Master Wizard of House Telvanni

Solstheim’s only preeminent scholar of the arcane arts. [RP Blog]

[ask-neloth]

"As I value both my time and my sanity, inappropriate, rude, or distasteful questions shall either be delegated appropriately or outright ignored." - Neloth; Archmagister of Tel Mithryn, Master Wizard of House Telvanni

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This is an RP Blog for Master Neloth of House Telvanni, his apprentice, Talvas Fathryon, and other denizens of the Tel Mithryn settlement. Most posts will be in character voicing. Any non-character voicing will be designated in small text such as this. Meta posts will be limited to announcements, blog status, and the like.

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GUIDELINES:

Ask box will be closed at 9 asks and will re-open when all asks have been answered

There will be an inbox tally in the blog description as asks are being submitted (i.e. ask box 5/9)

Not all answered asks will have accompanying artwork

Violent, disrespectful, or sexually explicit asks will be ignored and users will be blocked

No guarantee that all asks will be answered - some may be delegated to other members of Tel Mithryn

Questions are accepted from both canon NPCs and OCs

RP is encouraged! Scene-setting and descriptive context are welcome.

An FAQ list will be created as needed

SCOPE:

The starting canon of this blog does not include any previously written fanfiction or relationships outside of the base game canon

References to the Dragonborn will remain nebulous and the blog will predominantly deal in NPCs from Skyrim, Oblivion, Morrowind, and ESO canon

The blog's timeline will be allowed to emerge organically, but will be predominantly pre-Dragon crisis

[ASKS ARE OPEN]

Thank you, and may Azura guide you! (Edited 1/31/24)

[ask-neloth]

*A little mouse looking for nesting material has made it into your tower. It moves toward a book with a black cover-*

I incinerate the mouse.

[ask-neloth]

Greetings again, magister.

You've spoken at length about your own years as a Telvanni, but what of the time before? Were you born into a family already associated with the House or was the journey towards the seat on the Council entirely unassisted and done of your own accord?

In fact, given that the Telvanni are rather... cut-throat in their relations, do they even do much childcare? Or are children seen more as potential leverage or future competition?

Apropos of nothing, Brelyna Maryon asked to say hello in her stead. Her training is going well and she hopes to visit by the end of the year.

I was born into House Telvanni. Few who ascend to a seat on the Council are born outside of our great House. It is possible, but rare. There are a great many threads that must be woven in order for one to climb the ranks successfully, which is why Mephala is a popular Prince among us. Political assassination was commonplace and a known risk. I engaged in it myself, though to varying degrees of success. I’ve managed to survive all attempts on my life thus far. I cannot say the same for those I have personally seen eliminated. 

As for child care and child-rearing, I was tended to by slaves for much of my upbringing. My mother was an invalid and I don’t remember much of her. My father was assassinated when I was barely into my twenties, which was a blessing. I began my first apprenticeship shortly thereafter. There is an unspoken expectation in House Telvanni that your first apprenticeship will be under the tutelage of your parents. Not all of us are afforded the luxury. 

Maryon…Maryon… The name is familiar. Yes... That family is still clinging to eastern Vvardenfell I believe. Staunchly refused to leave the isles, even after the Red Year. If this Brelyna intends to visit me, I should hope she makes it worth my while. If she has visited me before, she did not leave enough of an impression for me to remember her.

[ponyuyu]

I don't know who needs to hear this right now but

That fictional old man does love you

He has such a soft spot in his heart for you

[ask-neloth]

Incorrect.

[ask-neloth]

Master Neloth, My spider importer informed me he’d passed through your new tower settlement on his latest expedition to Solstheim. Really, I'm surprised you are still alive. You haven’t made any recent contributions to Tamriel’s scholarship or exerted your once-strong will in Morrowind politics. I therefore presumed one of our national tragedies had carried you off. 

I congratulate you on acquiring the elevated title of Arch-Magister of Solstheim. While I was but a mere apprentice to the Keeper of the Tel Naga Archives, I knew then that you aspired to the lofty position of Arch-Magister. Best wishes for future success in your research and the acquisition of your own Council to go with the title,

Tivela Andrethi, Mistress of Tel Galen

Oh, you're one of the Andrethi children. I believe I remember you. I remember your father, at the very least. So, you were one of my archivist's underlings, were you? Given your clear attention to even the most trivial of details, I'm sure you were good enough at your job.

'Morrowind politics', or what's left of them, have nothing to offer me. Our once proud and prosperous House is more concerned with petty territory squabbles with House Redoran and rampant Argonians than advancing our status or growing our influence. Tel Mithryn, while still modest in size, is shaping into a fine citadel. There is far more to the title of Arch-Magister than simply presiding over a council, though I shall make sure to inform you should any positions become available.

You say you have not seen my contributions to Tamriel's scholarship? Perhaps that is simply because they have become so ubiquitous you did not realize that I was the innovator. Tell me, do you have a staff enchanter at Tel Galen? If not, I'm sure you could easily find one at the College of Winterhold or within the walls of the College of Whispers. I've heard that the Imperial army has even adopted them for their speed and efficiency. Though I understand if it escaped your notice that these were of my design.

...

I'm sorry, did you say your spider informed you?

[ask-neloth]

Master Neloth, how do you deal with arthritis? Considering your age and such :-) I need some more advice.

I used to rely on sload soap. I would not recommend that to anyone, despite how well it worked. For one, it had a terribly pungent odor that no amount of bug musk could fully overpower. Secondly, it put me in an awful mood.

I consume canis root tea these days, which decreases inflammation and has the added benefit of an energy boost. Though my joints still ache, it is more of a constant, low-level ache, as opposed to an acute, sharp pain. I also perform a daily sequence of modified Restoration spells.

If you are looking to prolong your own life, you must become competent in both the schools of Restoration and Necromancy. This is non-negotiable. Besides, you might be surprised at how much the two schools have in common. There was a prolific scholar at the College of Whispers, Khemor Gro-Skaven, who wrote extensively on their relation. I might suggest you look into his body of work.

[ask-neloth]

Archmagister Neloth,

My apologies. It is not often I meet someone older than myself shy of daedra, and I forgot my manners. I do not wish to waste your time, it was just a momentary lapse in judgement.

As for Mistress Dratha, well, I have quite the story of how she gained her immortality, as I had a hand in giving it to her. She requested the gathering of several coldfire stones, if my memory serves me correctly, and used them to bind a servant of the Lord of Lies to her, just long enough to strike a deal. She became immortal, but the Xivkyn would appear at any moment disguised as a man to kill her. Also explains her hatred of men.

-Skylar

How easily you give away information! You've proven yourself to be quite useful.

If Dratha is still alive out there and this Xivkyn hasn't come calling for her soul, this is excellent leverage. Though I'm rather disappointed at how unremarkable her deal is. Anyone could make a deal with a Daedra for immortality. I'm sure I could bargain with Mora for such a thing with the proper exchange. I prefer to uncover a method that doesn't so easily rely on the charity of Daedra.

Considering your age and apparent...lack of a soul to steal, I might task you with more information retrieval in the future, should you be amicable to such an arrangement. For a reward, of course.

[ask-neloth]

Could you, theoretically, use magic to accelerate a small projectile at several times the speed of sound? Thereby penetrating any armor in in its way? Perhaps in the form of some kind of small hand held stave with a barrel by which the projectile can be stored and fired.

Theoretically, of course you could, but I don't know why you would. There are dwarven contraptions that do what you're describing. Perhaps you would be better off wasting some Dwemer scholar's time as opposed to mine. Might I recommend Calcelmo in Markarth? I'm sure he would love to humor your most intelligent questions.

[ask-neloth]

Master Neloth, as an ex-Ashlander who is only just now being allowed to learn about the Great Houses there is one thing I am curious about. Is there anyone of higher rank in House Telvanni you are beholden to? Anyone you must answer to?

Or are you allowed to do as you please unless you become a nuisance to somebody else?

You have much to learn, though far less than you might have prior to Red Mountain's eruption. The Telvanni Council was splintering before the Red Year, then truly shattered post. So no, there is no one currently who is above me or to whom I answer. When I was apart of the Vvardenfell council in the third era, I answered to Archmagister Gothren, who was insufferable. I attempted to have him assassinated you know, but the attempt failed. (However, someone else succeeded after me, and young Master Aryon took his place. Though this was after I'd already relocated to Solstheim).

I would have gladly and willingly taken the role of Archmagister on Vvardenfell, but that was not my sole motivation for seeing him dead. He was simply too annoying and I could not suffer him to live.

My settlement here on Solstheim has grown significantly in the last several decades, and I expect it to continue. Though I would not outright declare war should another Telvanni Master choose to join me on the island, I would be rather put out. As I have grown older, I understand more and more Fyr's desire for seclusion.

As for your final question, I do as I please regardless of whether or not someone else perceives me to be a nuisance. What is deemed 'a nuisance' to one person is a way of life for another. It's all a matter of perspective, and I certainly won't be stifling my endeavors simply for the comfort of others.

[ask-neloth]

Hello everyone! Talvas here.

I'm wanted to let you all know that Master Neloth has received all of your inquiries, he's just...ignoring them. (This happens sometimes). He seems to be wholly focused on one of his newer projects, because when I expressed my concerns, his response was "What 'inquiries'?"

I'm sure he'll remember you exist at some point! In the meantime, um...stay safe out there.

[ask-neloth]

Has anyone ever told you you're a fun guy? :D

No.

[ask-neloth]

Master Neloth has received your inquiries and is working on his replies.

[ask-neloth]

Master Neloth is now accepting new inquiries.

[ask-neloth]

Master Neloth, did you have any friends during your childhood? Anyone during your younger years who might have been close to being a friend? Maybe a pet?

Friends? No, I think not. The very concept contains an inherent weakness. A 'friend' is someone you tell your secrets to, yes? Someone to whom you vow support no matter what? Through "thick and thin", as they say? Incredibly unwise.

Now, that isn't to say that I didn't have strong allies. There were people who I trusted deeply and who trusted me in turn. I do not deal in misguided 'honor codes' or the like. It is always a mutually beneficial exchange. Loyalty begets loyalty; integrity begets integrity. To earn my trust takes years of persistence, proving through word and action that you are someone useful and reliable. I would only hope that you, anonymous inquirer, would hold the same standards and not so easily trust me.

Allyship, in my opinion, is much more valuable than friendship.

Also, I do not keep pets.

[weirdisme]

Silly Neloth. Doesn’t he know that friendship is magic.

[ask-neloth]

My dear child, I am a Master Wizard of the highest rank. I can say with certainty that friendship and magic are not equivalent in the slightest.

[ask-neloth]

Master Neloth, did you have any friends during your childhood? Anyone during your younger years who might have been close to being a friend? Maybe a pet?

Friends? No, I think not. The very concept contains an inherent weakness. A 'friend' is someone you tell your secrets to, yes? Someone to whom you vow support no matter what? Through "thick and thin", as they say? Incredibly unwise.

Now, that isn't to say that I didn't have strong allies. There were people who I trusted deeply and who trusted me in turn. I do not deal in misguided 'honor codes' or the like. It is always a mutually beneficial exchange. Loyalty begets loyalty; integrity begets integrity. To earn my trust takes years of persistence, proving through word and action that you are someone useful and reliable. I would only hope that you, anonymous inquirer, would hold the same standards and not so easily trust me.

Allyship, in my opinion, is much more valuable than friendship.

Also, I do not keep pets.

[ask-neloth]

[A tidy scroll lies innocently on your desk when you return to it, a steaming cup of tea in your hand. It was not there previously. It carries no curses or enchantments of any kind, and the piece of twine holding it together slips loose with a single tug. The handwriting within is sharp, traditional. Daedric script with Morrowind orthography. It reads:] Master Neloth, I heard that you were accepting questions, and so I ask one, if you will answer. Burn this letter if you will not. I divide practitioners of magic into the arcane and the Daedric. Of the latter, there are the bound and the unbound. I am bound to one Daedra Lord, and this limits the scope of my magic. My question is this: How can my gifts be applied to a study of the arcane? [The letter is unsigned, but you have your suspicions.]

Hmm, a proper question at long last. Though right away I would say you are limiting yourself needlessly. You even say: ‘I divide practitioners…’. For what reason? It’s not that you are incorrect, for there are mages among us who couldn’t even light a candle, yet with the assistance of a Daedric Prince could set the world ablaze. So I am going to assume that your magicka reserves are quite shallow and that your Prince gives you the ability to practice with any amount of competence.

Now, while I can’t say I know who you are as an individual, the style of your script and the specific formalities you invoke tell me you are a Morrowind native, most likely Vvardenfell. So, there is likely one of three Daedric Princes you find yourself in service to, and I think it’s quite easy to infer which one given the…secrecy you imploy. 

The Webspinner, though often cruel, is a remarkably practical Prince to serve, though I can only assume she was attracted to you through the sheer amount of misfortune your life must contain. Mephala does not seek out those who live sunny lives. Fortunately for you, she doesn’t tend to toy with mortals for her own amusement. She is the Plot-Weaver; you have a purpose within her web. Your query aligns well with her realm, so I believe the answer will be far simpler than you might have originally imagined. 

How can you apply these gifts to the study of the arcane? Try to frame your study within Mephala’s sphere. The arcane arts already deal in secrecy and mystery, so this should not feel unnatural. 

Do not seek surface-level spells and concepts that any sideshow performer could master. You must burrow deep and uncover spellforms lost to time—techniques that no longer have names. You will both excel as a master of the arts and please your patron. She may very well offer you a boon for your efforts. 

Now, if I assumed the wrong, you may simply apply this concept to the sphere of whomever it is you serve. But I sincerely doubt that I am wrong. Feel free to inform me of your progress.    

[ask-neloth]

Neloth,

I stopped by your tower on my journey through Solstheim, and couldn't help but notice it's a mushroom. My first thought was "is it edible?" So... is it? Have you ever taken a bite of your house? I was tempted to try it, but my traveling companion said it would probably kill me.

PS: I nearly heaved my guts after levitating up to see you. You should get some stairs or a ladder... just sayin'.

Blessed Azura, child. You’re a Dunmer? The ancestors have entirely failed you. No, my tower is not edible, and your traveling companion was quite right: it would most certainly have killed you, either through slow, painful poisoning, or I would have put you out of your misery myself.   I shan’t even deign to respond to your flippantly added postscript. Now get out of my tower.

[kookaburra1701]

I feel like I've read a story about someone who went around eating bits of big mushrooms that belonged to very sarcastic people who lived on top of them. She had a great time, everything turned out swell.

[saltymaplesyrup]

Okay but hear me out: can you smoke us mushroom tower. I need to know.

[ask-neloth]

Congratulations, you've somehow made this interaction even more idiotic than it already was.