Online:Mel Adrys

Mel Adrys
Location	Shademist Moors Hrota Cave
Race	Dark Elf	Gender	Male
Health	39,959 127,500 (Hrota Cave, against Zalar-do)
Reaction	Friendly
Other Information
Follower	Mist and Shadow

Mel Adrys

Mel Adrys is a Dark Elf vampire hunter found in Shademist Moors. He is also investigating the mysterious mist that has appeared near Longhaven. Mel has been hunting one of the vampires in the lair, Faenir Blood-Letter, his entire life. He can also be encountered in Hrota Cave, hunting another vampire.

Related Quests

• Mist and Shadow: Investigate the mysterious mist in Shademist Moors.
• The Vampire's Prey: Drive the vampires out of Hrota Cave.
•  Bloody Reunion: Mel Adrys is on the hunt for a particular vampire in Western Skyrim. (disabled)

Quest-Related Events

Mist and Shadow

Mel Adrys at his camp in the Shademist Moors

You will encounter him at his camp within Shademist Moors.

"Begone. I must finish my prayers and purify my spirit before I meet my foes in battle."

Why are you out here?

"I have been tracking my prey for many nights. A heathen vampire who shall soon be cleansed from this world. I thought him alone, but now that I see this place I suspect a lair is hidden nearby. He shall regret leading me to his vile nest."

Could that explain this strange mist?

"I have hunted them all my life, and yet I have never seen magic such as this. I do feel their touch upon it. I feel it testing my will with every step I take.
But I shall not falter. I shall face these creatures and leave nothing but ash behind."

Let me accompany you.

"No fear. Bravery, or foolish inexperience? I cannot trust one who could become enthralled at any moment.
Prove to me you have the will to resist this foul magic. Find me at the lair up the hill east of here. Then I shall consider it."

He then teleports away with an ominous message to his quarry:

Mel Adrys: "And now my work begins."

Meeting up with him inside the Shademist Enclave. You'll find him in front of a vampire named Gadinas, who is begging for his life on his knees.

"So you made it through the mist. Your will is stronger than I expected."

Who is this?

"Vampire scum. He barely put up a struggle before he fell to his knees, begging for what he calls a life. I did not expect such weakness.
I will finish him now, if you'd be so kind as to step aside."

This is the one you were hunting?

"No. This pathetic being is hardly even worthy of my blade.
The one I followed here is called Faenir; a much more formidable foe than this maggot, I assure you. We shall meet him soon enough. He and all of his coven shall die."

He could have information we need. Let me speak with him first.

"As you wish. In this moment or the next, his existence shall end either way.
But be wary. A vampire attempts to sway and beguile with its words. Do not listen, no matter what he says."

If you speak to him before talking to Gadinas, he'll say:

"I have promised to stay my blade for the present. Go on, hear his last words, meaningless as they are."

You'll need to talk to him after your discussion with Gadinas.

"Finished with your little chat?
I shall relieve him of his head now and rid us of his insufferable mewling."

He was forthcoming with information. We might benefit from having him alive.

"Did I not warn you of this? That his vile tongue would worm its way into your thoughts?
There's no such thing as a good vampire, just a vampire that has not yet been tempted. Our goals here are the same. Will you forget them for this scum?"

You're right. He's too dangerous. End it.

<Adrys kills Gadinas>

We gain nothing from his death right now. Leave him or go through me to get to him.

<Adrys tells Gadinas to scram>

Killing Gadinas:

If you decide to kill Gadinas, Mel strikes him down in a single blow:

Mel Adrys: "To ashes and embers, as it should be."

Sparing Gadinas:

If you spare Gadinas, he is permitted to run off.

Mel Adrys: "I can't oppose you. I don't slay the living, only the dead."

Mel Adrys: "Run along, little worm. A brief reprieve only. I'll find you and your kin."

Gadinas: "Oh, thank you. The rest who opposed Faenir have already escaped."

<Gadinas flees>

Mel Adrys: "Filth."

Regardless of what you decided, you and Mel Adrys will need to continue through the cavern to reach his quarry.

Mel Adrys: "Now, to Faenir, quickly. My blade does not enjoy being denied a meal."

He then vanishes, saying:

Mel Adrys: "Lead on. I shall strike from the shadows."

Mel isn't gone for good, he's still following you. He will appear whenever you engage in combat. If you encounter other players who are being followed by Adrys, you'll see Shademist Hunters following them instead of seeing two copies of the Mer.

Mel Adrys with his sword drawn

When you enter combat with one of the werebats, he'll say:

Mel Adrys: "Strange winged beasts—pets of the vampires … or were they once Bosmer themselves?"

When you begin fighting a vampire, he may say:

"You shall be purified!"

"Come and meet death!"

"Slay them all!"

"Veloth guide my hand!"

When you defeat a vampire, he may say:

"Glorious!"

"Your torment is ended."

"Is that all?"

"Another foe falls."

After defeating Athraedal, he'll comment:

Mel Adrys: "And for your sins you are thus judged. The same fate awaits them all!"

If you fight spiders:

Mel Adrys: "The web-weavers make fitting companions for the vampires and their enthralling mist."

As you near Faenir's location, he'll remark:

Mel Adrys: "This must be the main "living" quarters. Faenir must be near. At last, my prey is within reach."

Once you've defeated the bosses, you can find their bound spirits at the altar.

Mel Adrys: "So that explains what we saw as we slew them. They bound themselves to the skull. Dark magic often comes with a heavy price."

Mel cannot be spoken to after destroying the skull, but after you return to Longhaven, he can be found in front of Breduin's Home.

"And thus, Longhaven is cleansed of the rank pollution of the undead.
Cherish victory, but do not let vigilance falter. We cannot fathom what evils lie undiscovered in this wild land."

Where will you go now?

"This is a dark age we live in, where there is much work to be done. I hear rumblings that the undead and other vile creatures stir to the north. I shall go there first, and beyond."

Can I help in the north?

"We must walk our own paths now, wherever they lead, and woe to those who bring fear and dread to the world—for beneath our feet they shall become but ashes."

Safe travels to you.

[Ends the conversation]

The Vampire's Prey

You'll later meet him in Hrota Cave, which is on the Gold Coast. He is kneeling inside the cave's entrance: "This forsaken place draws the weak-willed like moths to a flame."

Speak with him to learn what he's up to.

"Leave. This cave poses a danger to those with weak wills."

What kind of danger are you talking about?

"The very worst kind—a vampire lord roams these caves. Zalar-do revealed her presence in Anvil when she captured two innocents. I tracked the cat to these caves.
If she has tasted the blood of these innocents, my blade shall taste hers."

Sounds like you could use some help.

"Zalar-do is no mere vampire. She is a lord with the power to enslave weak minds. Aid me if you wish. But know this—if you succumb to her charms, you will suffer the same fate as she.
Now let's go find the people she kidnapped!"

I'm right behind you.

When the conversation ends, Mel rises, draws his weapon and says:

Mel Adrys: "Let the hunt begin!"

He then runs forward and disappears in a puff of smoke. You'll meet him in Zalar-do's lair in the northeastern corner of the cave.

When you enter the lair, you'll see Mel confronting the vampire lord and three bloodfiend minions:

Mel Adrys: "Your evil ends here, vampire. Prepare to die."

Zalar-do: "Do your worst, fool of a hunter!"

Once Zalar-do dies, Mel will say the following before disappearing.

Mel Adrys: "Zalar-do has been destroyed."

Mel Adrys: "Meet me at the entrance to these caverns, once you're certain all of the vampire's victims have been accounted for."

If his health depletes fully during the fight, he'll say the following before disappearing to retreat to the entrance:

Mel Adrys: "I am ... wounded. I must ... withdraw."

Meet him back at the cave's entrance once the vampire and her two victims are dead.

"I am glad to admit I was wrong about you. Your will is as strong as any hunter I have ever fought beside. Thank you for helping me defeat Zalar-do.
And thank you for putting her victims out of their misery."

"You proved your strength of will in Longhaven, and you proved it here in Hrota Cave. You have the determinaton of a true hunter.
We may not have saved the vampire's victims, but at least we spared them from eternal torment." (If you helped him in Greenshade previously)

Does this mean Anvil is safe now?

"From the vampire lord? Yes. But these are turbulent times. Other threats endanger Anvil and the Gold Coast—some even worse than Zalar-do.
Remain vigilant, hunter. Perhaps we shall meet again."

After the quest:

"A vampire lord has been vanquished, but always another appears to take her place. That is the way of things.
When evil again steps from the shadows, my blade shall be ready to greet it."

If you are a vampire:

Do you kill every vampire you meet?

"You think I have noticed your unique affliction? I considered killing you as well. Yet having heard tales of your exploits, I believe you do more good than ill.
Should that change, we may become enemies. Today, however, you may depart in peace."

If Mist and Shadow was completed:

Has there been trouble in Shademist Moors since we wiped out that vampire den?

"No, but I have a tale that may interest you.
Weeks ago, I stalked the wilds outside Marbruk, searching for a vampire assassin. What I did not realize was that the creature was leading me into a trap. I was set upon by her and five trained killers."

How did you survive?

"It was a close call. I dispatched the killers and set the vampire on fire, but not before I sustained grievous wounds. I buried my blade in the vampire's heart and collapsed, considering this a good death.
That was when she appeared by my side."

She?

"A woman with skin of bark and hair of leaves. When she knelt beside me, my pain vanished. She healed me and brought me back from undeath.
When I asked her why she would do this, all she said was, "Thank the Vestige." Then she disappeared."

The Wilderqueen saved you.

"Ah, the Wilderqueen. I have heard tales of that remarkable beings. Tales of awe and terror that included saving Wood Elves and stopping loggers.
Your influence grows if you have the ear of Valenwood's legendary protector."

Bloody Reunion

This quest was only available during the Dark Heart of Skyrim Celebration.

Camp north of Karthwatch

During the Dark Heart of Skyrim Celebration event, Mel can be found at a camp north of Karthwatch. You can talk to him:

"I must finish my prayers, traveler. My spirit must be pure before I meet my foes in battle.
My blade has thinned their ranks. But I am only one soul standing against the darkness."

The starting line of dialogue, if met him before

"Ah, traveler. We meet again. It's nice to see a friendly face for a change. My last few visitors were intent on tasting my blood."

Accepted the quest either from the Slayer's Note near a Event Exchange tent or from the Crownstore:

I saw your notice. What are you doing here?

"I was on a hunt, when I received word that the Gray Host had overrun these lands.
An army of parasites from out of the past. Even the dregs have proven to be a worthy challenge. But a true hunter does not shrink from danger."

You're battling the Gray Host?

Accepted the quest directly from him:

What are you doing here?

"I was on a hunt, when I received word that the Gray Host had overrun these lands.
An army of parasites from out of the past. Even the dregs have proven to be a worthy challenge. But a true hunter does not shrink from danger."

You're here to fight the Gray Host?

"I'm tracking several scions of the Host, in hopes to find one vampire in particular. They will all be ash when I am through.
Will you join the hunt? I've had a few close calls. I wouldn't turn away an able adventurer such as yourself."

All right. Let's hunt some vampires.

"Familiarize yourself with the map over there. I've heard rumors of unwary travelers being used in dark rituals, drained of blood.
Mark the locations well. And then … the hunt begins."

First time seeing him:

Sorry, who are you?

"I am Mel Adrys. Some call me a vampire hunter. I seek to end the blood cursed of Molag Bal … every single one of them.
Countless fiends have fallen to ash beneath my blade. They shall find no rest while I draw breath."

Why dedicate your life to hunting vampires?

"Look around you. All of Tamriel could be like this blood-soaked land if these creatures go unchecked.
Vampires use fear as a weapon. I will teach them what it means to have that weapon turned back upon them."

Met before:

How have you been, Mel?

"I am .. [sic] well enough. Since our last encounter, my travels have taken me across the length and breadth of Tamriel. "

My mortal need for rest always gives my prey the advantage. Still, I try my best."

Some vampires aren't so bad. / Some vampires aren't so bad, you know.

"I suppose you are correct. I've heard rumors of entire clans turning against their more bloodthirsty brethren."

That said … I would not advise relying on a vampire's charity. They cannot be trusted."

Would you be willing to even accept a vampire as an ally?

"Perhaps. I've grown to understand these fiends well. Some … especially in the beginning … try to control their hunger. But sooner or later, their cruel nature asserts itself."

"The blood craze is an affliction. And I am the cure."

You don't trust me, Mel? (if the player is a Vampire)

"You have proven yourself valuable in my campaign. And I am short on allies in my crusade against evil.
Regardless, you may rest easy. Should your bloodlust ever rise I will take no pleasure in cutting off your head."

Where did you go after we defeated Zalar-do back on the Gold Coast?

"Zalar-do … ahh yes. The vampire lord in Hrota Cave. After I cleansed my blade, I returned home to the ashlands of Morrowind. My father passed away, joining our ancestors in our ancestral crypt."

It was a long journey, escorting him to Necrom."

I'm sorry to hear about that.

"Hold your sympathies. Do I seem as though I had a happy childhood?"

My father was a tyrant. His passing meant little to me, beyond a tiresome task and a long journey through the lands of the Telvanni."

You said you're tracking one vampire in particular?/You said you're tracking one specific vampire? /You're tracking a specific vampire?

"Every vampire leaves a trail of blood and sorrow in its wake. Some more than others.
There is a beast nestled somewhere in the belly of Western Skyrim. I will find him, and pull him wriggling into the purifying light of day."

It sounds as if this hunt is personal.

"Every hunt is personal. But yes, the end to this pursuit will manifest a deep satisfaction within my very soul."

After checking the map of Gray Host Ritual Sites:

Mel Adrys: "Our strike will catch them off guard. You assault one ritual site, and I will handle the other. I shall find you when this grim work is finished."

He will head south and then disappear in the purple mist.

Regardless if you go to examine the northern ritual site at the Storm-Hawk's Altar or the western one at the Lendoran Ruin after the death of Ritual Victim:

Mel Adrys: "It seems we both met with some tragedy. Come, let's talk."

"Good to see you again, hunter. Pity we could not save them. But then, every victory against the Host extracts a toll."

On you as well, it seems. Are you all right?

"I located a ritual site and made my approach by stealth, planning to simply wait and watch.
Then they brought out a young boy as the focus for their next … ceremony. Rescuing the lad while fighting off the horde proved taxing. I need to rest."

Before they died, the ritual victim called the vampire the Pale Worm.

"Yes … yes. Then we are hot on the beast's trail. Good. I must return to camp. I can treat my wound, and make further inquiries.
You must continue our campaign. Do not allow these undying monstrosities even a moment to regroup."

What do you need me to do?

"Several powerful leech lords still hold sway in the dungeons and night-shrouded caverns of Western Skyrim and the Reach.
Seek them out, ready your blade, and strike! The more powerful your choice of prey, the better."

I'll see it done, Mel.

Mel Adrys: "Find me at my camp when you're finished, hunter. Good luck."

After you complete the task you can find him in his camp again:

Mel Adrys: "An aura of death precedes you. I can only assume your hunt went well."

Speaking to him:

"My informants tell me the rank and file of the Gray Host shudder, as tales of a mortal hunter swirl through their midst.
You have done well. You have delivered them fear."

I did as you asked.

"Excellent. Thanks to you I was able to rest, recover, and continue the search for my prey.
Unfortunately, the Harrowstorms that plague the region shroud his presence. What comes next, we must do together."

What's your plan?

"The Harrowstorms are necrotic tempests of incredible power. They scour life from the land and make following the trail my quarry has left behind quite … difficult.
If we are going to locate the blood leech I seek, we must destroy one. Together."

I'm ready if you are.

"Your bravery is an encouraging mixture of steel and ignorance. I respect it.
Seek out a storm. I will join you. And perhaps finally my blade's thirst will be slaked."

See you there, Mel.

"Locate a Harrowstorm, and begin your assault. I will join the fray. Flank them while they're distracted.
Good hunting. Partner."

You're after the Pale Worm, aren't you?

"I am not yet ready to discuss that creature. For now, know that my campaign has cost me dearly.
Most days, the price is one I am willing to pay. Sometimes, the toll seems too high. Even for me."

While clearing the harrowstorm, Mel will be there to fight the enemies, he will say the following lines:

Mel Adrys: "Now you will burn, monsters!"

Mel Adrys: "Veloth guide my hand!"

Mel Adrys: "You shall feel my blade!"

After clearing the harrowstorm:

Mel Adrys: "Well done, hunter. Meet me back at camp when you're ready."

Mel will return to the camp and ask you meet up with him to further discuss what's happening:

"With the Harrowstorm cleared, my hunt nears an end. I've scryed the location of the Pale Worm, the vampire lord you glimpsed at the ritual site.
As you've no doubt surmised, tracking the Worm is what brought me to Skyrim."

Tell me the story, Mel. I think I've earned that.

"Very well. As they say in adventure novels for the indolent, would you like the long version or the short?"

Give me the long version.

"You should know, my family is of no great import. Some minor nobles in a Deshaan village. A cousin in the Fighters Guild.
That is the extent of our legacy, a ripple in the ocean of time."

You're fairly memorable, Mel.

"Yes, well … in truth my campaign is a stain on the Adrys family honor. I tried, as best I could, to maintain a respectful distance.
Unfortunately, my nephew Niras became aware of my quest. Veloth forgive me, he chose to follow in my footsteps."

I take it that did not go well?

"You are correct. He fell prey to the blood years ago. I tried to track him. To end him. But for years I heard nothing but silence.
Then, news. The dark knowledge that Niras had … transformed. Metastasized."

Into the Pale Worm.

"Yes. Here, I shall mark your map with the location of his most recent feeding. I will meet you there.
Thank you, hunter. Know that when the Worm is ash, some small amount of my pain will be healed."

Short version, please.

"The Pale Worm is my nephew. A man once known in life as Niras Adrys. He was the light of my sister's life. And now his foul existence will end as ash and embers. Just like so very, very many others.
I will mark your map, hunter. Let's end this."

I'll see you there, Mel.

Speaking to him again:

"I must prepare for the battle ahead. Go. I will see you at the Worms's lair."

Following the Worm's trail

You will meet him at a site, where he will cast a spell to track the Worm to his lair. Mel will eventually summon a portal that will lead to Blackreach's Greymoor Caverns to confront his nephew:

Mel Adrys: "Hunter. This is where the Worm most recently fed. A simple enchantment should lead us to the entrance to his lair."

Mel Adrys: "Come. This way."

He begins to open a portal:

Mel Adrys: "Here. The trail leads to the world beneath. I shall open the way. Be ready, hunter."

Once you enter inside the portal, you will follow Mel to confront Niras and put an end to Niras's rampage:

Mel Adrys: "He's close. Follow me!"

Mel Adrys: "Niras, stop! I will not allow you to claim one more soul."

The Pale Worm: "Ahh…uncle Mel. The family failure. I look forward to bathing in your blood."

Mel Adrys: "I'm sorry, Niras. I let you down once. I will not do so again. Hunter, to me!"

During combat against the Pale Worm:

Mel Adrys: "Is this your best? no wonder you flee at my approach!"

Mel Adrys: "Keep him busy while I prepare something special for the occasion!"

The Pale Worm: "Hope is lost. Embrace your despair."

The Pale Worm: "Watch as I feast, hunter. Blood of my blood will make me so much stronger."

The Pale Worm will enter into a brief state of invulnerability while Mel is trying to weaken him to make him open for attacks:

The Pale Worm: "Your stubbornness is misguided. I will have your blood!"

Once the Pale Worm is defeated:

"It's done. Thank you, hunter. I will ensure his remains are scattered. I'll meet you back at camp."

Mel Adrys: "It's done. Thank you, hunter. I will ensure his remains are scattered. I'll meet you back at camp."

After destroying the Pale Worm, he will return to camp and will be a bit more at peace that his nephew can rest in peace.

"Niras is dead. The Pale Worm is ash. And my quest is at an end."

We made a good team.

"I suppose we did. I am not accustomed to working alongside a partner. But your presence made this dark journey through these unhallowed lands…just a little bit easier.
Thank you."

What's next for you, Mel?

"I owe my family an explanation. I will return the ash and sullen skies of my homeland. Perhaps my words will help.
The knowledge that Niras is laid to rest will ease the suffering I've caused."

And we've made Skyrim a little bit safer.

"For now. But while the Pale Worm is dead, another vampire lord will appear to take his place. That is the way of things.
And when evil steps from the shadows, my blade shall be ready to greet it."

If you exit out of the conversation before turning in the quest, he will alternatively say:

"It is done, hunter. I am not accustomed to wroking alongside a partner. But you have my thanks.
At last, the souls stolen by the Pale Worm can rest in peace."

And we've made Skyrim safer, as well. (Leads to quest completion dialogue)

After the quest:

"Veloth keep you safe, hunter. Skilled assistance such as yours is not easily found. It would be a shame to lose out on such a resource.
And something tells me we will see each other again, someday."

Notes

• For other players, Shademist Hunters take his place when he is following you during Mist and Shadow.
• Vampire Hunters take his place when you're doing Harrowstorms during the Dark Heart of Skyrim Celebration Event.
• He is mentioned in the book Confessions of a Vampire Devotee, the private journal of a secret admirer of Zalar-do.
• His journal can be found at Fenrar's camp right outside Karthwatch in Western Skyrim, in which it describes Mel's time in the region as well as The Reach fighting the encroaching vampire menace. Mel himself can only be encountered in the camp during the "Dark Heart of Skyrim Celebration" event.

Bugs

• Following an unknown patch, Mel's first opening dialogue when meeting him in Hrota Cave appears blank and he does not speak during this segment as a result. ^?