Online:Keshargo

Keshargo
Location	Scrivener's Hall Lucent Citadel
Race	Khajiit	Gender	Male
Health	52831
Reaction	Friendly
Other Information
Faction(s)	Scribes of Mora

Keshargo

Keshargo is a Khajiit member and Magnastylus of the Scribes of Mora who can be found in the Scrivener's Hall. He was recently usurped by his protegé, Valinna.

Later on he can be encountered heading an expedition to the Lucent Citadel in the wastes of Fargrave.

Related Quests

• A War of Scribes: A usurper has taken control of the Scribes of Mora.
•  The Knot Awaits: Enter Lucent Citadel and steal the Arcane Knot.
• Aiding the Expedition: Race to take the Arcane Knot!

Quest-Related Events

A War of Scribes

Keshargo can be first be found in his hideout in the Scrivener's Hall along with Zilipif.

Speak with him to start the quest:

"Oh! Ah … Hello. Don't mind the Watcher, they're friendly. Zilipif has been with this one since he started in the Scribes of Mora. Now, when Keshargo seeks to take the scribes back from Valinna, Zilipif wouldn't think of leaving his side."

Who's Valinna?

"She could have served Hermorah well. But she sought to control events across the realms.

Keshargo was foolish, blinded by her potential. He only just managed to hide the Itinerant Staff before she took the title of Magnastylus from him."

What's the Itinerant Staff?

"A means of safe return from all the planes of Oblivion and the symbol of leadership for the scribes. Recovering the Itinerant Staff will rip the scribes from the grasp of the false Magnastylus, Valinna. Keshargo will see you rewarded for your help."

I'll help you recover the Itinerant Staff and retake the Scribes of Mora.

You can speak to him without accepting the quest, and talking to him again will cause him to greet you differently:

"What? Discovered already? Zilipif, you watched the door, yes? How could we be discovered? Unless ….
You aren't one of Valinna's new scribes, are you?"

Who's Valinna?

After you have started the quest, Keshargo will go to one of the bookcases to unlock the hidden door:

Keshargo: "Kra! Zilipif, this one swears the latch was right here."

You can then ask him some more questions before continuing:

"Through this doorway lies the vast library of Scrivener's Hall. Within it are rifts to other planes. We must journey to the Deadlands, there we'll find the staff.
Unfortunately, Valinna won't appreciate our intrusion. Be on your guard."

Who are the Scribes of Mora?

"An organization of librarians and scribes this one dedicated his whole life to.
For centuries now, we've documented all observable things. Down in the Scrivener's Hall, the fruits of our efforts are collected for Hermorah's perusal."

Recording … all things? / You made maps, what other things do the Scribes record?

"Anything it is possible to record. There are unstable rifts below the rock here. The scribes carved out this library and live amongst these pages.
We use minor magicks to stay hidden, to observe. Now, Valinna shatters that creed."

Do all scribes get a watcher?

"Zilipif? They're a friend, of sorts. Zilipif is bound to observe and gain knowledge through experience. Keshargo's purpose is to record the ever-changing landscapes of the realms. We help each other, but the arrangement is unique."

How do you help each other?

"This one created many detailed and accurate maps using Zilipif's ability to fly. And Keshargo's place among the Scribes of Mora gave Zilipif access to every open rift. The two of us traveled across the planes making maps and hunting for knowledge."

Who's Valinna? / What's Valinna's story?

"Keshargo's former protégé. Her mind is sharp, orderly, and her magical capacity well exceeds this one's. Still, she grew discontented with the scribe's creed of passive observance."

You said she usurped power from you.

"She brought in other mages and warriors. She even convinced many formerly loyal scribes that by only observing, we were complicit in the crimes we saw happen.
She staged a coup and took the mantle of Magnastylus from this one."

When did all this happen?

"Not long ago. It took some time for Keshargo to journey to this place and he moved cautiously so as not to be followed. Valinna is unaware that the hall has a secondary entrance. Once we step through, we improve our chances of remaining undetected."

Valinna doesn't know about this entrance?

"Almost no one does. Hermorah is the lord of secrets and as such, this entrance is known only to a select few. It's a way to ensure the safety of all we record.
Valinna and the scribes will not expect us."

Who is Hermorah?

"He's the Prince of Forbidden Knowledge, Master of the Tides of Fate, the One Who Knows. His reach is long and his eyes plentiful. Everything the scribes record is done in his name. His library is vast and we are but one order who seeks to add to it."

There's a rift to the Deadlands in Scrivener's Hall?

"There are rifts to many of the planes of Oblivion here. Most are shut and it's unknown when they will reopen. There are no records from the scribes that came before on when the rifts first appeared, just that the hall was constructed around them."

You can't force the rifts to open?

"Until recently, the Scribes of Mora refused to interfere with any of the realms. No. Instead, we documented what was available to us and left dominion over the planes to the Princes—as it should be."

What happens when the rifts close?

"Then anyone inside is unfortunately trapped in that plane. At least until they find another path back. This is why the Itinerant Staff is so important. It can transport the wielder back to Scrivener's Hall."

So the scribes travel through the rifts knowing they may not make it back?

"Veteran scribes hold no fear. We know the timings and cycles of the rifts. Still, fear cannot overcome the hunt for knowledge. Plenty of non-scribes journey between the planes without assurances of returning to Nirn."

As you venture through halls:

Keshargo: "You stilled these scribe's pens with skill and speed. This one is glad to have you on his side."

Once you enter the Halls proper, Keshargo will ask you to take a look around before he notices Valinna and Riftmaster Naqri in conversation:

Keshargo: "The hall, bask in its magnificence— shh! That's Valinna!"

<He heads over to listen.>

Valinna: "I need that staff. Lock the gates, Riftmaster. No one leaves until I find it."

Riftmaster Naqri: "No one has ever challenged me and lived, Magnastylus."

Keshargo: "She has them calling her Magnastylus? No matter, the staff remains hidden. Our efforts may yet be successful."

<Valinna and Naqri move on.>

Keshargo: "Across the room!"

Following Keshargo, you soon arrive in a vast library where Valinna will be giving order to the Riftmaster:

Valinna: "I must consult the web of truth. Alert me with any news of the staff or the old fool."

Riftmaster Naqri: "No need to involve you, Magnastylus. I'll beat anyone who tries to get through here."

<Valinna goes through door and Riftmaster Naqri stalks to the middle of the room.>

Keshargo: "Naqri guards the rifts due to his more … aggressive nature. There'll be no reasoning with him."

Once you have slain Riftmaster Naqri, Keshargo will make a comment before heading to the Deadlands Pathway door:

Keshargo: "Naqri always was too arrogant."

<He runs to the door and goes through.>

Keshargo: "Web of truth? What could Valinna mean? No matter, we must retrieve the Itinerant Staff."

Once inside, he will point out the changing archtecture:

Keshargo: "The Deadlands rift is near. Do you see its influence on the walls around us?"

Speaking with him before heading in further:

"This hall leads to where the rifts form. Many scribes are lost to the unstable nature of the rifts, but the ones who return often begin to recognize the patterns.
This section will be guarded against what horrors may emerge from the rifts."

When you reach the rift, the following will happen:

Keshargo: "The rift. Kra! Of course the gate is shut."

Sama-Rei: "Keshargo? Submit or die!"

<Sama-Rei attacks Keshargo, Mazandi intervenes.>

Mazandi: "Magnastylus? Sama-Rei, stop!"

Keshargo: "Loyal Mazandi. Help secure the Itinerant Staff. Zilipif knows the way."

Mazandi: "Valinna lied about your death? I'll find that staff before she does."

Keshargo: "This one will be in his study when you return."

Speak with the injured Keshargo before continuing:

"Don't worry, Keshargo will see you in the study.
This one hid the Itinerant Staff in a sarcophagus within the Deadlands. Zilipif knows where to go. Let them guide you. And don't worry about Mazandi. She's a good scribe, possibly one of the best."

You will then travel with Mazandi and Zilipif to retrieve the Itinerant Staff from the Deadlands, once you have obtained it, Mazandi will use it to create a portal to the Magnastylus's Study. However when you arrive, you learn something has gone wrong as Keshargo is not waiting for you. You follow Mazandi and Zilipif through the passages leading to the Spiral Skein rift, and soon find that Keshargo has been captured by Valinna for the location of the staff:

Keshargo: "Keshargo swears the Itinerant Staff lies in the Spiral Skein!"

Valinna: "She didn't tell me? Nevertheless, you really are a fool."

<Valinna sends Keshargo through a portal>

Valinna: "I serve Mephala. Once the staff is mine, so will everyone else."

To rescue Keshargo, you and Mazandi will have to catch up. As you approach you will hear Keshargo and Valinna talk some more:

Mazandi: "There they are, but Valinna blocked our path. We'll have to go the long way."

Keshargo: "You turned your back on Hermorah."

Valinna: "He is weak. Words and drawings change nothing!"

Keshargo: "You believe lies and deception do? Mafala is using your guilt against you."

Valinna: "With the staff and her guidance, we won't have to watch idly while terrible things happen."

When you catch up to Valinna in the Spiral Skien, she will have just learnt Keshargo tricked her:

Valinna: "You … lied? I will enjoy feeding you to the spiders."

Keshargo: "It's not too late. We can leave without the staff."

<Valinna notices Mazandi's arrival with the staff.>

Valinna: "Ah, the staff. I don't need you anymore, Magnastylus. The Spinner provides."

Mazandi: "Keshargo!"

You will then need to fight Valinna and the Daedric Spider Lamikhai. Once they are slain, Keshargo can be rescued:

Mazandi: "We did it, Magnastylus. We have the Itinerant Staff and Valinna is … defeated."

Keshargo: "You're a strong mage and a good Scribe, Mazandi."

Keshargo: "The cost was steep, but such is the price of ensuring the Scribes of Mora survived."

"Valinna wanted the staff for Mafala? The staff is a tool—powerful, but a Magnastylus can lead without it. That is the truth that Valinna never learned.
Is it all over?"

Neither Valinna or Mephala will be able to lead the scribes now.

"And so the scribes return to their rightful place as Hermorah's quiet observers. You've done an extraordinary service. Hermorah will be informed of your great deeds, Keshargo will see to that.
Here, take this with his gratitude."

Once the quest is completed, the following will happen:

Mazandi: "Magnastylus, your Itinerant Staff."

Keshargo: "Keep it, Mazandi. That staff could not be in better hands. You are the one the scribes need to lead them."

Mazandi: "I—Kesh—Magna—sir, you honor me."

Keshargo: "Still, we must remove the source of the staff's power—the Umber Glyphic. A Magnastylus cannot be obsessed with a tool."

Speaking with Keshargo after completing the quest:

"This endeavor has made Keshargo realize that he is too old to be gallivanting across the planes. It's time he passed the mantle of Magnastylus to someone else.
But Keshargo will change the Itinerant Staff. He will remove the Umber Glyphic."

You'll remove the Umber Glypic? / You're going to remove the Umber Glyphic from the Itinerant Staff??

"The Itinerant Staff is powerful and power is corrupting. So we will limit what it can do.
The staff can remain the symbol of leadership. But, from now on any scribe who crosses a rift is responsible for their own safe return."

Removing the Umber Glyphic will keep the staff from making return portals?

"The Umber Glyphic gave us much security. But, recent events have shown that it cannot be trusted with the scribes.
The glyphic shall remain a mystery to scribe and spider. As his last act as Magnastylus, Keshargo will send it away for safe keeping."

Mazandi's going to be the next Magnastylus? / You're making Mazandi the new Magnastylus?

"She's the pinnacle of a Scribe of Mora and staunchly upholds our duty to Apocrypha.
More importantly, she's experienced one of the worst calamities to ever befall the scribes. She'll know how to avoid this situation in the future."

Is that all it takes to be the Magnastylus?

"Keshargo will offer his assistance as an advisor. There are many secrets she must learn—the entrance where we met being only one of them.
Many qualities of a leader can be taught. Mazandi's shelves are filled with the ones that cannot."

The Knot Awaits

Upon entering and approaching him:

Keshargo: "You will live, Brendenir."

Keshargo: "Pirsisa, do we have more water for the wounded?"

Pirsisa: "This one will look. But it's doubtful."

^{dialogue if A War of Scribes is incomplete}

If you have previously completed A War of Scribes:

"A friendly face is always a welcome sight, Keshargo only wish he could enjoy it.
The Lucent Citadel was supposed to be empty, so Keshargo hired explorers, not warriors. But, we have just been attacked. So, he would like to hire you."

Who attacked you?

"Neletai recognized their leaders as a Dremora called Xoryn. Apparently, his goal is the same as ours. Somewhere within the citadel is the arcane knot–a deeply unstable and mysterious object."

If the arcane knot is so unstable, why do you want it?

"Keshargo has his reasons, but look around. Xoryn did this. He should not have the knot's power.
Our camp contains the null arca, a container to stabilize the knot. We must find it before Xoryn does and place it in the null arca. Can you help?"

I'll help you stop Xoryn and secure the arcane knot in the null arca.

After you have agreed to help, you can ask Keshargo more questions before entering the citadel:

"The null arca is too heavy to bring with you, so you will have to carry the arcane knot back here. This one hopes you find it quickly, Xoryn and his mercenaries have had a good while to explore on their own.
Keshargo will join you when he can."

What is the arcane knot? / What is the Arcane Knot?

"Think of reality as a mirror. If it breaks, you have two mirrors, yes?
The knot treats the mirror as if it never broke. It bridges the gap between the shattered edges and helps them touch once more."

The knot can connect two realities?

"More than that. It is rumored that the knot allows whoever wields it to cross from one reality to the next.
This expedition is not the first to try to take the arcane knot. But in all the eons of attempts, there have been no successes."

What happened to the other expeditions?

"Keshargo would also like to know what happened to them. He has access to books and journals kept by other hopefuls, but no explanations.
But, this one is hopeful. Just because something has not happened yet, does not mean it never will."

Why do you think your expedition will succeed?

"We do not want to use the knot or claim it. We want it stabilized and secure.
If we can place the knot in the null arca–and stabilize the knot's chaotic nature–this one is sure that will stop whatever terrible fate befell the other expeditions."

Tell me more about Xoryn. / Tell me about Xoryn.

"He has a retinue of necromancers to claim the bodies of those he slays with his lightning.
He also gloats. Xoryn kept laughing about how everything will be righted when he claims the arcane knot."

Do you know what Xoryn wants with the arcane knot?

"Keshargo has theories, but he cannot confirm them.
Xoryn's attire is reminiscent of the structures and decorations of the citadel. Perhaps he sees himself as a kindred of the Daedra who lived here? Or he just wants the power of the knot for himself."

What are you doing here, Keshargo? (if A War of Scribes has been completed)

"Hermorah asked the scribes to secure the arcane knot. Mazandi and Zilipif do not need this one's advice anymore and the other scribes have their own duties to see to.
It made the most sense for Keshargo to come."

After defeating Count Ryelaz and Zilyesset:

Keshargo: "Are the gone? The sounds of combat stopped."

You can speak to him before moving forward:

"Xoryn cut off the route to the upper levels of the citadel. But, we can always search the sunken ruins.
And–if the maps are accurate–there is a route from the ruins up to the ramparts. We won't be cut off for long."

Why isn't Xoryn searching the sunken ruins?

"He might be. There were several others with him when he attacked our camp. They could already be in the sunken ruins. We should be careful."

What can I expect in the sunken ruins?

"Maps are better for giving ideas on layouts and routes, not enemies. This one could not tell you what waits in those timeworn halls.
But–given the age of the documents and the name–Keshargo suspects there will be difficult terrain."

How will I know what the arcane knot looks like?

"Keshargo expects it will be difficult to miss. Some accounts he read described the knot as a ball of yarn. Others mentioned that it was bright and shining like a torch. This one is not sure which is true."

^{trigger event}

Keshargo: "That barrier is cutting off a section I [sic] wanted to search for the knot."

Approaching the ruins, you will hear him say:

Keshargo: "This looks very steep. You go on ahead. Keshargo will take his time."

Speaking to him at the top of the path down to the sunken ruins:

"Scrambling down an incline of this magnitude will not be a simple matter.
You take it at your own pace and Keshargo will take it at his."

After defeating Cavot Agnan, Keshargo will enter the room:

Keshargo: "Keshargo has searched but not found the arcane knot."

Keshargo: "Souls? Ghost lights? Whatever they are, you set them free."

Keshargo: "Perhaps the ghost lights are the way out of this room. Go look."

Before you enter the circle and become a wisp, you can speak to Keshargo:

"In all his travels, Keshargo has learned that Oblivion is filled with things no mind can anticipate.
The ghost lights are headed up with some determination. There's a chance that they are the key to leaving the sunken ruins."

Why do think [sic] the ghost lights are the key to leaving?

"It does not look like there is another way out of this room, and Keshargo did not see one in the chambers behind us.
Keshargo is no expert, but the ghost lights are behaving strangely. If you go up to them, they might help."

Why don't you go up to the lights?

"This one needs a moment to catch his breath. Running long distances is not something that he was good at in his youth. If he is going to put his paws in danger, it will not be before he has recovered."

What if the ghost lights don't do anything?

"Then we will find some other way to leave the sunken ruins. Perhaps we will climb up this room. Or we will break the barrier Xoryn placed behind us.
But in that time, Xoryn could have found the knot. Keshargo would like to avoid that if possible."

What are you hoping will happen?

"One of the maps indicated that there was a door out of the ruins in this chamber somewhere. That is what Keshargo hopes you will find."

Once you use the Ghost Lights to head up to the Sunken Ruins, Keshargo will do the same and is also transformed:

Keshargo: "Ah, what is this? This one is flying!"

Before the encounter with the Orphic Shattered Shard:

Xoryn: "You're too late, pest! Prepare for the inevitable!"

Keshargo: "Xoryn, do not unleash that creature!"

After defeating the Orphic Shattered Shard and Xoryn, Keshargo will be in the room. You can speak to him before the Arcane Knot is taken:

"That creature held the arcane knot? How much of its power was its own? It does not matter. The knot is out now. When you're ready, we should take it from this place. The null arca is the only thing that can keep it stable."

Is the arcane knot unstable now?

"Yes, this one thinks so. Look at it. The knot is almost shaking with unused energy.
We need to place the knot in the null arca, before all that energy finds a way to escape."

How do we get the knot to the null arca?

"You'll have to carry it back.
Hopefully, Xoryn won't bother us again. But this one suspects he will make an appearance. Xoryn's arrogance won't let him leave the knot in our care."

Once the group pick up the knot:

Keshargo: "You triggered something in the knot!"

Your group will spawn outside the tower and Keshargo will urge you to bring the knot back to the camp throughout the trek back to the camp:

Keshargo: "Bring the knot back to camp."

When you have to bring down the barriers throughout the citadel:

Keshargo: "Bring down the barrier!"

Keshargo: "Get rid of the barrier!"

After defeating Xoryn:

Pirsisa: "You have the arcane knot?"

Keshargo: "The null arca is right over here! Bring the knot. Quickly now!"

Khemzesan: "Contain the knot or this will never be finished."

After the knot has been placed in the null arca:

Keshargo: "The energy is contained! Come here. Let Keshargo thank you."

You can then speak with him to complete the quest:

"It is done, thank Hermorah. This one is relieved to know that the null arca works. All that's left to do is break camp and travel back to the city.
Keshargo is going to miss the sky."

I'm not suffering any strange effects.

"That's excellent! This one was a little worried that the null arca would not clear away all of the knot's effects, but it appears to have done its job. And so have you. You earned this reward.
Take it, from Hermorah and myself!"

Speaking to him after completing the quest:

What are you going to do with the arcane knot? / What are you doing to do with the Arcane Knot?

"Keshargo will bring it to Scrivener's Hall, if he can.
The hall has wards and other defenses active that should keep everyone safe in the event the null arca fails. Perhaps the Scribes of Mora can even figure out a more permanent solution."

Do you think you can stabilize the arcane knot?

"Wouldn't that be wonderful? It's a slim hope, but yes. The knot is filled with possibilities. Perhaps there is a way to learn more about it.
But keeping the knot's unstable nature contained is a victory in and of itself."

You didn't know the null arca would work?

"This one had hopes and lots of research, but no proof. What Keshargo has is trust. He trusted Neletai's arca, Hermorah, and you."

What would you have done if it didn't work?

"Asked you to throw the arcane knot back into the Lucent Citadel and then thought of another plan.
This one knows how fraught our journey out of the citadel was, but there was time for us to come up with a different plan."

What if there wasn't enough time?

"This one supposes we would have died. Risk and reward are what fuels mortals in Oblivion.
That might be why Xoryn never succeeded in capturing the knot. He had less to risk than we did."

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