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Online:Rada al-Saran

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Rada al-Saran
(lore page)
Location Deepwood Barrow
Tzinghalis's Tower, The Undergrove, Greymoor Keep
Grayhome
Race Redguard Gender Male
Reaction Friendly
Other Information
Faction(s) Gray Host (leader)
Icereach Coven (allied)
Condition Vampire
Rada al-Saran

Rada al-Saran, also known as the Ashen Lord, is a Redguard elder vampire and leader of the Gray Host, an army of vampires and werewolves which ravaged the land in the First Era before their defeat at Bangkorai Pass. Recently, they were brought back to Nirn from Coldharbour and reemerged in the province of Skyrim, allying themselves with the Icereach Coven.

While Rada al-Saran prefers to work through proxies such the Draugrkin, his presence has become increasingly significant as his plans progress. In the Alik'r Desert, he is also known as a master swordsman who dueled the goddess Leki to a stalemate for three continuous days, according to the story of the creation of Leki's Blade.

Related QuestsEdit

Quest-Related EventsEdit

GreymoorEdit

Bound in BloodEdit

 
Rada in Deepwood Vale

Rada al-Saran is first encountered speaking to Matron Urgala atop the Deepwood Crossing, where you and Fennorian will overhear him while he is unaware of your presence:

Matron Urgala: "As you'll see, the storm's effects will be quite devastating."
Rada al-Saran: "As long as everything's ready for the first harvest, Urgala, I will be pleased."

At the Deepwood Temple Pinnacle, Rada will give his orders to Urgala before disappearing in a flock of bats:

Rada al-Saran: "The harrowstorm ritual is a thing of beauty, Urgala. I'll be in touch after the harvest."

The Vampire ScholarEdit

While searching for Fennorian in Exarch Tzinghalis's tower, you will overhear the Exarch casually discussing his experimentation on your companion with the Ashen Lord.

Exarch Tzinghalis: "It fights against its nature, Rada al-Saran. A weaker breed."
Rada al-Saran: "No, Tzinghalis. Just the deceived son of an estranged brother, forced to deny his nature."
 
"A shame he could not be recruited to our noble cause."

After you bypass the Netherroot Garden, you will hear Rada al-Saran telling Tzinghalis to dispose of Fennorian.

Fennorian: "Ahh! No! Why are you doing this to me?"
Exarch Tzinghalis: "The Ashen Lord crafted the plan. I am simply the architect of his tools."
Exarch Tzinghalis: "Now, feel free to scream when I peel back your flesh and apply this tool …."
Rada al-Saran: "We have what we need. In his last moments, let him truly understand the power of the Gray Host!"
Fennorian: "Arrgghh!"
Rada al-Saran: "A shame he could not be recruited to our noble cause."
Exarch Tzinghalis: "The machine will finish him momentarily, my lord."
Rada al-Saran: "Finish your work here, Tzinghalis, then join me in the keep. You must bear witness when we make our move."
Exarch Tzinghalis: "Of course, Rada al-Saran. I am eager to see the power of our ultimate harrowstorm."
<Rada al-Saran teleports away in a swarm of bats.>
Fennorian: <Tortured sobbing.>

The Gray HostEdit

After learning about the Gray Host, you will find out that they are testing a harrowstorm in the Undergrove. This makes it an ideal place to test the elixir created to protect against a harrowstorm's effects.

Once you enter the Undergrove with your companions, you will soon hear some familiar voices.

Fennorian: "We need to find where they're experimenting with the harrowstorms."
<Voices will echo from the center.>
Exarch Ulfra: "You honor me with your presence, my king."
Lyris Titanborn: "Gray Host! Stay quiet and listen!"
Rada al-Saran: "This harrowstorm must be the biggest we have ever wrought, my sister-in-arms."
Svana: "That's the leader of the Gray Host!"
Exarch Ulfra: "Have we heard from Solitude? Is everything in place?"
Rada al-Saran: "I have been assured city is ripe for harvest"
Fennorian: "Rada al-Saran and Exarch Ulfra? Should we postpone the test?"
Svana: "Certainly not! The holds are counting on us! Besides, we might be able to end this threat right here and now."
<The group stops outside the door.>
 
"Impudent mortal! You will pay for your crime!"

With the decision made to confront the two leaders of the Gray Host, you can head on in. Rada al-Saran will recognize you and quickly show he isn't to be trifled with:

Rada al-Saran: "Who dares intrude—you! The murderers who killed our beloved Tzinghalis!"
<Lyris walks forwards.>
Lyris Titanborn: "And you're about to join him."
Rada al-Saran: "Impudent mortal! You will pay for your crime!"
<Red lightning appears in his hands and he strikes Lyris, who is thrown back.>
Lyris Titanborn: "Argh!"
Rada al-Saran: "Now for the rest of these curs!"
Exarch Ulfra: "My king, allow me the honor of spilling their blood!"
Rada al-Saran: "Very well, sweet sister. Join me in Greymoor Keep when the task is done."
<Rada al-Saran bat-teleports away.>
Exarch Ulfra: "Let this harrowstorm flay the flesh from your bones!"
<A red haze fills the air as the harrowstorm begins.>

Greymoor RisingEdit

In the aftermath of High King Svargrim's betrayal, you will descend into Greymoor Keep, which is directly beneath Solitude, to stop the Host's plans to unleash a harrowstorm on the city. After hearing Svargrim's yell, your group will head in the direction of the sound, which leads them to a balcony overlooking a massive witch pike, wreathed in harrowstorm energy while a beam of red light shoots from the top. Svargrim and Rada al-Saran stand on either side of the beam, facing each other.

 
"Pain is part of the process, Svargrim."
Rada al-Saran: "Pain is part of the process, Svargrim."
High King Svargrim: "It's … exquisite … my master!"
Rada al-Saran: "Once you are attuned to Greymoor, the storm will be yours to command."
<The attunement of Svargrim progresses and he begins to rise up in the air and float towards the surface.>
Rada al-Saran: "Rise, Svargrim, and unleash my storm upon Solitude! Then the last of the Gray Host shall be reborn!"
<Rada then follow him upwards.>
Fennorian: "The Ashen Lord, he turned Svargrim into the heart of his harrowstorm!"
Svana: "They're moving higher up the tower! We need to follow them!"
 
"Your persistence begins to annoy me, mortal. You killed my beloved brother and sister, Tzinghalis and Ulfra."

Once you enter the Central Overlook, you'll find Rada al-Saran himself doing something while within a red barrier.

Rada al-Saran: "And so the thorns arrive to once more prick my thumbs …."
Fennorian: "A barrier …."
Svana: "And—Rada al-Saran?"

You now have the opportunity to talk to Rada al-Saran.

"Your persistence begins to annoy me, mortal. You killed my beloved brother and sister, Tzinghalis and Ulfra. I freed them and you sent them back. Back to the hated Molag Bal!
I will see you suffer for that transgression."
Then drop the barrier and let's finish this.
"As much as it would please me to flay the flesh from your bones, I have more pressing matters to attend to.
But know this. As I felt each death, you shall feel it when the harrowstorm takes every life in Solitude. You shall feel it when you fail!"
I'm not going to let that happen.

At this, your audience with the Ashen Lord is over:

Rada al-Saran: "Bold words, but futile. Svargrim rises, and the harrowstorm with him. Once the attunement is finished, they will be unstoppable!"
<He disappears.>
Lyris Titanborn: "What happened? What did that damned vampire do?"
Fennorian: "He's merging the power flowing through the keep with Svargrim, giving him control of the harrowstorm."
Svana: "Then you must undo it. I'll stay and help. Lyris, you and our friend keep going up and find my father."

Getting closer to the surface, the effects of the attunement can be felt as waves of red light fill your vision. Rada will further hinder you by remotely activating the Stone Husks. While with Svana, you find Svargrim and Rada once more:

Rada al-Saran: "The attunement is complete, Svargrim. You and Greymoor Keep are one."
High King Svargrim: "The power! I am unstoppable!"
Svana: "We need to hurry!"

You will see Svargrim and Rada through a window as they continue to ascend the harrowstorm energy.

Rada al-Saran: "I leave the harrowing of Solitude to you, little king. Remember your oath to me."
Svana: "Rada al-Saran is leaving? Why?"

As you get higher, you will see the end of the harrowstorm structure. There is another wave of red light as a suspicious Svargrim questions Rada.

High King Svargrim: "You abandon me, in our moment of triumph? What game do you play, Rada al-Saran?"
Rada al-Saran: "Game? I gave you power. If you can't conquer Skyrim, the fault is your own."
Svana: "This place is connected to Castle Dour! How long has my father been planning this?"
Rada al-Saran: "Now ascend to your Tower of the Wolf and unleash my most potent harrowstorm! The Gray Host is counting on you, little king."

This is the last time you see Rada al-Saran before you reach Solitude.

Markarth PrologueEdit

The Gray CouncilEdit

 
Rada al-Saran

While experiencing Verandis's memories through at dreamwalk at Grayhome Castle, you will need to speak to Rada al-Saran after talking with Ulfra and Tzinghalis. He will be on the upper levels, seated on the dais as he watches Eeze dance around in the blood fountain. He will call out as you approach:

Rada al-Saran: "Verandis, my friend. At long last."

Rada will be pleased to see Verandis but he waves away the concerns his old friend has.

"How good to see you, Verandis, my old friend. You look well. Our halls have felt quite empty without you.
What do you think of our new home? Is it not, as I wrote in my letter, everything one could ask for?"
You've built a grand castle, old friend. But I must know, have you considered my request?
"To parlay with the mortal queen?
I have, but my stance has not changed. The Gray Host's strength has grown over the centuries, while dozens of mortal kingdoms have risen and fallen. What sense is there in revealing ourselves to them now?"
Mortals are not as you remember them. Empress Hestra would make a fine ally.
"What mortals gain from an alliance with us is obvious, but what benefit do we receive from them?
King Styriche and our Gray Host could crush this Empress Hestra and her armies in a day. I know you worry for our people, Verandis, but you need not."
You can't continue to war against mortals. There are simply too many of them.
"For such a brilliant mind who helped conceive our Gray Council, you can be so short-sighted, Verandis. I will say this: If the mortals do not move against us, we will not move against them.
But I cannot protect your precious mortals from themselves."
I believe in the Gray Council, not Styriche's Gray Host. And an alliance would protect us all.

You can ask him more questions before heading to Verandis's Study after Steward Faustina announces his belongings have been moved inside.

"Enough talk of alliances and mortals. It has been too long since we last saw one another, Verandis. Let us speak of better times, drink the blood offered, and contemplate the tremendous responsibility we bear to keep our people safe."
I spoke with Ulfra and Tzinghalis.
"Good. You cannot imagine how much I have leaned upon them in your absence.
It should please you to know that Ulfra shows restraint these days. And I know Tzinghalis would love to discuss his experiments and research with you."
They don't understand the dream, Rada al-Saran.
"They understand little that does not serve their own needs. They do not understand why we started the Gray Council or what an asset you are to the Gray Host.
It will take much to convince them to make peace with mortals."
Why did you invite me here if you're unwilling to talk about this?
"We have talked and I have listened. I've humored your ideals far longer than they deserve.
I invited you because you will flourish here, Verandis. You belong here, among your brothers and sisters, not meandered in the tribulations of mortal life."
The dream didn't start with us ruling over mortals.
"Your dream and mine are similar, my friend, but they are not the same. This friction between us, it thins my patience. Still, this place, no matter how grand, did not feel complete until you returned.
You belong here, Verandis."
I would like to continue our discussion of an alliance with mortals later, my friend.
"Of course, Verandis. I know you too well to think you would let the topic go so easily. I promise, we will speak of it again. There is no need to rush.
We have not seen each other in an Elf's age. I would hear what you have been up to, my brother."
We're immortal. We have all the time in the world to catch up.
"And yet you waste years away from your family, caring for those who live short and meaningless lives.
Ah, Verandis. Is my word not enough to appease you? We will speak more of this later. For now, I wish to discuss more pleasant topics."

MarkarthEdit

 

The Despot of MarkarthEdit

After encountering Arana and her rebel-witches, she'll have you do some investigating which will lead you to Valthume. Inside, you'll witness a meeting between Lady Belain and Rada al-Saran:

Rada al-Saran: "Excellent. With Markarth prepared, we need only claim the Arkthzand Keystone."
Lady Belain: "I'll make inquiries. Just remember our arrangement. Like you, I hate to be disappointed."
<Lady Belain disappears in a swarm of bats.>

Rada al-Saran will then turn his attention towards you:

Rada al-Saran: "You there, in the shadows. You can't hide from the Ashen Lord. Follow me if you dare."
<Rada transforms into a cloud of red mist and drifts into the next room.>

Following him into the next room, he will coalesce into his physical form.

Rada al-Saran: "You actually followed? There's fire in your veins, I'll give you that. Very well. You may speak to me."

Talk to him. If you finished the story quests in Western Skyrim, he will recognize you with disdain.

 
Rada in Valthume
Finished Greymoor:
Have not finished Greymoor:
"You. The thorn that caused me no small amount of irritation in Solitude. You thought yourself so clever, so stealthy, spying on me from the shadows. But the darkness answers to me.
So tell me, hero. Why have you come to this forsaken barrow?"
"You thought yourself so clever, so stealthy, hiding in the shadows. But the darkness answers to me.
Very well. My curiosity is piqued. What have you come to find in this forsaken barrow?"
Why have you brought the Gray Host to the Reach?
"You stand before Rada al-Saran and seek to understand his purpose?
Better a torchbug try to comprehend the secrets of alchemy or a mudcrab the intricacies of necromancy. These events began millennia before your birth. They concern you not at all."
We're going to stop you.
"Who is this we you speak of? Certainly not the Reachfolk. No, there is someone else. I see them, lurking in your thoughts. An ally, almost as ancient as I am. They're desperate to forestall the coming night.
Tell me. Who is this person?"
I don't have to tell you anything.
"And I don't have to resist the urge to rip out your throat and gorge on your blood.
But we are civilized beings. Exchanging pleasantries in this humble setting. Perhaps we can come to some sort of arrangement. A tip for a tap, as it were."
What kind of arrangement are you talking about?
"I propose a simple arrangement. A truth for a truth. Ask a question. I will answer honestly, then I will ask a question in turn.
A fair compromise, don't you agree?"
All right, I'll play your game.

After agreeing to play along, it is entirely optional to continue talking with him. Like he says, he will ask his own question after answering yours. You have the option of lying but he claims he will gain the truth by reading your thoughts.

"Excellent! Then by all means, ask your first question."
Why do you want to conquer the Reach? / What do you have planned for the Reach?
"I have no interest in conquering the Reach. I came here to make use of something very old. Very powerful. The Reach has the misfortune to be located directly above it. Many of these mortals will die. Not because I want them to, but because they must."
Killing people just to use something is insane.
"Not when your purpose is worthy. I do what I do for love.
My turn. Your ally. Are they a High Elf?"
Yes.
"Your honesty does you credit. Thank you.
Do you have another question?"
[Lie] No.
"A lie. But I see the truth in your thoughts.
Still, I shall give you another chance. Ask another question."
What's Lady Belain's role in this?
"Lady Belain is an ally of convenience. Her interests in my design are selfish and predictably narrow.
Do you seek to supplant her in Caddach's court? I recommend against that, for it will not go well for you."
I don't take kindly to threats.
"A threat implies only the possibility of punishment. I do not threaten.
Belain has Caddach's ear. If he takes your side, she kills him and chaos descends on Markarth. If he stands by Belain, you will be executed. Neither outcome benefits you."
If I fall, others will stop you.
"Others? Who? Reachfolk? The witch Arana? Your mysterious ally? I am unconcerned.
Now, for my question. This ally that hides behind your eyes, does he seek to protect the world by going against his own kind?"
Yes.
"Of course he does. Thank you for your honesty.
Now, do you have anything else to ask?"
[Lie] No.
"Deception? How disappointing. Still, the lie reveals the truth.
Do you have anything left to ask?"
Where do you come from?
"That is a complicated question. A being as old as I can claim many origins.
This flesh was born on the distant isles of Yokuda. This spirit was forged on the bloody shores of Hammerfell. This purpose … it grew from love. And necessity."
You're a Yokudan.
"That word holds little meaning for me now, but yes.
In my youth, I dedicated my life to perfection. In art. Perfection. In love. Perfection. In war … especially in war. Perfection. To attain glory in Yokuda, nothing less would do."
Perfection is impossible to attain.
"Is it? Beyond the Sea of Pearls, peerless swordmasters were as common as grains of sand. Even the grandest victories felt commonplace.
In a land of heroes, how can anyone claim to be exceptional?"
Someone who is perfect can.
"Precisely.
After the conquest of Hammerfell, I wandered in search of new challenges. I found only one. Leki. Daughter to Ruptga and master of the sword. We fought for three grueling days, without pause for rest or nourishment."
A great victory.
"But I didn't win. I didn't lose, either.
I could not accept a draw, however. The cold reality of my imperfection. That resentment drove me to Molag Bal. It took the patient wisdom of a friend to break perfection's hold on me. Now. Your turn."
Ask your question.
"Your ally. Are they a vampire?"
Yes.
"Interesting. A picture begins to emerge.
Do you have anything else to ask?"
[Lie] No.
"Lies are a coward's refuge. Still, your thoughts reveal the truth.
What else do you wish to know?"
I have nothing more to say to you.
"As you wish. Know that this level of cordiality will not be repeated.
And this is not a threat. If you continue to meddle in my affairs, I will take far more than your life. On that, you have my word."

When you leave him by walking up the tunnel, you will hear him teleport away.

Blood of the ReachEdit

When you reach the balcony overlooking the keystone room inside Bthar-Zel, you'll see Verandis and Gwendis enter the chamber.

Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "There! That must be the Arkthzand Keystone!"

Before they can reach the keystone Rada al-Saran appears and freezes them in place:

Rada al-Saran: "Verandis? So it's true, you are alive. Nevertheless, the keystone is mine."
Lady Belain: "I told you I saw him, skulking around Markarth. He's not as impressive as you led me to believe."
Rada al-Saran: "Enough, Belain. Take the keystone. My Verandis would give chase. This pathetic creature? I don't know what it will decide to do."

Verandis and Gwendis become free of the spell and give chase:

Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "Rada, you must listen. There's still time to make things right. Rada. Rada!"
<The two vanish again>

The Study of SoulsEdit

Entering the observatory with Verandis, you'll spy Belain and Rada below:

Lady Belain: "The Orrery of Arkthzand. The key to our salvation. It has stood here, unmoving, for nearly three thousand years."
Rada al-Saran: "You're sure the keystone will power it, Belain? It must be ready when the time comes."
Lady Belain: "The keystone is only part of the puzzle. As you agreed, we must also awaken the Dark Heart."
Rada al-Saran: "I gave you my word, Belain. The Gray Host will make your prophecy come true."
Lady Belain: "Reach witch signs and portents can be tiresome, but they are necessary for this. The Dark Heart must beat again!"
Rada al-Saran: "And it will, Belain. Soon. With the keystone, we can come and go as we please. Now, let us leave this place. We still have much to do before we restart the orrery."
<The two vanish>
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "Reach witch prophecies? What fates are you tempting now, Rada?"

The Dark HeartEdit

 
Rada al-Saran in the auramancy vision

You'll see Rada al-Saran and Lady Belain speaking to each other during an auramancy vision in Nighthollow Keep's Black Diamond Chamber.

Rada al-Saran: "A dormant Dark Heart is of little use to us, Belain."
Lady Belain: "It can be awakened, but I need to get the help of the Reach witches."
Rada al-Saran: "Patience, Belain. Not until I restore the Gray Host. Not until we unlock the orrery."
Lady Belain: "More delays! Very well. But the Dark Heart must beat again, Rada al-Saran. Nothing else matters."
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "It seems Rada came here a long time ago. This is the most recent memory, but it's still centuries old."

Inside the Dark Heart Chamber, make your way through the tunnel and you'll see a dark orb rising from the ground, the Dark Heart.

Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "Can you feel the void energy? That's the Dark Heart!"

Lady Belain, Lord Idrisin, and Rada al-Saran appear beneath the Heart:

Lady Belain: "The Dark Heart must be fed! I will see to Markarth."
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "Rada, no! You must not awaken the Dark Heart!"
Rada al-Saran: "I stopped heeding your advice a long, long time ago, Verandis."
Lady Belain: "Idrisin, slay these meddlers!"
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "Deal with Lady Belain's minions. I'll try to stop Rada."

Lady Belain teleports away while Rada teleports to a higher rock outcropping and begins to cast magic on the heart while you deal with Idrisin:

Rada al-Saran: "Fulfilling an oath and saving my brethren … our brethren. This is the way it must be, Verandis. You'll understand. In time."

Verandis teleports to another platform and tries to counter Rada's magic:

Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "The Dark Heart awakens! I can't stop it!"
Rada al-Saran: "Feed, you heart of darkness! Feed on the souls of Markarth and soon my brethren will be free!"
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "Those souls … the people of Markarth! Rada … what have you done?"

Rada al-Saran vanishes.

A Feast of SoulsEdit

Inside the orrery, you'll find Rada already at the apparatus:

Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "Rada! Stop this!"
Rada al-Saran: "There is no stopping it now, Verandis. A few more adjustments to this infernal machine and all will be ready."
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "This won't save your brothers and sisters. I told you it's impossible!"

Rada grips Verandis in a spell, lifting him helplessly off the ground:

Rada al-Saran: "Oh, but you're wrong. About so many things. Can't you feel it, Verandis? The tug of the Dark Heart on your cursed soul."
Gwendis: "Leave him alone!"
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "The Dark Heart …. You're going to sever our souls from Bal?"
Rada al-Saran: "You see? Once I gather the exarchs to my side, my ancient promise will be fulfilled."

Rada releases Verandis, who falls to the ground. Meanwhile, Lady Belain appears before you:

Rada al-Saran: "Belain, spare Verandis and his cherished daughter. Dispose of the rest."
Lady Belain: "Come and gaze upon the Heart. Come and witness my true power!"

Lady Belain transforms into a Vampire Lord while your world goes black.

The End of EternityEdit

West of Bthardamz, you'll find an ancient Nord ruin. As you get closer, you hear a familiar voice.

Rada al-Saran: "Brothers and sisters, we are on the cusp of victory."
Rada al-Saran: "When the Darkstorm blows through the Void, everything we lost will be returned. Even your lives."
Rada al-Saran: "Go without fear. Claim victory. Success will bring salvation—"

Before you can make your move, he spies you:

Rada al-Saran: "Verandis's little birds. Give him my best."
 
A vision in the Nighthollow Archives

Inside the Nighthollow Archives, you'll witness another auramancy vision of Verandis and Rada from some unknown past:

Verandis: "Gods, I can't get the smell of her blood off my hands."
Rada al-Saran: "It was a mercy, you know that."
Verandis: "I ruined her, Rada! Body and soul! I played god and Lisolda paid the price. I'm a damned fool."
Rada al-Saran: "A fool once told me there is no such thing as damnation, only souls who have lost hope."
Verandis: "That's not fair, Rada."
Rada al-Saran: "You said it with such conviction, I could not argue. You have not forgotten our promise, I hope."
Verandis: "We'll seek salvation together. Thank you, Rada."

Another vision occurs within Bthar-Zel:

Rada al-Saran: "This is feasible?"
Verandis: "No, Rada, merely a possibility. But the soul binding required—"
Rada al-Saran: "We can save our kindred from Coldharbour's torment and you quibble over the cost? Is your heart so cold?"
Verandis: "Even if you returned our kindred to life, Molag Bal's claim to their souls would remain. Our contracts are inviolable."
Rada al-Saran: "Another obstacle to overcome—"
Verandis: "You think the Prince of Domination is merely an obstacle? Rada, listen to yourself!"
Rada al-Saran: "Kneeling when I should have stood proud was the greatest mistake I ever made. I will not repeat it."
 
A vision at the sundered land

Make your way through Nchuand-Zel to Mannimarco's holding. As you approach the dark anchor within the heart of the valley, you'll see Rada himself:

Lyris Titanborn: "It's Rada al-Saran! This is our chance!"
Rada al-Saran: "Pity. I wanted Verandis to see this place for himself."

Activate the trinket nearby and another vision plays:

Verandis: "Rada?"
Verandis: "Are those my notes?"
Rada al-Saran: "Hmm? Verandis! Forgive me. As ever, your genius captivates me. I had no idea you made such progress."
Verandis: "I'm still no closer to a viable solution."
Rada al-Saran: "You're closer than you think."
Verandis: "How can you know that?"
Rada al-Saran: "I discussed your findings with a new ally. They claim it will work. Only your trepidation holds us back."
Verandis: "I … I thought you'd changed, that you sought penance. I won't participate in mass murder!"
Rada al-Saran: "Our dream is within reach and you're still concerned for the mortals? Verandis!"
 
The way is open

Inside the orrery, you'll find Rada al-Saran at the machine's platform:

Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "Rada! Stop! Don't make me fight you!"
Rada al-Saran: "This is the chance you never thought possible."
Rada al-Saran: "The door to our salvation stands open, Verandis. Come. Finish what we started. All will be forgiven."
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "Arrgh! Rada, don't do this!"
Rada al-Saran: "The Void energy is consuming you, Verandis. I can show you how to control it. Just follow me."

Rada then vanishes, traveling through the Dark Heart to his sanctuary realm of Grayhaven.

Kingdom of AshEdit

As you and Lyris search for Verandis in Grayhaven, you'll hear Rada's voice:

Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "Rada, stop! I don't want to fight you."
Rada al-Saran: "Look at you, Verandis. The Dark Heart is overwhelming you."
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "I won't do as you—argh!"
Rada al-Saran: "Will you really embrace death and damnation just to spite me, old friend?"
Lyris Titanborn: "Verandis is in trouble! We have to hurry."
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "Rada …."
Rada al-Saran: "I forgive you, Verandis. You didn't turn your back on our dream. You lost hope. That is my gift to you."
Rada al-Saran: "I can save you. I can save all of us. Salvation is within our grasp. All you need do is take hold."
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "You really think we'll have peace here?"
Lyris Titanborn: "Don't you do it, count. Don't you dare!"

At the eye of the storm, you'll hear Rada's final plea for Verandis to join him.

Rada al-Saran: "Not even Molag Bal can threaten us here. The Gray Host will be an unstoppable force. Nothing will be beyond our reach."
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "Rada. Your dream was never mine. It ends here."
Rada al-Saran: "Verandis! We are nearly free! Verandis!"

Finished trying to reason with his old friend, Rada knocks Verandis back with a burst of red lightning before drawing his sword.

Rada al-Saran: "Join our forsaken kin in Molag Bal's teeth, you traitor!"
Rada al-Saran
(lore page)
Location Grayhaven
Race Redguard Gender Male
Health 450740 Difficulty  
Reaction Hostile
Other Information
Faction(s) Gray Host
Condition Vampire
 
Rada al-Saran

Engage him in battle and Rada will mock his old friend:

Rada al-Saran: "Watch, Verandis, as I destroy everything you cherish!"
Lyris Titanborn: "Oh, I'm going to enjoy this, you bastard."

As the battle rages on, Rada will taunt you:

Rada al-Saran: "You possess all the skill of a child."
Rada al-Saran: "This is the best you could muster, Verandis?"
Rada al-Saran: "What to take first? An arm? An eye?"
Rada al-Saran: "Soon your blood will run as cold as my own."
Rada al-Saran: "I'll draw the boundaries of my kingdom with your blood."
Rada al-Saran: "I owe you a cut for every one of my fallen kin."
Rada al-Saran: "Can you feel Coldharbour clutching at your heart?"
Rada al-Saran: "Pitiable creatures. How is it you aspire to be more than food?"
Rada al-Saran: "Is it your intention to bore me to death?"
Rada al-Saran: "Your weakness is a disgrace to my blade."
Rada al-Saran: "I'm going to savor killing you."
Rada al-Saran: "A frigid death is more merciful than you deserve."

When his health falls to 75%:

Rada al-Saran: "This is the sword that split Leki's blade reforged in bitter blood. You will taste it soon."

When he casts Eruption:

Rada al-Saran: "Blood, blade, and soul as one."
Rada al-Saran: "Drown in the blood of your betters."
Rada al-Saran: "You aren't fit to die by this blade."
Rada al-Saran
(lore page)
Location Grayhaven
Race Vampire Lord Gender Male
Health 11989684 Difficulty  
Reaction Hostile
Other Information
Faction(s) Gray Host
 
Rada al-Saran

Just when you think you've defeated Rada, he calls upon his true power:

Lyris Titanborn: "That all you've got, leech?"

Rada turns into a Vampire Lord, knocking Lyris down. Luckily, Verandis comes to his senses:

Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "You'll never win through brute force! We need a new strategy!"

Rada begins to summon Gray Host lackeys.

Rada al-Saran: "The Ashen Lord calls you to serve!"

Verandis can use their souls to fuel a spell matrix that will trap and weaken Rada long enough for you to whittle him down.

Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "I can feel the Dark Heart tugging on those souls! Strike down more of the Gray Host—I have a plan!"
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "That's it, keep feeding their souls to the Dark Heart. I can use this power."
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "I'll need more souls to cage Rada again! Continue to slay the Gray Host!"
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "All of the souls are collected and must be released!"
Count Verandis Ravenwatch: "I've woven a trap! Bring Rada to me!"

As he flies through the air, he might say:

Rada al-Saran: "Hahaha! Sometimes this power almost feels worth the price I paid."
Rada al-Saran: "Now can you see how far beneath me you are?"
Rada al-Saran: "Slow and clumsy cattle."
 
Rada spreads his wings after transforming

Do as Verandis asks and draw Rada into Verandis' magical hemisphere. Rada al-Saran falls to his knees, and his golden spirit is exposed. Deal as much damage as you can before Verandis' spell dissipates. When Rada rises to his feet, he spits at Verandis. Every time he rises after being damaged in the soul trap, he will say one of the following lines:

Rada al-Saran: "Argh! Verandis! You dare raise your hand to me?"
Rada al-Saran: "How dare you turn the souls of those you betrayed against me!"
Rada al-Saran: "Ugh! How? How can you turn the Dark Heart against me?"

Once the power of Verandis' spell is depleted, Rada will be free once more. As he attacks, he'll say various things:

Rada al-Saran: "Enough of your pointless defiance!"
Rada al-Saran: "The work of millennia will not be stopped by the likes of you!"
Rada al-Saran: "Goodbye, wretch."

When he summons Gray Host allies:

Rada al-Saran: "Come, my brothers and sisters! Devour them!"
Rada al-Saran: "March, my legion, and win your salvation!"

And with his final breath, he says:

Rada al-Saran: "Leki is laughing on the Far Shores, dancing with her mocking blade."

Upon his death, Rada's Vampire Lord form will dissolve in a mist of bright green Void energy. His golden spirit will briefly appear beneath the Darkstorm, kneeling in defeat next to Verandis, who bids his friend farewell:

"Goodbye, Rada. I wish I could have found salvation for us both."

His spirit will then disappear into a golden flame, his soul trapped forever within Grayhaven.

Cut DialogueEdit

The following lines were previously said by Rada, but were removed at some point:

Rada al-Saran: "Shall I show you the cut that sundered Yokuda?" (Featured in Update 28 PTS, removed in Update 28)
Rada al-Saran: "Allow me to show you what my soul was worth to Molag Bal." (Present at least up until Blackwood, removed before Necrom's release)

Trailer DialogueEdit

In The Elder Scrolls Online - Fear the Dark Heart of Skyrim trailer, Rada says the following:

"We have waited a thousand years for this moment."
"From the depths of the darkest shadows, we will rise again with our fallen legions to avenge our wretched purgatory."
"We will rebuild our empire on the souls of the meek."
"And you will know the Dark Heart of Skyrim."

Skills and AbilitiesEdit

Lightning Strike
At any point, the Harrowstorm can hit you with lightning strike for moderate damage.

Rada al-Saran, WarriorEdit

Quick Strike
A basic melee ability that deals low physical damage.
Furious Strikes
Rada swings his greatsword for moderate physical damage.
Colossal Smash
A heavy attack that hits for moderate physical damage and knocks the target back. Should be blocked.
Negate Magic
The enemy creates a globe of magic suppression for 10 seconds, removing and preventing all player area of effect abilities from occurring in the area. Players within the globe will be silenced. Silence prevents players from using any skill with a Magicka cost as long as they are in the affected area.

Rada al-Saran, Sword SaintEdit

Once his health falls to 75%, Rada summons his corrupted Shehai and the second phase of the fight begins. Colossal Smash and Negate Magic carry over from the previous phase.

Blood Cleave
Rada swings his greatsword around five times in rapid succession, dealing low magic damage with each strike.
Blood Smash
Rada al-Saran raises his blade skyward and leaps beyond your sight. A circle crawls out from beneath his target, and once it fills, he lands, planting his blade directly into the ground where they were standing. Deals moderate physical damage. Bloodlines stream out in five directions when he lands.
Bloodstream
If his target is at least 8 meters away from him, he'll twirl his blade and ready up, charging with superhuman speed.
Bloodlines
A byproduct of Blood Smash. Deals low magic damage.
Blood Pools
Rada al-Saran plunges his blade into the ground, drawing out a well of blood from the wound in the earth. Pools of blood begin spawning in a random pattern within a 20 meter radius around the impact site. When he withdraws his blade, the pools subside. They persist for less than half a second each, dealing moderate magic damage to whoever they hit.

When his health falls to 50%, he summons five Coagulants and gains an impenetrable damage shield. He begins continuously casting Eruption. In order to continue the fight, you must eliminate the Coagulants. The blast range has a very large radius and the adds have very low health, so it's fastest to just burn the Coagulants down instead of trying to fight them from a distance.

Eruption begins appearing regularly in his move pool after the first time it's used.

Eruption
Blood explodes from Rada al-Saran's form every second, dealing moderate magic damage.

Vampire Lord FormEdit

Once Rada al-Saran's health reaches 0%, he transforms into a vampire lord.

Necrotic Wave
When Rada al-Saran transforms, you'll be blown onto your back, taking moderate magic damage. Lyris is incapacitated for the rest of the fight.

Your strikes will barely do any damage to him: in order to harm him, you need to defeat the allies he summons so their souls can fuel a soul trap woven by Count Verandis. Once Verandis commands you to draw Rada to him, do so: Rada will kneel, and his soul will become vulnerable. Standing in the purple ring of magic will grant you the Inspiration of Markarth buff. Once you deal damage equal to 25% of Rada's health bar, he stands up and begins his assault anew.

Cross Swipe
A melee ability that deals moderate physical damage. Used while the Vampire Lord is on the ground.
Talons
Melee attack which causes minor physical damage. Used while the Vampire Lord is on the ground.
Supernatural Reflexes
While on the ground, the vampire lord glows red and slashes a target with the claws on both of its hands as it moves towards the target with unnatural speed. If this attack lands, it knocks the target back.
Blood Spear
The vampire lord shoots spears of blood down at two targets. If used while in the air, the creature fires at its targets while encircling the area in flight.
Vampiric Grip
The vampire lord transforms into a cloud of red mist and bats and enshrouds a target, stunning them and draining their health for seven seconds. The target must break free to cease the assault.
 
Rada's spirit emerges while caught in Verandis' trap
Drain Life
The vampire lord sets down three large globs of red, blood-like matter which drain the health of any target that stands in them. If a target stands in any of the AoEs, the vampire lord regains health for half of the amount that was taken from the target.
Sweeping Shockwave
Rada al-Saran occasionally lets out a Sweeping Shockwave when he lands after finishing his flight phase, dealing high magic damage.
Sweeping Strike
Rada al-Saran occasionally hits you with a Sweeping Strike when he lands after finishing his flight phase, dealing high physical damage.

Rada summons Gray Host enemies throughout this phase. He summons three enemies at a time, with three waves of enemies being summoned per soul trap cycle. The following enemies can be summoned: Gray Host Harrowfiend, Gray Host Archer, Gray Host Blood Twilight, Gray Host Shadowcaster, Gray Host Sentinel, Gray Host Battlemage, Gray Host Bloodreaver, Gray Host Werewolf, Death Hound, and Gray Host Packleader. Rada summons a Gray Host Bloodknight during the second to last add phase, and a Gray Host Werewolf Behemoth on the final add phase.

Annihilate
After the first or second time Verandis weakens Rada for you, Rada will begin to use this ability while he's in melee mode. He'll raise his fist in the air, and a red blood magic laser will emanate from it, following you around the arena and dealing weak magic damage with every tick.

NotesEdit

GalleryEdit

  • Rada al-Saran's blade

  • Rada's Spirit Sword

  • "This is the sword that split Leki's blade reforged in bitter blood."

  • Furious Strikes

  • Colossal Smash

  • Blood Cleave

  • Blood Cleave

  • Bloodstream

  • Blood Pools

  • Bloodlines

  • Blood Smash

  • Blood Smash

  • Eruption

  • Eruption

  • Eruption

  • Rada al-Saran transforms

  • Rada al-Saran transforms

  • Rada al-Saran as a Vampire Lord

  • Rada al-Saran swoops down

  • Cross Swipe

  • Cross Swipe

  • Supernatural Reflexes

  • Annihilate

  • Annihilate

  • Annihilate

  • Rada's physical form is destroyed

  • Rada's soul dissipates

ReferencesEdit

  1. ^ Tuttle, L. [@Tuttle_Power]. (2020, September 20). Ike Amadi [Tweet]. Twitter. https://web.archive.org/web/20200920222814/https://twitter.com/Tuttle_Power/status/1307808388118720513 (archived)
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