Online:Madam Whim

Madam Whim is a Dark Seducer who can be found at the House of Whims in Fargrave. She is one of the movers and shakers in the city and many things can be procured from her for the right price.
 

Related Quests





Quest-Related Events
The Celestial Palanquin
After you meet with The Anchorite, she will ask you to ask Madam Whim for information about the Votive Runes being placed around the city by the Waking Flame. When you enter her establishment, you will find her looking down at woman slumped against the wall.
:Madam Whim: "Another poor mortal, succumbed to the power of the Dagonic votives. How unfortunate."
: 
:Madam Whim: ''"But what's this? A new face? And what does Madam Whim always say? New faces bring new opportunities. Let's talk."

Speak with Madam Whim:
:"Has anyone ever told you that you have an incomparable mien? Most in this Celestial Palanquin we call Fargrave have the barest patina on their auras. But you! I know multiple buyers who would pay top price for a soul like yours. Shall we trade?"
:Not interested in trading souls, but what's the matter with that person sitting on the floor?
:"What, poor Joset? She's one of my favorite regulars. At least she was, before the votives affected her. First she became belligerent. Then extremely melancholy. Now she's practically mindless. But tell me, darling, what brings you to Madam Whim's?"
:The Anchorite sent me. She said you know everything that happens here.
:"She did, did she? All true, but I hate to brag. She's an unusual mortal, though, isn't she? Our darling of the alleys. And clever. She sent you so as not to increase her tab at the House of Whims. As a new customer, your first transaction is free."
:All right. Tell me what you know about the Waking Flame and their votive runes.
:"Ah, two topics on the lips of many a Fargravian. The Dagonists are mortal rabble with a fetish for destruction. The votive runes are prayers to their Prince made manifest, spells that seem to affect only mortals. Like poor Joset here."
:Any idea why the cult is placing the votive runes throughout Fargrave?
:"An interesting question. Alas, I have no answer. But you're not the only newcomer to our fair city seeking such knowledge. My eyes about town tell me that Lyranth the Dremora has come to Fargrave. She's in the Shambles, searching for Sister Celdina."
:Sister Celdina?
:"You want more? I'm giving away an awful lot as part of your free sample, but I am feeling generous today. Sister Celdina leads the Dagonists here in Fargrave. She and Lyranth seem to have it out for one another, though I have yet to ascertain why."

With the free parcel of information she has given you, you can ask some questions about her business:
:What sort of business is the House of Whims?
:"As the name implies, I trade in eccentricities and capriciousness. I buy and sell as impulse dictates. My establishment carries indulgences from across Oblivion. And information, of course. Along with food, drinks, and an amenity for every appetite."
:Is there anything you can do to help poor Joset?
::"Hmm? Oh, the mortal on the floor? No, I don't believe so. The spell is quite potent. I suspect the votive runes have a darker purpose than simply elevating emotions and turning mortals into mindless husks. Pity the Grasp refuses to investigate."
::The Grasp?
:::"The Grasp of the Stricture. They enforce law and order in Fargrave. The Stricture is a covenant that binds all Daedra and allows us to operate somewhat in concert. Since mortals aren't bound by the covenant, the Grasp tends to pay them no mind."
:::So the Grasp of the Stricture are sort of the city guard?
::::"An apt description, if somewhat inaccurate. They do enforce Fargrave's laws, but in ways that won't always be comprehensible to the limits of mortal understanding. Try not to commit any crimes in front of them and they won't harass you. Probably."
:Why is this place called the Celestial Palanquin?
::"You came here without knowing, darling? How refreshing! Like an otherworldly conveyance, Fargrave personifies the existential concepts of transit or passage. It did start out as a strange, nomadic realm, after all. That's part of the city's allure."
::What does that mean, exactly?
:::"It means if you want to travel the myriad corridors of Oblivion, there's no better launching point than fabulous Fargrave. In addition to our famous Plaza of Portals, the entire realm is littered with dimensional accessways. Plus, we have no Prince."
:::Why is that important?
::::"Without a Prince to set the laws and manipulate Fargrave's reality, we're free to shape this city as we choose. The freedom that affords us is sublime! Plus, no Prince means less chaos and violence in the streets, rogue cultists notwithstanding."
::::I couldn't help noticing the giant skeletons.
:::::"Aren't they beautiful? One of our best features. No one is quite sure who or what they were, but legend has it they once carried the city from plane to plane—hence the allusion to a palanquin. Is it true? Well, the skeletons are real enough."
:::::And what kind of Daedra are you, Madam Whim?
::::::"A personal query? That will cost extra, my darling. I am a Mazken, what your kind commonly call a Dark Seducer. Unlike many of my brothers and sisters, I use my charms to beguile and entice for knowledge and profit. I have no interest in violence."
:You said Lyranth might be in the Shambles. What should I know about that?
::"A terrible place. I urge caution if you decide to venture there. It's a warren of alleys, tenements, and ruins hidden behind thick walls. Many mortals live there in the most appalling conditions, but it can also be a good place to conduct business."
::What kind of business?
:::"Oh, innocent mortal! The kind of business best engaged in where the Grasp of the Stricture doesn't reach. It's a perfect location to hide a Dagonist cult seeking to cause chaos and mayhem. I'm surprised our darling of the alleys didn't mention that."
:::Why do you call the Anchorite the darling of the alleys?
::::"Darling of the alleys, fool of Fargrave, woman in the mask … ever since the Anchorite arrived in Fargrave, she's gone out of her way to help the mortals cast upon our shore. And she asks for nothing in return. Pity I know so little else about her."

Once you have finished your conversation:
:Madam Whim: "Now, what should we do with Joset? Hmm?"''

Destruction Incarnate
Upstairs at Madam Whim's:
:Madam Whim: "Why, Lyranth, my dear, it would be an honor to assist you in any way I can."
:Lyranth: "An honor, yes. Mortal, show Whim the note."
:"Ah, darling! How good of you to once again grace my fine establishment. And I see that my information proved useful. You found Lyranth. Another customer, satisfied and content! Now, what can Madam Whim do for you this time?"
:We think this note is written in code. It belonged to Sister Celdina.
:''"While I have many, many talents, deciphering written codes concocted by fanatical mortals is not among them. Are you sure I can't interest you in something a little more … luscious? No? Pity. Very well. I may know someone who can help you."
:Who are they, where can I find them, and how much will it cost me?
:"You wound me. I thought we were becoming friends. Talk to Gazmod the Collector. His villa on the west side of town contains quite the accumulation of Dagonic paraphernalia. Something in his collection should help—provided you can catch his eye."
:Gazmod the Collector, villa on the west side of town. Got it. And what did that information cost me?
:"You owe absolutely nothing, my darling. Lyranth agreed to cover your cost for this bit of inside information. Isn't she a dear? Now, do tell Gazmod that we miss them here at the House of Whims. The place hasn't been the same without them."
:I'm still not sure what currency you deal in, Madam Whim.
:"Oh, don't concern yourself with that, dearest one. I never ask for more than a client can afford. There's no profit in that. When you have time, come back and let Madam Whim show you some of the wares that have made her the talk of Oblivion."

After you finish speaking to her, Lyranth will give you further instructions:
:Lyranth: "Go downstairs and rouse the Anchorite. We'll want her with us when we talk to this collector. Meanwhile, I need to conclude our business here."
:Madam Whim: "Conclude our business. How I love the sound of that! It makes me all atwitter."
:Lyranth: "I'm not here to play games, Whim."
:Madam Whim: "But games are some of my favorite activities, dear Lyranth! Come, let me show you what the House of Whims has to offer."''

Upon completion of the quest, she'll remark:
:''"I do hope the accommodations are to you and Lyranth's liking. Dylandra and her harem wanted to rent the space for one of her sensual encounters, but I had to tell her it was unavailable. I hope whatever you did at Burning Gyre Keep was worth it."''

Deadlight
At the start of the quest, Madam Whim will be curious about Lyranth's inquiries into the lost plane of Deadlight:
:''"Something has certainly gotten Lyranth's dander in an uproar. What occurred on Annihilarch's Summit, my darling? You can tell Madam Whim. Does it have something to do with Deadlight? She seemed very interested in that old legend."

Against All Hope
After the events at Deadlight, Madam Whim will be understandably concerned:
:"Tell me the rumors aren't true, my dearest. Tell me the Anchorite is safe and sound and not in the hands of that vile Valkynaz Nokvroz. No, I can see it in your eyes. Then promise me you will retrieve her. Fargrave needs its darling of the alleys."

After starting the quest with Lyranth; Arox, Rynkyus, Drozu, and Madam Whim will be downstairs discussing the next course of action. Rynkyus will be speaking to Whim:
:Rynkyus: "Valkynaz Nokvroz will come for Fargrave next, Whim. My Bladebearers and I will not wait for that."

Speak to her:
:"Ah, my favorite mortal returns. I do appreciate when Lyranth deigns to share you with me. Don't mind Rynkyus. He believes that every problem can be solved with a sword. I do hope you have a more interesting topic to discuss with me."
:We need this portal key attuned to get us inside Ardent Hope.
:"You, too? Ardent Hope is Valkynaz Nokvroz's seat of power, and it now appears that he is supreme among Mehrunes Dagon's vassals. I do not see why you all insist on making him your enemy."
:Nokvroz captured the Anchorite and plans to send Incarnates to conquer Fargrave for Mehrunes Dagon.
:"And if he succeeds, I would be foolish to defy the new regime. Still, it would be irksome to live under the Prince of Destruction's authority. At least you have a slightly better idea than a frontal assault. The Bladebearers are fools to consider it."
:Do you think you can attune the portal key to get us inside the fortress?
:"Hmm. This key would allow me to open a portal directly into the fortress, which might give you a chance—no matter how slim. Very well. There's an old portal dais in the Burn, south of Ardent Hope. Meet me there and I will attune your key."
:We'll meet you at the portal dais.
:"I can't abide the Anchorite in Valkynaz Nokvroz's grip, not our darling of the alleys. Let me gather some materials and recall the proper incantations. Then I will collect Lyranth and meet you at the old portal dais in the Burn, south of Ardent Hope."
:Do we need an old dais to use the portal key?
:"Need? No, but it will make the attunement easier. Once a network of portal daises crisscrossed the Deadlands. The fortress was built around one of them. Most have been forgotten and are no longer utilized, but that doesn't mean the magic has faded."
:So how do you know about these daises?
:"I was not always the entrepreneurial Mazken who stands before you. Long ago, I played at amassing influence by pledging myself to the Daedric Princes. I learned many secrets during those dalliances, including ways into and out of secure locations."

Arrive at the dais, and the gang will be ready:
:Madam Whim: "Ah, good. Wake the old dais by matching the stones with the runes nearby while I attune the portal key."
:"Such neglect! No one has cared for this dais in centuries, but its magic remains. Realign the stones to their proper sides and it will awaken. Simply turn them to match the glowing runes nearby. But be gentle. A caress is called for here, not a slap."

Get the first rune:
:Madam Whim: "The conduits of energy are opening!"

The second:
:Madam Whim: "Yes, I can sense the connections."

And the third:
:Madam Whim: "Oh, nicely done, mortal."
:Madam Whim: "The key is attuned and the dais activated, mortal. Now come and retrieve your portal key."
:"Here you are—a freshly attuned portal key. Carry it with you and the portal will deposit you inside Ardent Hope. After that, matters are in your hands. I do hope Lyranth has a plan for what to do once you get there."
:Any advice for us, Madam Whim?
:"For you, sweet mortal? Always. Let Lyranth and the others worry about these affairs and come back to Fargrave with me. Your life is short enough. Why risk it on this fool's errand? I can promise that our association would be mutually … satisfying."
:I need to save the Anchorite.
:"Oh, I was only having a bit of fun. You are so deliciously stoic. And correct, I must admit. Mehrunes Dagon has long coveted Fargrave's doors to the many realms. Do not let Nokvroz use our fair Anchorite to accomplish that. Remember, distraction."
:Distraction?
:"What else would you call the Bladebearers' action? While they draw the attention of Nokvroz's forces, you must move quickly. You have until the last Bladebearer falls. Use that time wisely. And I do hope you survive. For aesthetics, if nothing else."
:I will.
:"In the likely event that Valkynaz Nokvroz captures you, I hope you'll have the discretion not to mention my involvement in this scheme. Oh, and don't forget Arox. He would be crushed if you left him behind."

Speak to her before entering the portal:
:"Do survive, mortal. The House of Whims would be far less interesting without you to grace it with your presence. And bring the Anchorite back with you. Don't tell her I said this, but Fargrave needs her unselfish compassion."

Return the conquering hero and Madam Whim will greet you in her house:
:"I do so adore a conquering hero, my darling! Do you like the welcome I prepared? It was the best I could do on short notice. Lyranth awaits you upstairs, but know that I plan to show you all the pleasures of the House of Whims. Later. No charge."

After speaking to Lyranth and finishing the quest, Whim will cajole you some more:
:"You're becoming something of a celebrity, my dear. Well earned, I must say. I do hope you won't stop coming to visit. Perhaps one of these days I'll convince you to stay."

The Last Ambition
At the House of Whims, Lyranth and Eveli will have joined Madam Whim and The Anchorite:
:Lyranth: "Anchorite, Mehrunes Dagon was particularly interested in you at Ardent Hope. We must examine your memories."
:Eveli Sharp-Arrow: "So you're the Anchorite, huh? Neat mask!"
:The Anchorite: "Thanks. I like your bow, too."
:Madam Whim: "Let us begin. Mortal, use the memory vessel to capture fragments of the Anchorite's recollections as the ritual progresses."

Speak to her:
:"Lyranth asked me to help the Anchorite sort out her restored memories, so I devised this ritual. Take the memory vessel and we will begin. This is a delicate process and I make no promises. We may learn what Lyranth wants, or we may not."

Start the ritual:
:Madam Whim: "Use the vessel to collect the memory fragments when they appear."
:Madam Whim: "I will use the Anchorite's amulet as a focus."
:The Anchorite: "Ugh, is this supposed to hurt?"
:Madam Whim: "There! A memory fragment. Take it."''

Take the fragment and you'll hear voices:
:Emperor Moricar: "She is my blood. The legacy of the Longhouse Emperors flows through her veins."
:Lyranth: "Keep going. We are close."
:Madam Whim: "Another memory fragment! Take it before it disperses."

Take the next fragment:
:Emperor Moricar: "You are a tool, nothing more. Fulfill your purpose, or you will be discarded."
:The Anchorite: "No! Please, make it stop."
:Eveli Sharp-Arrow: ''"You're hurting her! Stop! Stop this now!"
:Lyranth: "Foolish mortals! You try my patience."

Speak to her:
:"The Anchorite's memories are too scattered, unfocused. She has not yet come to grips with the fact that these newly restored memories belong to her. Let me see the memory vessel. Perhaps we were able to gather something useful after all."
:Here's the memory vessel.
:"Ah, this is a very early memory. The Anchorite as a babe, hearing her father's voice. I can use this, yes."
:What about the second fragment?
:"Another early memory, but this time her father's voice is cold, commanding. These fragments vibrate with emotional veracity. A signature of sorts. I can use that to scry the location of the Longhouse Emperor. Or, more accurately, his soul."
:Why do we care where the soul of the Longhouse Emperor is?
:"If you find the emperor, you can talk to him. Get the information you need, directly from Moricar himself. I sense he is imprisoned in the Deadlands, in the Brandfire Reformatory. Take the Anchorite's amulet. It will lead you to the emperor's soul."
:How will the amulet lead us to Emperor Moricar's soul?
:"As I understand it, the amulet was a gift from father to daughter. Its connection to Moricar is strong. Use it in the reformatory and it will lead you to him. However, what state his soul will be in after decades of torture, I do not know."
:"Use the portal to the Burn in the nearby plaza. That will take you to the Deadlands and close to the Brandfire Reformatory. Once inside, use the amulet to summon the lingering emotional signatures from the memory fragments to lead you to Moricar."

Speak to her before leaving:
:"More adventures, my darling? Madam Whim hears things. I'd be concerned about facing Mehrunes Dagon again, but you and the Anchorite never cease to surprise me. Return here when you're all done. I would love to help you celebrate another victory."

Hope Springs Eternal
Return to The House of Whims and Calia and Madam Whim will be there with Eveli:
:Madam Whim: "You did well, regardless of where the powers of the Ambitions now rest."
:Calia: "I agree. You defeated Mehrunes Dagon, that's incredible!"

Come up the stairs and Eveli notices you:
:Eveli Sharp-Arrow: "And there's the hero of the moment!"

Speak to Madam Whim and the Mazken will inform you that she suspects Lyranth is somewhere in Fargrave:
:"The small Wood Elf has an oversized persona. Rather like a Banekin, I suppose. She informed me of the rendezvous in Leyawiin. Calia and I will be sure to attend. There is something I'd like to bring to your attention first."
:What is it?
:"There have been strange magical occurrences in the city. They started quite recently. And while I do not know for sure, I have a theory about these incidents. After hearing what transpired in Sundercliff, I believe they may be connected to Lyranth."
:What do you mean?
:"The little Wood Elf told us that Lyranth stole the power of the Ambitions. Even for someone as capable as Lyranth, all of that energy could be overwhelming. That kind of power is volatile, it may leak from her core until she manages to control it."
:Do you think that's what's causing the strange magical incidents?
:"I cannot say for certain, but if I am correct, it means Lyranth is somewhere in Fargrave. And it will only be a matter of time before she learns to wield that power without leaving a trail. This may be your last chance to speak with her."
:I'll see if I can track her down.
:"I do not know if you will find Lyranth, but you may as well try. I sent my faithful servant Hezehk to investigate the disturbances, though I doubt the fool has found much. Regardless, Calia and I will meet you and your other allies in Leyawiin."
:What else can you tell me about these magical disturbances?
:"Just look around the city for sparkling balls of dancing light. I understand they can be quite beautiful. Or find my servant, Hezehk. I sent him to investigate. Either way, you'll run into Lyranth or not. She's stubborn, even for a Dremora."

Join the celebration at Leyawiin Castle:
:"Ah, you look as appetizing as ever, mortal. It is good to see you."

After Eveli gives her speech:
:"I am impressed with you, mortal. You did something many thought was impossible and are still standing at the end of it. When you first brightened the door of the House of Whims, I thought there was something special about you. Something intoxicating."
:What will you do now?
:"Business, as always. Clients come and go, and come again. Oblivion will shudder for a time with the echo of Mehrunes Dagon's defeat, but it changes little for me. The House of Whims will always provide for those who have need of it."

Dialogue
She can sometimes be found in her establishment on the bottom floor:
:"I do so enjoy dealing with mortals. Despite their short, meaningless lives, they can be quite fascinating."

:"Back again? Why is it that mortals can't seem to get enough of what Madam Whim has to offer? My establishment and its many wonders are always available — for the right price."''