Online:Petronius Galenus

This character only appears during the New Life Festival event

Petronius Galenus
Location	New Life Tent, found south of Windhelm
Race	Imperial	Gender	Male
Health	39,959
Reaction	Friendly

Petronius Galenus

Petronius Galenus is an Imperial who is involved in celebrating Old Life holiday. He appears at the northern edge of the New Life Tent, which is located south of Windhelm.

Related Quests

•  Old Life Observance: Participate in the Old Life remembrance ceremony.

Quest-Related Events

As you approach him for the first him you may hear him greet you with, "A solemn Old Life to you, traveler!". Approaching him after completing his quest at least once with have him instead say, "A solemn Old Life to you once more, friend." Speak with him to learn about the Old Life ceremony.

First time doing Quest:

Subsequent times doing Quest:

"Well met, traveler. Are you interested in participating in the Old Life Remembrance ceremony? I sense some heaviness in your heart. Perhaps this could help." What's the Old Life ceremony? "Old Life is an Imperial tradition. At year's end, we write messages of remembrance for our dead loved ones in hopes that our words will reach them in Aetherius. The ceremony itself is quite beautiful." What do I need to do to participate? "You must light a candle at a shrine dedicated to the Old Life and write a short message to one who has passed on. Most shrines have parchment available. Then, you simply pass your message over the flame. You should give it a try." I'll participate in the Old Life ceremony. "Wonderful! It really is a lovely way to reflect on the year itself and remember those who have passed on. Often I find that writing the message itself makes me feel at peace, even before sending it on." What should I write in this message? "That's entirely up to you, my friend. Most often, we think of the messages as a way to reflect on the past year. Or to put something down in words that we never got to say to our loved ones. Maybe something we wish we could say to them now." What happens after I burn the message? "Some say, on rare occasions, a response from Aetherius. It's not guaranteed, of course. I know of a shrine along an old pilgrimage route … I'll mark it on your map. You can perform the ceremony there." I'll find it. "Fortune upon your travels. I hope you receive what you need from the Old Life ceremony, whether it be joy, or closure, or something in between. Before you leave … may I ask a favor of you, purely at your own convenience?" What's the favor? "Would you take the messages of some Imperial City refugees with you? I've amassed quite a few, hoping I'd cross paths with an Old Life shrine at some point. All you have to do is put them in the flame when you perform the ceremony." I can do that. [Take Old Life Messages] "My thanks. The messages you carry are the private thoughts of many weary Imperial refugees. Please, let them remain private. Burn them at the Old Life shrine. Their authors, by the Divines, will know if they were heard in Aetherius." I'm just interested in my own message for now. <Exits dialogue>

"A good Old Life to you! I'm happy to see you again, traveler. To what do I owe the pleasure? Are you here to inquire about participating in the ceremony again?" I can participate again? "Of course! Most wait a full day between their messages, but you can offer your words to Aetherius as many days as you wish. And you're in luck. I learned the location of another Old Life shrine, if you're interested in seeking it out." I'm interested in finding another Old Life shrine. "Excellent. I doubt you'll have much trouble finding this one, seeing as how you didn't have an issue with the last. The ceremony is the same, regardless of the location. You will write your message and burn it." Are all Old Life shrines the same? "The Old Life tradition is kept among many faiths. The cultural setting may vary from place to place, but the setup is generally the same. Let me mark this one on your map. Should be right around around … here." I'll find the shrine and participate in the ceremony again. "Should you find the Old Life shrine, a truly beautiful tradition awaits you. The written message gives form to our most personal thoughts. And burning them connects us through the flame to Aetherius. Might I ask you another favor, too?" More refugee messages? "Indeed. If you could carry them with you, I would be very appreciative. As before, you just have to burn them in the flame when you perform your own ceremony. But I completely understand if you choose not to." I'll bring the messages with me. [Take Bundle of Old Life Messages] <Exit dialogue with Bundle of Old Life Messages in inventory> I prefer to do the ceremony for only myself. <Exits dialogue>

You can then ask questions about Old Life and himself:

Can you tell me more about Old life?

"Though lesser known, to some the observances of Old Life are just as important as the New Life Festival. They compliment each other, as if two sides of the same coin.
To pass into a new year, you must acknowledge the old."

Is that the reason for the messages?

"Yes. Acknowledging those that have passed on is an important part of moving forward. We need never forget those we've lost, but this tradition allows us to say things we might have held back while they were alive. The shrines are a vessel for that."

How many Old Life shrines are there?

"Over my years of travel, I've seen them along old Imperial pilgrimage routes every so often. Though, I don't know the exact number.
Some are quite old. They may not be friendly places anymore, so be cautious if you seek them out."

Tell me more about yourself.

"Happily! I'm a traveling merchant. Imperial City was once my home.
These days, I travel all over Tamriel to find interesting, exotic things to buy and bring back to the city to resell."

What do you mean it was once your home?

"The Three Banners War changed that. Imperial City is uninhabitable now. Most of Cyrodiil is, really.
I was recruited by Selvari Abello to help acquire needed supplies, furnishings, food and homes for the Imperial refugees. Now my home is the road."

Do you miss your home?

"Most days, yes. But so many lost so much more than I did. I had no family to flee with or care for, so my transition was easier.
At least now I can put my skills toward helping those who need it."

Interesting, thank you for telling me.

Once you return after burning the messages:

"Ah, you've returned! Did you find the shrine and take part in the ceremony?"

I found the shrine and participated in the Old Life ceremony.

"Then may your message reach Aetherius, traveler. I'm glad to have been a part of your celebration of the Old Life.
Take this. It's my gift to you, in the spirit of the tradition. Something special, so you can remember this Old Life day."

If spoken to again after the quest:

"I hope you will celebrate again when the time comes. And that you share this tradition with any you think could benefit from it.
The Old Life ceremony is deeply personal, but those who participate feel a sense of connection. As I'm sure you felt."

I burned the paper and then ….

"No, no! Don't say anything more. That message, and any response, that is for you alone.
Treasure it, and keep it in your heart. that is where it will do the most good."

Is getting a response rare?

"Incredibly so! Those lucky few who receive a response from Aetherius often keep it a secret. They do describe it as a life-changing experience, though.
I choose to believe those who receive responses were in need of a sign, for whatever reason."

You mentioned refugees?

"Yes, many were displaced when Molag Bal invaded and the Three Banners War broke out over Cyrodiil.
They are good people that have been driven from their homes and scattered across Tamriel."

And they still seek to celebrate Old Life?

"Absolutely. Many have lost loved ones in the process, after all.
Their shrines were destroyed within Imperial City. As they relocate, many have given their messages to people like me, hoping they will reach a shrine elsewhere in Tamriel."

I see.