| Earl Leythen | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | College of Sapiarchs, Artaeum, Ceporah Tower | ||
| Race | High Elf | Gender | Male |
| Health | 15,000† | ||
| Reaction | Friendly | ||
| Other Information | |||
| Follower | A Necessary Alliance The Crystal Tower |
||
| Faction(s) | Court of Bedlam Psijic Order (formerly) |
||
Earl Leythen is a High Elf mage and member of the Court of Bedlam. He is a former member of the Psijic Order, where he was recognized as their language expert.
After a personal tragedy Leythen grew distant from the Order and disappeared from sight during the Order's investigations of a Daedric threat on Summerset. As you pick up the investigation with Valsirenn, she reveals during your conversations that Leythen is her husband and that she has been looking for him. Later on you will find out that Leythen has pledged loyalty to Mephala and serves as her earl at the Court of Bedlam.
Although Leythen initially appears harsh-spoken, bitter, and generally disappointed in life, he will come to provide valuable assistance in dissolving the Daedric plot over Summerset.
BackgroundEdit
The first potential meeting with Leythen is easy to miss, as he is disguised as an anonymous noble in the upper floor of Shimmerene inn. Not particularly interested in talking to you, Leythen will repeatedly ask you to leave him alone.
A more proper introduction with Leythen takes place a little bit later, when you help Valsirenn to scout the College of Sapiarchs for a potential Daedra attack. The college is indeed under attack, with Leythen leading the forces as he attempts to gain access to the Resolute Diamonds. After a short and aggressive confrontation, Valsirenn takes Leythen back to Artaeum. Leythen will thereon remain on Artaeum, bound there by attunement magic. As your investigation of the Daedric plot on Summerset continues, Leythen will offer his help several times. He provides hints as to where find Meridia cultists in Summerset, he offers assistance in translating notes in ancient language, and helps to negotiate the pact between you and his Prince, Mephala. When you ascend the Crystal Tower for the final confrontation with Nocturnal, Leythen will sacrifice himself in order to help you advance further into the tower.
Several Psijic mages express their regret over Leythen's choices. Ritemaster Iachesis, once friends with Leythen, still believes him to be a good man, and curses Mephala for corrupting him. Oriandra tells you that Leythen has several talents, among them expertise of ancient and obscure languages and battle magic, and thinks it is a shame he betrayed the Order. The most complicated are Valsirenn's feelings towards her husband. During the conversations with both Valsirenn and Leythen you will learn that the two had a daughter called Ealdaawe, who died of an incurable illness, leaving her parents devastated. The two dealt with the tragedy in different ways: while Valsirenn buried herself in work, Leythen tried to take care of their daughter. Disappointed in Valsirenn's behavior, he grew distant from her and the Psijic Order. Some time after that, Leythen was sent to investigate the Daedric threat on Summerset, which however somehow led him to join the plot, become a member of the Court of Bedlam and serve as Mephala's trusted earl. Although initially furious over Leythen's betrayal, Valsirenn eventually reconciles with her husband and before you venture to the Crystal Tower they will visit their daughter's shrine together. This is the last time the two will speak – at the Crystal Tower, before Leythen dies he asks you to tell Valsirenn that he and their daughter will be waiting for her.
Related QuestsEdit
The Tower Sentinels: Warn the College of Sapiarchs of the threat to the Crystal Tower.- The Dreaming Cave: Find a way to communicate with Meridia and rescue her Golden Knight from Mephala's clutches.
- Lost in Translation: Locate the Heart of Transparent Law.
- A Necessary Alliance: Figure out a way to get into the Crystal Tower with the help of Clavicus Vile and Mephala.
- The Crystal Tower: Ascend the Crystal Tower and put an end to Nocturnal's machinations.
Old Life Observance: Participate in the Old Life remembrance ceremony.
Quest-Related EventsEdit
The Tower SentinelsEdit
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As you proceed through the College of Sapiarchs, you will eventually find Larnatille and the rest of the Sapiarchs trapped inside the building and being threatened by Leythen, who has come to get the Resolute Diamonds to the Crystal-Like-Law.
Having already killed Sapiarch Grenedel, Leythen now threatens Larnatille:
- Earl Leythen: "No more sages need to die today, Sapiarch. Just give me the diamond keys."
- Sapiarch Larnatille: "The Resolute Diamonds are not mine to give. Especially not to a Daedric cultist."
- Valsirenn: "Leythen, stop!"
- Earl Leythen: "Valsirenn! No, damn you!"
You then have an opportunity to speak to Leythen briefly, although he sounds reckless and far from friendly at this point:
- "You there! Tell my darling wife to release me and I'll ask Mephala to kill you quickly when the new age dawns."
- You're Valsirenn's husband? Why do you serve the Daedra now?
- "Spinner save me from fools and altruistic adventurers! Valsirenn turned her back on me and my daughter a long time ago. Is it any wonder I've found acceptance and purpose among the Court of Bedlam?"
- So you betrayed the Psijic Order?
- "Don't presume to judge my actions, you insignificant flea! I am an earl in the Court of Bedlam now, chosen personally by Mephala to represent her on this all-too-fragile world.
Leave me! I'm done speaking to you now!"
Speaking to him again before leaving the building:
- "My Mistress Mephala remembers every slight, and so do I. Bear that in mind if you decide to keep aiding the Psijics."
After this conversation Valsirenn will take Leythen back to Artaeum with her. You will not meet Leythen again until the next quest.
The Dreaming CaveEdit
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In order to enter the portal within the Dreaming Cave you need to dissolve a powerful Daedric barrier blocking the way. After testing the Dawnstar Gem, which contains a portion of Meridia's sacred sword Dawnbreaker's power, Iachesis is convinced the sword itself might be powerful enough to remove the barrier. However, the artifact needs to be repaired and in order to do that you will first need to get in touch with Meridia. Iachesis suggests you speak to Leythen because as a Daedric cultist, Leythen might have knowledge of the whereabouts of other Daedra cults on Summerset.
You will find Leythen and Valsirenn southwest of Ceporah Tower and witness the following conversation:
- Earl Leythen: "I never planned to come back here. The memories are ... painful."
- Valsirenn: "I still can't believe I had to find you and drag you back. Was our time together really so terrible?"
- Earl Leythen: "You still don't understand. Our daughter will never again see this view. Or hold my hand. Or ... or ... anything."
When you speak to Leythen, he will not be particularly friendly or helpful at this point, remarking:
- "I suppose it's too much for a prisoner to expect a few moments of solitude with his thoughts. Ah, well.
So what can I do for you? Has the Ritemaster sent you to interrogate me? Doesn't he trust my wife's talents in that regard?" - Is there a Meridia cult on Summerset?
- "What a curious question. Do you actually believe that all Daedric cultists know each other? I hate to disappoint you. We don't.
Although, I can tell you that there are a lot fewer of the Lady of Life's followers now than there were before." - What do you mean by that?
- "The Court of Bedlam has been actively eliminating the competition, as it were. Oh, I wasn't personally involved, but I have it on good authority that the Meridia shrine hidden to the north of Shimmerene has been ... disposed of."
- The Court of Bedlam killed all of Meridia's followers in Summerset?
- "All? Who can say? I imagine that one or two of them scurried down a dark hole before the blade fell. Like rats, her followers are!
I believe I have said everything I'm going to on this subject. Now shove off." - I guess I could go search around to the north of Shimmerene.
At this point Valsirenn has further information to give to you, proposing you find Razum-dar in Shimmerene. You can then choose to speak to Leythen some more, although he will start by commenting sarcastically:
- "Haven't you left yet? Don't you have an island full of Altmer to search?
Good luck with that, by the way. I've always said, the Court of Bedlam is too efficient for its own good. Meridia's lackeys were probably wiped out to the last cultist." - Why would the Court of Bedlam destroy a shrine to Meridia?
- "Let me let you in on a secret. Just between us, you understand.
My Prince Mephala and her partners in the triad have no use for the other Daedric Princes. They've declared war and have already started eliminating their rivals' mortal followers."
You can then discuss the following three topics with him:
| Question | Dialogue |
|---|---|
| Tell me more about this war between the Daedric Princes. Why are you telling me this? |
"Were the words I used too complicated for you to understand? War. As in death and destruction, winners and losers. Mephala, Nocturnal, and Vile plan to win. The other Princes? Most of them don't even realize they're under assault as of yet." "Because you asked? Seriously, what does it hurt to tell you about things you can't possibly influence? You and your Psijic friends are nothing when compared to the majesty of Mephala and her Daedric partners." |
| What happened to your daughter? | "Never mention my daughter again, you insignificant dolt! Ealdaawe was perfect in every way. She was my sun and moons, and the best thing I ever created. Don't you dare sully her memory with your inane questions!" |
| I heard that you and the Ritemaster were friends. What about your oath to Valsirenn? |
"Friends? I suppose we were. He's a good leader and an excellent teacher. If I have one regret about turning my back on the Order it's that I had to break my oath to Iachesis." "You pry into subjects best left alone, stranger. I don't know you. You don't know me. I don't see that fact changing, do you? Now get out of my sight before I really forget my manners." |
As he is visibly angered, it is best you heed Leythen's advice and leave him alone, because he will have nothing more to say to you.
Lost in TranslationEdit
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On ArtaeumEdit
In the beginning of this quest, Iachesis tells you that he keeps hearing a phrase in some unknown, ancient language. He believes this phrase could be the key to finding where he hid the Heart of Transparent Law. However, you will need somebody with sufficient language expertise to translate the phrase. Speak to Oriandra, who in her turn suggests that Leythen is the person to go to.
You will find Leythen with Valsirenn in the latter's study:
- Earl Leythen: "Interesting. You weren't this attentive when our daughter actually needed you."
- Valsirenn: "Leythen, I—arrgh! I need to go check on the knight anyway."
- Earl Leythen: "Val, wait .... Damn it."
As Valsirenn storms out, Leythen then turns to you, sounding somewhat embarrassed:
- "By the Spinner's holy webs, when did I become an insufferable arse? Valsirenn didn't deserve that. Ealdaawe was her daughter, too.
Why am I talking to you about this? I know it isn't because I like you, because I really don't." - I understand you're good with languages.
- "Is this some new attempt at interrogation? If so, I'm not familiar with the technique.
Very well, I'll play along. Yes, I am a master linguist, specializing in ancient and obscure languages. Why do you ask?" - The Ritemaster heard these words, but we can't translate them. They may point to the tower crystal.
- "Intriguing. I've never seen this dialect before. I can translate it, but I need more to work with. I need to examine the original tablets found at Ebon Stadmont.
That will never happen, of course. You do remember I'm a prisoner here, don't you?" - I can go to Ebon Stadmont. What do you need to complete the translation?
- "According to those notes, the writing is carved into a massive stone. I doubt you'd be able to carry it back here.
All right, you've piqued my interest. Use this rune when you reach Ebon Stadmont and I'll be able to see what you see."
You can then discuss the following two topics with him:
- What does the rune you gave me do exactly?
- "Nothing nefarious, if that's what you're asking.
Just enter the forest, find the obscure language, and use the rune so I can see what you see. It won't do anything beyond that, I assure you."- What can I expect to find in Ebon Stadmont?
- "According to the scribblings of this Grand Maestro Forte—Spinner's web, that's a pompous title!—the forest is a maze filled with all kinds of beasts and Daedra.
As to the reason why, who can say? Sometimes a cursed wood is just a cursed wood."
- What's going on between you and Valsirenn?
- "I don't see how that's relevant to our interactions. Not in the least. Still, my words were spiteful, meant to hurt her. There was no need for me to open old wounds.
But why does this concern you? I'm your enemy. Are you too dense to see that?"- [Persuade] What happened to you and Val was horrible. I'm just trying to help.
- "You and Iachesis, always sticking your noses into places they don't belong. I suppose I can appreciate that, but kindness won't help you in the coming war.
Very well. I'll tell you this. Val loved our daughter and our daughter loved Val."- So why do you hate each other?
- "Hate? I—I'm not sure what emotions I feel right now. But when my daughter was dying, when she was crying for her mother's comfort, Val wasn't there. She was buried in her work, too busy or too frightened to spend those final moments with Ealdaawe."
- I know you're our enemy. I need to understand you in order to remain one step ahead of you.
- "Interesting. Honesty and a shrewd tactic. I can appreciate that.
Still, my business is my own. I'm not looking for a friend or to rejoin the Psijics. I'll help you because the Court needs to find the tower crystal as much as you do."
At Ebon StadmontEdit
At Ebon Stadmont, you need to use Leythen's Rune to summon him. A projection of Leythen appears, and he seems satisfied, commenting:
- Earl Leythen: "Ah, the rune is working perfectly! It's almost as if I'm standing right next to you."
You can then discuss what you need to do with Leythen, although he doesn't provide any particularly useful hints:
- "I can feel the powerful magic that permeates this place. I sense a Daedric influence, but something that's far older than my Prince Mephala."
- What should I be looking for?
- "The Maestro's notes said the ancient words were etched into a massive stone. I expect you'll need to travel deeper into the forest to find the exact location.
I can't translate the words the Ritemaster heard until you find that stone." - How do I find this massive stone covered in the ancient writing?
- "I'm not your tour guide! Just pick a direction and start walking.
Wait a moment. The Maestro's notes. There was a passage that might help. Something about the crows. Maybe that will be enough to guide you."
If you've already cleared Ebon Stadmont:
- I've been here before, but without a guide there's no way through the maze.
- "Just retrace your steps. You likely walked past the massive stone and didn't even realize it.
Wait a moment. The Maestro's notes had a passage about crows and a path. Just refer to the book and hope for the best, I guess." - I'll find the stone.
He then suggests, before shutting down the projection:
- Earl Leythen "Refer to the book and use the rune again when you locate the ancient writing."
As you enter and navigate through the forest, you will need to enter three correctly marked portals before you finally are teleported to the entrance of Ebon Sanctum. You can then use Leythen's Rune again to summon him.
As soon as his projection appears, Leythen eagerly asks:
- Earl Leythen: "Have you found the inscription?"
- Earl Leythen: "Hmm, not yet, but the inscription is nearby. I sense something else, though. Nocturnal's presence."
Speak to him to find out what he means:
- "The Grand Maestro mentioned Daedra, but I never imagined they'd belong to one of the patrons of the Court of Bedlam.
This changes everything. Now I'm really interested in helping you translate the Ritemaster's memory." - What do you mean? What's this have to do with Nocturnal?
- "An excellent question. But we won't learn anything if you continue to stand here and talk to my projection. Get moving and find that inscribed stone."
Continue searching through the area, and finally you will find the ancient statue and inscription you were looking for. Summoning Leythen there will however, not work without problems:
- Earl Leythen: "The ancient inscription! You found it!"
- Earl Leythen: "Something isn't right. I feel—"
- Earl Leythen: "Our connection ... breaking up! It's Nocturnal's earl—"
Leythen then remains blocked out, until you've finished your conversation with Earl Tundilwen. Immediately after that, he reappears, yelling:
- Earl Leythen: "Finally! I've reestablished my connection to the rune."
- Earl Leythen: "Tell me what Nocturnal's earl said to you."
Speaking to him, he sounds rather upset about Nocturnal's earl interfering with your search:
- "I can't believe Nocturnal's earl interfered like that. We're supposed to be allies! Why would she want to stop me from reading that ancient inscription?"
- Nocturnal's earl said that the ancient phrase is a spell.
- "A spell? Interesting. And somehow connected to the Ritemaster's forgotten hiding place.
I wonder why Nocturnal decided to share this information? She isn't usually the most forthcoming of the Court's esteemed Princes." - Nocturnal's earl also indicated that you've been informing the Court about our plans.
- "Right. I told them to interrupt my research before I could unravel an ancient and powerful language.
Look, you should come back to Ceporah Tower now. The Ritemaster wants to hear everything my associate shared with you. And frankly, so do I." - I'll return to Artaeum as soon as I can.
Leythen's projection then disappears, saying:
- Earl Leythen: "I just wish I could have spent a few moments studying that inscription."
Back at Ceporah Tower, you will find Oriandra being confronted by Iachesis, with Leythen sitting nearby:
- Ritemaster Iachesis: "Oriandra, you should have consulted me beforehand."
- Earl Leythen: "She saw an opportunity and she took it, Iachesis."
- Ritemaster Iachesis: "Silence, Leythen! Need I put you in chains to remind you of your status here?"
- Oriandra: "I'm sorry, Ritemaster. We should have asked permission. It won't happen again."
When you talk to Leythen at this point, he comments: "Iachesis is in a mood. I'd watch my step around him if I were you."
After having talked to Iachesis, you can talk to Leythen once more. He will give you some information he managed to gather from Ebon Stadmont:
- "Our trip into the cursed wood wasn't a total failure. I had a brief moment to examine the inscription before Nocturnal's earl usurped our connection.
I think I know what some of the words from the Ritemaster's memory mean." - Did you tell the Ritemaster?
- "Not yet. He's been in a harsh mood. Besides, I've only been able to make a partial translation."
- So what do the words you translated mean?
- "The phrase contains eight distinct words, repeated over and over. I've been able to translate three of them. In. Heart. Unsealed.
Do with that information what you will."
A Necessary AllianceEdit
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On ArtaeumEdit
Following the disastrous events in Lost in Translation, you return back to Artaeum to discuss the next step with your allies. You will find Valsirenn, Leythen, and Oriandra in Valsirenn's study, Valsirenn being quite furious and interrogating Leythen. Oriandra begs Valsirenn to go easy on him.
- Oriandra: "Valsirenn, stop! You're going to kill him!"
- Valsirenn: "Arrghh! Fine! Let our friend finish the interogation."
She then releases Leythen from her choking spell and stands aside.
Speak to Leythen, who has had time to catch his breath and protests loudly against the interrogations:
- "This is ridiculous! I had no wish to see Iachesis harmed. He was my friend! He tried to save my daughter!
If my wife wants a battle, though, tell her I'm ready to oblige!" - Nocturnal betrayed your Prince when she killed the Ritemaster and took the Heart for herself.
- "What are you talking about? Nocturnal, Mephala, and Clavicus Vile are partners in this. That's why our three sects formed the Court of Bedlam. Three Daedric Princes working together to make the world a better place."
- I saw Nocturnal banish Mephala and Vile from her realm. I don't think she's still part of your team.
- "No, that can't be right. Why would she betray the triad like that? Unless—
You must let me leave Artaeum! I need to contact my Prince!"
You can now choose to either intimidate him or keep having a civil conversation:
| Question | Dialogue |
|---|---|
| [Intimidate] Tell me what the Princes were originally planning or I'll turn you back over to Valsirenn. | "Look, you have to let me return to Summerset and warn my Prince. Let me go and I'll convince Mephala to help you. You're going to need my Prince if you really plan to take on Nocturnal and the Crystal Tower. Consider it a necessary alliance." |
| We need to know what the Princes were originally planning. Whatever Nocturnal has planned is a threat to Mephala and the rest of the Court of Bedlam. |
"And I need to return to Summerset, but it looks like we're both going to be disappointed." "Which is why I have to warn my Prince! Look, help me and I'll help you. You're going to need my Prince if you have any hope of taking on Nocturnal. Consider it a necessary alliance." |
Regardless of the above choice, the conversation continues:
- First, tell me the triad's original plan.
- "Do we really need to go over this again? Mephala and the triad sought places of power—the Clockwork City, the Crystal Tower—anything they could use to change the rules of reality and remake the world.
They wanted to make things better!"- Why would Nocturnal betray the triad and take the Heart?
- "I still only have your word that my Prince has been betrayed. But I'll play along.
Daedric Princes aren't used to working together. If Nocturnal acquired the Heart of Transparent Law, I could see how she might then decide to go her own way."- So you think she'll use the Heart to take control of the Crystal Tower?
- "I was under the assumption that the triad needed to work together to take control of the Crystal Tower. That was always my understanding.
To attempt this on her own, Nocturnal must have found another source of power."
- How were the Princes planning to enter the Crystal Tower?
- "The Crystal Tower has its own protections, though we know those have been weakened with the removal of the Heart of Transparent Law.
Still, we tried to acquire the Resolute Diamonds, the Sapiarchs' keys to the tower."- So without the Sapiarchs' keys, Nocturnal can't enter the Crystal Tower?
- "I didn't say that. Nocturnal has the Heart and her power as a Daedric Prince. It won't be easy, but she'll be able to enter the Crystal Tower.
You, on the other hand, will need help. Which brings me back to my offer. Make an alliance with my Prince." - What happens to the Court of Bedlam now?
- "What Court of Bedlam? You dealt with Clavicus Vile's earl and I'm your prisoner. The Court is in shambles, just like the triad, if what you say is to be believed.
But beware Nocturnal's champion. Her earl won't fall as easily as Tilcalar or I."
Regardless of Leythen's suggestion, you will at this point proceed with Valsirenn's plan to use a Sapiarch ritual in order to gain access to the Crystal Tower.
If you talk to Leythen before leaving to Summerset and Crystal Tower, he warns you.
- "Rushing a spell as complex as the Sapiarch ritual will not end well. I researched the diamond keys to find out how they work, and the magic isn't stable.
Mark my words. It can't be accelerated without dire consequences."
Cathedral of WebsEdit
As it appears, Leythen had right in his fears and the ritual at the Crystal Tower ends in yet another disaster, with both Sapiarchs dead. Although Valsirenn has a new plan, Darien Gautier refuses to help her at this point because he thinks a faster solution is needed. Darien sets Leythen free and returns to Summerset with him, attempting to contact Mephala. You are sent to look for them and will find the two near the Cathedral of Webs.
It looks like Leythen is trying to open the door inside the cathedral, with Darien urging him.
- Darien Gautier: "Hurry up, Leythen! They could find us at any moment!"
- Earl Leythen: "Something's wrong,"
- Darien Gautier: "Wrong? Why doesn't that surprise me?"
Speaking to Leythen before talking to Darien:
- "I'm a little busy here. If it's explanations you seek, talk to Darien."
Speaking to Leythen after talking to Darien:
- "If you want to return me to Artaeum, I won't resist you.
But first, I need to find out if the rest of Mephala's followers are safe. Let me learn their fate and then I'll submit myself to your mercy." - Darien said you were willing to put us in contact with Mephala.
- "I am, but I'm surprised that you'd go along with that.
If we can get inside and reach Mephala's shrine, I can attempt to make contact with my Prince." - So you believe that Nocturnal betrayed your Prince now?
- "Not exactly, but it's obvious to me that you believe that's what happened. I need to see for myself. In any event, there's no harm in approaching Mephala's shrine.
I'm just a little concerned that it took me so long to open this door." - Why does the door concern you?
- "It should have been a simple matter to identify myself and unlock the door. But the spells in place resisted me. It's as if I've lost my status as Mephala's earl ... or as if someone or something interfered with the place's defenses."
You can then optionally ask further questions:
| Question | Dialogue |
|---|---|
| How did you get off Artaeum? | "I spent years on that damnable island. Do you think the Psijics' magic could long hold someone who knows the intricacies of the place? With the Ritemaster's death, the order is in chaos. Only Val ever realized I was missing." |
| How did Nocturnal breach the Crystal Tower without the Resolute Diamonds? | "I'm just guessing, mind you, but I imagine someone with the abilities of a Daedric Prince who possesses the Heart of Transparent Law could walk into the Crystal Tower as easily as you or I could cross the threshold of an inn." |
| Vile offered us a way to reach the Crystal Tower. Can Mephala help us use the Resolute Diamonds? | "My Prince deals in secrets and hidden lore. If anyone can activate the keys to the Crystal Tower, she can. That was our original plan, before you intervened. After I acquired the diamonds from the Sapiarchs, I was supposed to bring them to Mephala." |
Speaking to him again before entering the Cathedral of Webs:
- "It took awhile but the way is open now. Of course, I'm a little concerned about how long it took me to unlock the door."
Once inside the Cathedral of Webs, you will find that Mephala's followers have fallen victim to an assault.
Leythen kneels down to inspect some of the bodies, with Darien nearby:
- Earl Leythen: "How did this happen? My people should have been safe within these walls!"
- Darien Gautier: "Nocturnal's been eliminating the sects of the other Princes. Are you surprised she'd turn on her former allies?"
- Earl Leythen: "I recruited most of these men and women. I was responsible for them."
Speaking to Leythen while he is investigating the dead cultists:
- "I know you consider my people to be nothing more than crazed cultists, but they didn't deserve this fate."
As you explore the cathedral, another Earl of Court of Bedlam suddenly appears before you. Leythen and Darien Gautier enter the room shortly after:
- Earl Tundilwen/Veya Releth: "It pains me that it had to end this way, but my Mistress will not be denied."
- Earl Leythen: "Butcher! How dare you pretend to care about the men and women you slaughtered!"
- Earl Tundilwen/Veya Releth: "Every action I performed was in the service of Nocturnal's grand plan."
- Darien Gautier: "Leythen, she has my Dawnbreaker. Ask her if she'll kindly return it."
Speaking to Leythen, he has an idea of how to get Nocturnal's earl to share what's going on:
- "I never trusted Nocturnal's earl. A Dark Elf, in the Court of Bedlam? It was unprecedented!
Her daggers are as sharp as her temper, so we must tread carefully here." - What do you suggest?
- "Nocturnal's champion is reckless and quick to anger. We can take advantage of that, perhaps get her to slip up and reveal what's going on here. There's a scent of magic that makes my blood run cold."
- What do you mean?
- "Nocturnal's magic is at work here. See how the yaghra have mutated into creatures of shadow?
We need to follow Nocturnal's earl. Harry her. Make her so mad she tells us everything. Hopefully, one of us will live long enough to use the information." - All right, let's give it a try.
Leythen then turns to earl, shouting:
- Earl Leythen: "Champion of Nocturnal, what magic is this? I've never seen anything like it."
- Earl Tundilwen/Veya Releth: "This was always the plan. Nocturnal's plan."
- Earl Leythen: "So Nocturnal did betray my mistress!"
- Earl Tundilwen/Veya Releth: "Your mistress is weak. Come with me and I'll show you what the true power looks like!"
Leythen then separates from you and Darien Gautier and follows Earl Tundilwen deeper into the ruins. You and Darien are left to explore the ruins and trying to find a way to Leythen and Tundilwen.
When you finally catch up to the earls, you will see a large abyssal pearl floating in front of a desecrated Mephala shrine. Leythen, seemingly shocked by the scene, yells:
- Earl Leythen: "This magic, it destroys everything! What good is power if there's nothing left to rule?"
- Earl Tundilwen/Veya Releth: "This is what the Court wanted all along. An end to the old ways. A new beginning."
- Earl Leythen: "I won't be party to the death of innocents! I won't—"
<Earl Tundilwen incapacitates Leythen with the corrupted Dawnbreaker.>
- Darien Gautier: "Let him go!"
- Earl Tundilwen/Veya Releth: "Be silent, knight, or I'll let you taste the blade you once carried. I wish to speak to your friend now."
After talking to Tundilwen, she releases Leythen and then disappears. Talk to Leythen to advance the quest.
- "Nocturnal must pay for betraying my Mistress, but the magic of the abyssal pearls appears to do more than just siphon our life energy. It obscures my connection to Mephala.
This shrine may be blocked, but I may know another way." - Don't you need the shrine to contact Mephala?
- "While a consecrated shrine offers the best conduit to a Daedric Prince, there are other means.
In the back chambers, I have a way to communicate privately with my Prince. I should be able to open a connection there." - Will Nocturnal's earl try to stop us?
- "She's gone. I no longer sense her presence here.
The abyssal pearls, however. The Court helped seed them throughout Summerset. I can tell the Psijics where to find them before Nocturnal activates them all. First, though, we must contact Mephala." - Let's go.
Speaking to him again:
- "Let's go. We can contact Mephala as soon as we reach my private chamber."
Leythen then asks Darien to scout the remaining area while you continue forward: Earl Leythen: "Darien, go the other way and meet us in the back chambers. We want to make sure Nocturnal's earl didn't leave us any surprises." Darien Gautier: "I'll go, but if this is just a ploy so you can betray us, you'll have to deal with me."
The way toward the back chambers is quite straightforward. Once inside his chambers, you encounter a shadowy Yaghra Monstrosity - Krezzinlor - and will have to defeat it before continuing.
- Earl Leythen: "Destroy that creature and then I can contact my Prince!"
- Darien Gautier: "There you are! This place is—Meridia's light! What is that thing?"
After killing Krezzinlor:
- Earl Leythen: "Meet me outside and we'll make contact with my Prince."
Outside the ruins, Leythen will summon Mephala. He stands straight, spreading his arms wide.
- Earl Leythen: "Mephala, appear before your faithful servant!"
In front of him, a red summoning circle will appear and a red glowing manifestation of Mephala is summoned shortly thereafter.
- Mephala: "I answer my earl's summons, only to find him with these ... unworthies. Do you betray me too, Leythen?"
- Earl Leythen: "Never, my Prince. We share a common enemy now. Please, talk to them and hear what they have to say."
After your negotiations with Mephala, the duo has the following brief comments to say:
- Darien Gautier: "That's it? A maybe?"
- Earl Leythen: "I'll return to Artaeum with Darien and tell them what we learned. Meet us there."
Talking to Leythen afterward:
- "My Mistress will help you. You just need to be patient.
As for me, I'll return to Artaeum and accept whatever consequences await me. You have my word."
The Crystal TowerEdit
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On ArtaeumEdit
Before traveling to the Crystal Tower and confronting Nocturnal, you can speak to some of your allies one last time. Regarding Valsirenn and Leythen, they will be found at a small shrine near Artaeum Craftworks.
The two finally seem to be able to make peace. Although not meant for your ears, you will overhear their reconciling.
- Valsirenn: "You were a terrific father to our daughter, Leythen. I'll never forget that."
- Earl Leythen: "You were always Ealdaawe's hero, Val. I envied the way she looked up to you."
- Valsirenn: "I ... I'm sorry, Leythen. I should have been there with you. With her. At the end."
- Earl Leythen: "You were trying to save her. I know that. It was just ... damn it, we need to win this, Val."
After listening to their conversation, speak to Leythen, who will tell you:
- "This shrine, Val and I built it for our daughter after she died. High Elves don't bury their dead, but we needed something to remember her by. She loved climbing this tree before the illness took her.
I forgot how beautiful it was." - Can I trust you to help us in this?
- "With the Psijic Order and my Mistress Mephala aligned toward a common goal, I'm feeling practically giddy with anticipation.
But never fear. I'll reestablish contact with my Prince when called upon to do so. I gave you my word." - What did you hope to accomplish with the Court of Bedlam?
- "The Court offered me a purpose after my life lost its meaning. Our Princes promised to remake the world, turn it into a better place. A paradise. And they were going to elevate the Altmer back to their status as gods.
Suffering would come to an end." - Isn't that what Nocturnal still wants to do?
- "Not in the least. Remaking the world to eliminate death and disease is one thing. Destroying everything to turn yourself into a being of infinite power—well, that's something else entirely.
Mephala will see that and provide the help you need."
Speaking to him again:
- "Even after being gone so long, I could never forget this place. I can still hear the sounds of my little girl's laugh as she climbed this tree, giggling and shouting at Val and I to watch her.
It's a memory I'll forever cherish."
Make your way to the Dreaming Cave, where your allies are waiting for you. The preparations for opening the way to the Crystal Tower have been completed. Leythen stands among others, ready to summon Mephala.
Speaking to him at this point reveals Leythen looks forward to confront Nocturnal.
- "Sotha Sil allowed Barbas to come to Artaeum so he can lead us to the Crystal Tower. In a moment, he'll also open the way so that my Prince can attune the diamonds for us. Then we can attack Nocturnal directly. I'm actually looking forward to that."
During the meeting with Sotha Sil:
- Barbas: "I'll lead you through the Fields of Regret to reach the Crystal Tower."
- Darien Gautier: "Hey! That dog just talked!"
- Earl Leythen: "I can establish contact with Mephala. She's ready to appear if you're willing to lower the defenses."
- Sotha Sil: "Oriandra, Valsirenn, assist me. Let us open a path and not keep the Prince of Secrets waiting."
After Mephala has been summoned, you will talk to her and she will then attune the diamonds. However, she requests that you take Leythen with you to the Crystal Tower. After that, Barbas will open a portal to the Fields of Regret, through which you will be able to reach the Crystal Tower. You and your companions - Darien and Leythen - are now ready to enter the portal.
As Leythen makes his way to the portal, Valsirenn calls out to him:
- Valsirenn: "Leythen, promise me you'll keep them safe!"
- Earl Leythen: "I promise, Val."
Inside the Crystal TowerEdit
After traveling through the portal to the Fields of Regret, you will arrive in the proximity of the Crystal Tower.
- Darien Gautier: "I bet Nocturnal knows we're coming. So much for the element of surprise."
- Earl Leythen: "Where's Vile's Hound? Has he abandoned us already?"
If spoken to, Leythen continues his thought.
- "If Vile and his Hound have already betrayed us, I'll turn that mangy mutt into a throw rug!"
Upon catching up to Barbas:
- Barbas: "Bother and bones! Nocturnal sends creatures into our realm? Not while Barbas is on guard! Skaafin, come forth!"
- Earl Leythen: "Where are you going, creature?"
- Barbas: "I promised to show you the way. There, follow that path. That's the way to the tower. Now, I have a realm to defend!"
- Darien Gautier: "I don't think I like Barbas very much."
Speak to him before speaking to Barbas and entering the tower:
- "Go ahead. See what Vile's servant wants to tell you before we try to enter the tower."
Speak to him after talking to Barbas but before entering the tower:
- "Well, we're not going to accomplish much standing around out here."
Once inside the tower, Darien is surprised about how untouched the interior seems to be of the chaos.
- Darien Gautier: "This place looks surprisingly intact."
- Earl Leythen: "The interior and the exterior of such places rarely coincide perfectly. I pity the Sapiarchs that were present when Nocturnal unleashed this magic."
Speaking to Leythen here will only yield a short response.
- "It's a tower, so now we climb."
Venturing deeper into the tower you will arrive to what is seemingly a dead end:
- Darien Gautier: "A dead end? Did we make a wrong turn?"
<The tower then morphs and expands in real time, revealing a path forward.>
- Earl Leythen: "Wait. The tower ... it's moving. Fascinating! It appears to be reconfiguring itself!"
- Darien Gautier: "Then let's get moving before the tower remakes this platform out of existence!"
- Earl Leythen: "I expect we'll see more evidence of this malleable nature the higher we climb."
When you arrive at the artifact vault, Leythen will comment on the absence of shadow Sapiarchs.
- Darien Gautier: "Look at this place! Part of the ceiling has fallen in!"
- Earl Leythen: "Yes, but what happened to the shadow Sapiarchs? They were thick as crows on the lower levels."
If you talk to Leythen, he'll tell you:
- "I suspect that whatever has kept the shadow creatures at bay might also reveal our next path. Let's look around."
Speaking to Leythen after dispatching the Guardian Atronach:
- "Find out how the Sapiarch was able to survive when the rest of the sages succumbed to Nocturnal's magic."
You will encounter a lone Sapiarch who is still alive thanks to a relic protecting her:
- Sapiarch Nolyemal: "I don't know how you entered the tower ... but you must get out of here."
- Darien Gautier" "She's still alive! We have to help her."
- Sapiarch Nolyemal" "No, stay back! The relic that protects me, it's failing. You can't help me."
- Earl Leythen: "She's right. Look how she's starting to fade."
Afer you have spoken with Sapiarch Nolyemal, Leythen attempts to ease her pain as she ceases to exist:
- Sapiarch Nolyemal" "I don't want to die!"
- Earl Leythen: "Let me help you. Clear your mind."
- Sapiarch Nolyemal: "It's so hard ... to concentrate ...."
- Earl Leythen: "Think of your loved ones. Picture their faces and my magic will help you."
- Sapiarch Nolyemal: "I see them. The pain ... is fading. I can see—"
<Sapiarch Nolyemal evaporates into shadows.>
- Darien Gautier: "She ... she's gone."
- Earl Leythen: "Her last moments were peaceful. I saw to that."
Speaking to Leythen afterward, he then urges you to hurry and find the way out of the vault:
- "The magic that held back the shadows is gone. They'll be upon us before we know it."
If you speak to him he'll say:
- "The shadow creatures are already flooding into this area."
Speaking to him after Darien asks you to find the missing ballista parts, he'll add:
- "A ballista? That's certainly more in the knight's area of expertise than in mine."
After repairing the old ballista and clearing out the rubble you can continue climbing the tower. You will come to the tower's library - a vast and open place - and Leythen will at this point comment:
- Earl Leythen: "Curious. From the opening in the ceiling, it appears that we're no longer in Vile's realm."
- Darien Gautier: "So that's what they meant when they said the tower was in every realm at the same time!"
Speaking to him while in the library:
- "This portion of the tower seems more damaged than the previous sections we climbed through. Let's look around and see if we can find a way out of this library."
As you fight your way through the shadow creatures, you will need to find an exit out of the library. Upstairs of the library is a key pedestal and that might be the solution according to Leythen.
- Earl Leythen: "Yes, that must control the gate across the chamber. It appears to require a key, however. Down there. That looks a likely candidate."
Head to the main floor of the library and get the gate key. Suddenly, Nocturnal's earl appears from the shadows:
- Darien Gautier: "Where did she come from?"
- Earl Tundilwen/Veya Releth: "Nocturnal's started to repair Transparent Law. Soon none of this will matter."
- Earl Leythen: "No, you mustn't do this!"
More shadowy creatures then appear and you need to defeat these. The earl begins losing her patience.
- Earl Tundilwen/Veya Releth: "Why do you insist on prolonging your pain, Leythen?"
- Earl Leythen: "You know nothing about pain!"
- Earl Tundilwen/Veya Releth: "A pity. I thought we were the same. No matter. Your quest ends here."
- Earl Leythen: "She's just trying to slow us down. Meet me up at the gate pedestal!"
At the gate key pedestal, Leythen pipes up.
- Earl Leythen: "Try the key pedestal."
He then realizes Nocturnal's earl has manipulated the mechanism.
- Earl Leythen: "She did something to the controls. The gate won't open."
Speak to him to discuss what you should do next.
- "We must be nearing the pinnacle of the tower. That's why Nocturnal sent her champion to slow us down.
Nocturnal's earl damaged this mechanism beyond repair. Even if we had acquired the key, I'm not sure it would have opened the gate." - Do you know how we can get through the gate?
- "Sapiarch magic is powerful, but not as powerful as the magic of the Psijic Order. Since we don't have the key, I can try to overcome the damaged mechanism and then follow after you."
- How are you going to do that?
- "I can operate the mechanism manually from here. Then, once you and Darien are through the gate, I can teleport across and make it to the other side before it snaps back shut."
- All right, open the gate.
Leythen charges a Psijic spell to operate the mechanism, urging you to hurry before his force wanes:
- Earl Leythen: "The gate ... it's opening. Go on! I can't hold this for very long!"
As you go through the gate, Nocturnal's earl appears once more:
- Earl Tundilwen/Veya Releth: "I have to stop you here. All of you."
- Earl Leythen: "I wondered if you'd actually show yourself instead of just projecting menacing images."
- Earl Tundilwen/Veya Releth: "A closed gate won't save them, Leythen."
- Earl Leythen: "No, but this will keep you busy for a time."
- Earl Tundilwen/Veya Releth: "What? No!"
Leythen binds Veya with his magic and teleports off with her, away from the protection of the Resolute Anchor. Leythen then reappears: alone, visibly shaken, and enveloped by a strange dark aura.
- Darien Gautier: "Where'd they go?"
- Darien Gautier: "Is Leythen ... gone?"
<Leythen reappears at the gate.>
- Earl Leythen: "That should keep her busy ... for a short time, at least."
- Darien Gautier: "Um, why are you glowing?"
And just as that, Leythen's fate is now unfortunately sealed in a dramatic end. He apparently overestimated his ability to teleport back to you in time, which means he will remain on the other side of the gate, outside the Resolute Anchor's protective aura. Thus, as the Crystal Tower shifts between realities, Leythen will eventually be lost in the nothingness between the worlds.
Speak to him through the gate:
- "I was overconfident, I'm afraid. Valsirenn always said I was too sure of my own abilities. I just assumed I'd be able to get back to the protection of the Resolute Anchor before I was unmade.
Pity. I would have preferred a more heroic ending." - This was your plan all along?
- "I had to do something to get rid of Nocturnal's champion. At least for a little while. Beyond that, I really did hope that a moment outside the anchor's protection wouldn't be fatal.
Just something else you can tell Valsirenn I was wrong about." - So that's it? There's nothing we can do?
- "You can stop Nocturnal. I'd really rather not see you and the knight wind up with this fate. And, if all goes well, you can tell Valsirenn that ... that I'm sorry.
Now, hurry. Nocturnal's earl won't be gone long."
You then have two dialogue options:
| Option | Dialogue |
|---|---|
| Thanks for giving us a fighting chance. | "I should be thanking you. You had no reason to trust me, yet you did. And you gave me a chance to see my wife ... to reconcile with her in a way. Now, go and beat Nocturnal. I have faith in you!" |
| After everything you did, this end is too good for you. | "Yes, that's the spirit! Show me the anger you've been hiding! I'm fading away quickly, while you're about to suffer an eternity at Nocturnal's hands. Regardless, I must thank you. You gave me a chance. You let me see Valsirenn one last time." |
Your final conversation then ends with the following lines:
- What should I tell Valsirenn?
- "Tell her ... tell her I'm going to go be with our daughter.
Tell Val ... that we will ... we will wait ... for ... her ...."
With these words Leythen collapses to the ground as his body disappears, consumed by the shadows. After a brief moment of silence, Darien reminds you of the task you came here to do.
- Darien Gautier: "We should ... we should keep moving. There's nothing more we can do here."
AftermathEdit
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Immediately after Leythen's death, neither you nor your allies will have time to mourn his death. Atop the Crystal Tower, however, Valsirenn will ask you about Leythen. When given the news about his death, she is shocked, but will force herself to focus on finishing the task, stuttering: "Leythen ... I'll ... I'll mourn for Leythen later. I'm just glad he helped you. He would have made our daughter proud."
After confronting Nocturnal, restoring the Heart of Transparent Law, and ensuring that the plans to protect the Crystal Tower have been made, you can find Valsirenn back on Artaeum. When you talk to her there, she tells you how it is good to see you again, and that she has had time to both recover and mourn the ones who lost their lives during the conflict. When you ask her how she feels about Leythen's death, she admits, "Sad, of course. I think I understand him better now. I plan to remember what he sacrificed in the end. What he did to help us." She then pauses, before saying, "Leythen and my daughter, they'll always be here, in my heart. Always." When you comfort her, she turns her head away as if wiping a tear off her cheek, "I'm sorry, but this is still so hard to talk about. Finding Leythen after all these years, only to lose him again .... It was incredibly difficult."
Old Life ObservanceEdit
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After his death, the spirit of Earl Leythen may return from Aetherius and appear to you during the New Life Festival event quest Old Life Observance when you perform a remembrance ceremony at one of the Old Life shrines.
NotesEdit
- Leythen is voiced by Time Winters (IMDb), who previously voiced Lord Harkon in Skyrim.
- He wears the Court of Bedlam robe (page); this outfit was also available to players for pre-ordering Summerset chapter and currently can be obtaining by buying Summerset Collector's Pack in Crown Store.
- While his identity is not known at the time, Leythen appears as Mephala's Earl in the abyssal pearl augury vision at Ceporah Tower during the quest A Pearl of Great Price.
- During the quests when Leythen acts as your follower, he will use the Psijic Skill line abilities to assist you.