fighting enemies. Text on screen then reads, "BATTLE THE DAEDRIC THREAT". The final scene shows a city in flames, with Daedra enslaving the citizens. In the sky, an outline of an immense figure with glowing red eyes is shown watching. The camera moves back and out of the tome, and book closes, with the Arcanist symbol glowing green.>

Gallery[edit]

Notes[edit]

References[edit]