Proto-Prologue

Esteemed Loremasters,

I was on a trip to [REDACTED] recently and was visiting a delightful fellow known in the village for his interest in all things esoteric, and his very great store of coffee – ergo my interest. What I discovered was not only a very good blend of dark roast beans but a curious manuscript. The poor fellow thought the inane babblings were something from ancient [REDACTED] and did not recognize (understandably) that it was of Tamrielic origin. I fear he burned not a small number of the pages to heat his coffee tin; hence what follows has several breaks and I’m certain the narrative is incomplete.

Upon reading the text one might consider it to be a fan-fiction but I believe there are elements in the prologue and narrative that might be of some interest to our loremasters. If nothing else the text suggests interesting connections between Hermaeus Mora and “draconic fracturing”, and may explain the fragmented nature of Miraak’s narrative. It will certainly give PC and PS3 users who are new to Solstheim something to ponder. Whether this document should remain in the Lore section for discussion, debate, or refutation I leave to our esteemed Moderators and/or loremasters.

You have my humble thanks. I remain,

Scourgicus

***

Pan-liminal-Mundic aperature: OPEN
Dreamsleeve Transmission: RECEIVED
Sub-gradient Translation in process…

Waiting...

Interesting mix of in-character lore bits ([REDACTED]s and such) and acknowledgement of where you're posting, by the way. They contradict each other completely, but, uh, interesting.

Prologue

Dreamsleeve Transmission 11824360-9201-ZA1872
[File Reconstruction – Data Recycling receptacle AZ01-Nu-5: COMPLETE]

Frostmoth Inquiry Tree: Security Protocol [REDACTED]
Glyph-sequence: 14ES4E196; URGENT
Agent Signature: 11528-015

[Error]
[Data Inquiry Return: Agent 11528-015 (Hlervu Kiran) Disciplinary Suspension 5 Sun’s Height 4E 191 – ACTIVE]

Councilors,

I can only hope this transmission reaches you. My inquiries are likely to cost me my life; accessing this portal has left me trapped and outnumbered against foes I cannot hope to overcome. The fort has been left desolate since the 3^rd age but the Inquiry Tree remains viable, though tenuous. The ruin is now under the power of some foul magic, though whether of Daedric or more local origin I cannot discern. If I can fight my way free I will contact you through a more stable portal, but I do not hold out much hope. I strongly urge that the Greybeards of Skyrim be consulted as they alone may hold the answer to this riddle.

You will no doubt be tempted to ignore this transmission from a disgraced agent and I beg you reconsider. The document I am sending may be of vital importance. It is my strong belief the text is errata from a draconic fracture, possibly in the near future, and hints at events not to be ignored. I have already spoken with Telvanni Neloth and he knows of no such individual by the name of Miraak or Hjorin Wolf-Heart, and the title “Dragonborn” appears to refer to ancient Nordic myth rather than the Septim Emperors. The document hints at events that could re-shape the future of the Empire…and my native Morrowind; already we are hearing of this Stormcloak, even here on Solstheim.

They have broken through my first barrier. I have not long. Azura speed this message, and Mephala cloak…

[Dreamsleeve Transmission 11824360-9201-ZA1872 ends]
[Attachment: File 0N524 {Security Coding: [REDACTED]}: INTACT]

***

[Dreamsleeve Transmission 11824360-9201-ZA1872; Sub-set 001]
[Identity Inquiry Return: Councilor Octavius]

Councilors this appears to be some prank from our old conspiracist Hlervu. I move it be rendered to Data Recyling.

***

[Dreamsleeve Transmission 11824360-9201-ZA1872; Sub-set 001A]
[Identity Inquiry Return: Councilor Sul Saren]

I realize Agent Hlervu is under suspension but it might be wise to consider this a little more seriously. If nothing else he has discovered an active Inquiry Tree believed dormant for two hundred years. I move the file be transmitted to Sub-Council Othram-Zed for further consideration.

***

[Dreamsleeve Transmission 11824360-9201-ZA1872; Sub-set 001B]
[Identity Inquiry Return: Councilor Octavius]

I suppose next you’ll have us taking his story of intelligent undead feasting on souls seriously? You give him far too much credit.

***

[Dreamsleeve Transmission 11824360-9201-ZA1872; Sub-set 001C]
[Identity Inquiry Return: Councilor Sul Saren]

The so-called “Lordranite?” I have seen this creature myself, Octavius, and despite its necromantic oddities and a strange (indeed fanatical) obsession with Magnus it seems as rational as you or I; the Priests of Arkay assure me it’s abilities are of trans-Mundic origin. Hlervu may have been a panicky fool but once or twice his insights have been of value.

***

[Dreamsleeve Transmission 11824360-9201-ZA1872; Sub-set 001D]
[Identity Inquiry Return: Councilor Motierre]

I second Councilor Sul Saren’s motion. Let the sub-council sort through this.

***

[Dreamsleeve Transmission 11824360-9201-ZA1872; Sub-set 001E]
[Identity Inquiry Return: Councilor Octavius]

Councilor Sul Saren’s motion carries. The council is adjourned.

***

[Dreamsleeve Transmission 11824360-9201-ZA1872 transfer: Sub-council Othram- Zed {DTIP 398476} initiated]

[Error]

[Transfer incomplete]

[Data Inquiry Return: Transfer Override; Authorization: [REDACTED]]

[Dreamsleeve Transmission 11824360-9201-ZA1872 transfer: Data Recycling receptacle AZ01-Nu-5 initiated]

[Transfer complete]

[End of file]

***

[Encoded File 0N524: Translation complete]

[Error: data fragmentation detected]

[Processing]