Arena:Volendrung

Artifact: Volendrung (lore page)
Shares Appearance With	Dwarven Warhammer
Statistics
Damage	3-18
Damage	3-18		{{{health}}}
Weight	16 kg
Enchantment
Heals, Medusa's Gaze, Strength Leech

Volendrung

"The Hammer of Might, Volendrung is said to have been created by the Dwarves of the now abandoned clan of Rourken, hundreds of years before they disappeared from the world of Tamriel. It has the ability to grant health to its wielder, but it is best known for the paralyzing and strength leeching effects it has when cast at an enemy. Like the Dwarves who created it, Volendrung is prone to disappearing suddenly, resurfacing sometimes in days, sometimes in eons."—Codex Scientia

Volendrung is a war hammer artifact that can be obtained by taking part in an artifact quest. Per the Codex Scientia, this quest can be started anywhere but Hammerfell. The artifact itself will be found in High Rock, Morrowind.

As artifacts cannot be sold to merchants and you are limited to a single artifact at a time without exploits, Volendrung should not be obtained by classes that are unable to use War Hammers.

Quest Dialogue

Quest-starting Rumors

• "Maybe your father told you stories of Volendrung, [PC race]? The Hammer of the Dwarves of Rourken? There's some guy a few inns from here who claims to know its location. Times being tough in [Settlement name], he's over at the [Tavern name], a tavern just [Direction] of here, selling the information he knows. You ought to look into it."

• "Crazy [Settlement type] this [Settlement name]. Saw a guy skulking around, whispering 'Volendrung, volendrung', whatever that means. I chased him off, the crazy bastard. He headed [Direction] toward the [Tavern name], thank God. See what I mean, this [Settlement type]'s just getting crazier."

• "There's this guy just [Direction] of here, in a tavern called the [Tavern name], selling information about Volendrung. If he's telling the truth, he knows how to get the Hammer of Might so I guess he's justified in asking hundreds of gold pieces for the information. A hammer that can turn a man to stone, imagine...

Tavern Encounters

• "Did you say, 'Volendrung' my friend?" The monkey-faced man next to you reaches over and shakes your hand. "Assuming you're asking about the Dwarven Hammer of Might, I am [NPC name], the man you want to speak to. Perhaps you have a friend who has met a Medusa, or an enemy who ought to. Volendrung's the hammer for you then, kid. Just give me [Amount of gold] gold to get the business end out of the way, and I'll tell you how to find the Hammer."

• "I knew the moment you walked in, you were the [PC race] I wanted to do business with," a young man you didn't notice before joins you at the bar eagerly. "You want Volendrung, the Hammer of Might: a testimony to your knowledge and good taste. I know how you can get Volendrung. All we need is to get the little question of price out of the way. For my assistance in getting you to the Hammer, I'm only asking for [Amount of gold] gold pieces. I assume that's fine with you?"

• A young man cloaked in appears at your side at the mention of Volendrung. "You must have heard I was here, offering people information for recovering the lost Dwarven Hammer of Might. Well, you're a lucky [PC race]. Turns out the folk in the [tavern name] aren't as rich as I thought they'd be, and I need gold more than adventure. So for [Amount of gold] pieces of gold, I'll tell you exactly how to recover Volendrung. Will you take advantage of my generosity?"

Negotiation:

• "Yeah, I don't think so. Make me a real offer, [PC race]."

• "Not even close, [PC race]. Is that the best you can offer?"

• "I haven't insulted your intelligence yet, please don't insult mine. Make a legitimate offer."

• "Price a little too hefty for you, [PC race]? I understand. Listen, I'll be here for [number of] days yet. Come back with the gold I require. Don't wait too long. Now I must go."

• "Well, you'll probably find me here for [number of] days or so, provided the [Settlement name] locals don't drive me out of the [Settlement type]. Come back if you change your mind."

• "I knew I was wasting my time talking to you. If you can get back to [tavern] within [number of days] with my gold, we can still do business. Meanwhile, I must leave you. Farewell."

• "A little backbone I like, [PC race]. Would you consider [Amount of gold] gold instead?"

• "You're a good haggler, [PC race]. I'm afraid I can't accept less than [Amount of gold] gold."

New encounter after rejecting the quest:

• The innkeeper lets out a whistle. "[NPC name]! The [PC race] is back to talk with you!" [NPC name] emerges from across the room. "You've reconsidered," he says. "Marvelous. Now if you have the [Amount of gold] pieces of gold I requested, I'll tell you exactly how one might find Volendrung. Agreed?"

• "Hello again, [PC race], "[NPC name] joins you at the bar. "Good to see it didn't take you long to change your mind about Volendrung. I assume you're ready to pay the [Amount of gold] gold I mentioned before?"

• "I wasn't sure I'd see you again, [PC race]," says [NPC name], coming to the bar at the sound of your voice. "I haven't had any other takers yet, but my offer for showing you the way to Volendrung stands at [Amount of gold] gold. Are you prepared to pay that much?"

Location

• "I accept your gold. I won't repeat any of this, so listen carefully. You must journey to Hammerfell, to a place called the [Dungeon name], to find the Dwarven Hammer of Might. In this dire place lies the secret of Volendrung's reincarnation. Do not question how I came about this information. The price was more dear than you can imagine. If you can survive the depths of the [Dungeon name], you will find a map. On this map is inscribed the location of Volendrung. No thanks are needed, nor are they appreciated. Your gold has spoken enough. One warning will I give. Volendrung is a potent weapon, and will attract the attention of equally potent beings. Such attention is not something I would desire greatly..."

Notes

• Due to the effect of paralyzing enemies activating every strike and this contributing to the degradation of the weapon, this might be the worst artifact in the game in terms of usability overall.