Online:Paldeen

Paldeen is a Redguard historian being held captive by the bandits found in the ruins of the Lost City of the Na-Totambu. He desperately wants to gain access to the archive found within.
 

Related Quests


Quest-Related Events
:''"I already told you, you flea-bitten … oh, you're not one of my captors. Have you come to help me?"
:Who are you?
:"The name's Paldeen. A band of Khajiit kidnapped me. They're forcing me to decipher the Yokudan runes on the relics they're looting. Damned grave robbers. Thing is, I think I've discovered something valuable down here. More so than wealth."
:Valuable?
:"I have a feeling that this is more than just another Yokudan ruin—it's massive, and the runes I've seen hint that something vital awaits inside! I need to get into the sealed inner chamber. Would you be willing to help me?"
:I'll help you.
:"Let's get moving. The ruins are just up ahead, and they won't investigate themselves! Just think—I might be the first to see them since the Yokudan! The first scholar, anyway. My captors wouldn't know a Yokudan ruin from an Imperial vault."
:How did the Khajiit capture you?
::"It's rather embarrassing. I went out to meet my ah … lady friend, down by the west gate. Next thing I knew, someone dropped a sack over my head and knocked me out, cold. When I woke up, I was a prisoner."
::How did the Khajiit find this place?
::"They cleared away a cave-in from the north passage and there was the city. Of course, the first few that entered were skewered by traps or eaten by scarabs and gargoyles. Serves them right."
:You said you can read Yokudan inscriptions?
::"Most of my people prize strength of arms and a sharp sword. I prefer scholastic ability and a sharp wit. We should get moving. They check on me pretty often."

As you start off through the dungeon, Paldeen will give you some hints along the way:
:Paldeen: "Yokudan constructions frequently featured descriptive tablets for pilgrims. With any luck we'll find one still intact."

Speaking to him after this:
:"The tablet mentioned three areas up ahead: "The Gauntlet," "The Lair," and "The Ruin." The Eyes must be somewhere within. Be careful out there! The Eyes are ancient jewels, and danger follows ancient jewels like mothers to their children!"

You can lead him to some carvings, which he will decipher as he talks:
:Paldeen: "Look at this! Give me a moment …."
:Paldeen: "This is extraordinary! If I'm reading this correctly, the Na-Totambu are buried here! Those were the ancient kings of Yokuda!"
:Paldeen: "I think I know what we need to do. Come speak to me when you're ready."

Speak with him, he will explain what he discovered:
:"This is incredible! I'm surprised the Khajiit didn't ask me to translate this text. It's not encrusted in gold or gems, so they may not have recognized its value."
:What does it say?
:"According to the tablet, The Eyes of Yokuda are here in the city. Legend has it that these three gemstones open the door to the Yokudan Archive. If I'm correct, the Archive might hold the fabled  !"
:Where do I find The Eyes?
::"The tablet mentions three areas: "The Gauntlet," "The Lair," and "The Ruin." I don't know what those are, but they don't sound very inviting. Watch for monsters and traps. You'll probably find both. When you've got The Eyes, meet me by the Archive."
::I'll find The Eyes Of Yokuda and bring them to you.
:What is the Cartulary of the Tamed Dunes?
::"It's a legendary tome that contains knowledge carried over from the land of my ancestors. You think Redguards are survival experts? The Yokudans forgot more about steel-craft and desert survival than the Redguards ever learned."''

After you've collected the three eyes, speak to Paldeen before placing them and he'll anxiously ask:
:''"Did you find them? Did you find the Eyes? Let's get this door open!"''

After unlocking the Yokudan Archives, he'll say:
:''"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity! Thank you for making this possible, my friend. Now let's move! This ruin isn't going to study itself!"

A little ways into the archive, Paldeen will express his delight just as a spirit appears with a warning:
:Paldeen: "Remarkable. Just remarkable!"
:Yokudan King: "You have done well, but you must still prove yourself worthy to claim the Cartulary."''

Speak to Paldeen and he'll ask"
:''"By my father's blade! Is that a spirit? Perhaps … perhaps it knows where the Cartulary is. Let's get it and get out of here!"''

After you have spoken to the King and collected the Cartulary one way or another, he'll say:
:''"Magnificent! That couldn't have gone better!"
:Here's the Cartulary. What will you do now?
:"I'm taking this straight to King Fahara'jad in Sentinel. It will take time to translate all of this, but the results will be worth it. You made this all possible. Thank you, my friend."

Once you have completed the quest you can talk to him some more:
:"This is going to change the fate of my people, friend. I'll take this to Sentinel immediately!"
:What are your plans after returning to Sentinel?
::"Oh my, I'm not sure I can think that far ahead. So many variables. What will the King's reaction be? What sort of staff will I be given? How many academic summits will I be asked to speak at? So many variables."
:What is so important about the Cartulary?
::"To be honest, I don't know. But it was guarded by the ghost of an ancient king. Things like that tend to be important."''