Online:Loremaster Celarus

Loremaster Celarus is the Altmer loremaster of the Psijic Order who can be found at the Ceporah Tower on Artaeum. Josajeh is apprenticed to him.

 
Related Quests
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Quest-Related Events

The Psijics' Calling
He will initially greet you with, "Friend of Valsirenn, I have a proposal for you." Talk to him to receive the quest.
:"Tranquil greetings, ceruval. You will forgive me if I seem awkward. We rarely entertain guests here on Artaeum. I am Celarus. Ritemaster Iachesis told me a great deal about you. I suspect he has plans for you... within the Psijic Order."
:'''You're offering me a place in the Psijic Order? Do I even qualify for membership?
:"The Ritemaster holds you in high regard. That is proof enough of your worthiness. The Psijic Order requires practical wisdom. Outside perspective. Unless I miss my guess, you can provide both. You would be a worthy addition to our ranks."
:Thank you. What do I need to do?
:"Eager to begin? Good. Eagerness is just what we need. Your first lesson begins now. The Order has detected a number of... irregularities on Tamriel. Small breaches in the fabric of time. I would like you to seal them for me."
:All right, I'll seal these breaches. How should I proceed?
:"The first cluster of time breaches appeared on the Isle of Summerset. You should start there. Go speak with my apprentice, Josajeh, in the Athenaeum. She will provide the tools you need: a map, Psijic Seals, and the Augur of the Obscure."
::What does it take to become a Psijic?
:::"A noble heart and a solemn commitment to the good. Achieving a membership in the Psijic Order is a serious and lasting endeavor. You must be prudent, but fearless. Withdrawn, but compassionate. It is not something to be taken lightly."
:::Why are you looking for new members? I thought you were a reclusive group.
:::"Too reclusive, I fear. The truth is that we have grown old, ceruval. A mixed blessing I suppose. Long years of seclusion have allowed us to study and learn—but always at the cost of our relationship with the outside world. We need youth. Vigor."
:::What are the benefits of membership?
:::"As your knowledge of the Old Ways grows, so too will the rewards. For instance, we are prepared to teach you new and powerful spells. As in all things, the best teacher is experience. This matter of the time breaches will act as your exam."
:::Any words of wisdom before I set out?
:::"Only this: purge yourself of selfish intent. Membership in the Psijic Order will bring you both prestige and power. But such honors often lead to oegnithir—the bad change. What you do in the Order's name, you do for others. Never yourself."
::This map will show me where the time breaches are located? / Fair enough. So this map you mentioned will show me where the time breaches are located?
:::"The map will show you the approximate location of each time breach. I apologize. Our visions, while powerful, are not always specific. Make your way to each X on the map, then use the Augur of the Obscure to discover the anomaly's exact location."
:::How does this Augur work, exactly?
:::"These time breaches are not visible to mortal eyes. The Augur, however, perceives time and space very differently. Gazing through it will allow you to peer through the veil—to see things both visible and invisible. Things like these breaches."
:::;Once I find the breach, I use these Psijic seals to close it?
:::"Precisely. Think of them like... bandages, I suppose? Or tourniquets. The chrononymics they contain will stabilize the rifts and harden the walls of time around them, rendering the breaches harmless. They are quite easy to use. I promise."
::What is your role here in the Psijic Order, Celarus?
:::"I serve as the chief Loremaster here on Artaeum. A grand title for a modest pursuit, truth be told. I protect and maintain our various libraries and archives, safeguard the details of our Order's history, that sort of thing."
:::How many libraries and archives do you have here?
:::"Eight hundred and sixty-three at last count. Not including the Ritemaster's personal collection, of course. Don't trouble yourself looking for them. Many of them exist in quasi-planes and hermetic mind-spheres. It helps keep things tidy."
:::You think maintaining eight hundred and sixty-three libraries is a modest pursuit?
:::"Comparatively? Yes. Many of my peers spend their days examining the nature of the reconstituted souls, and studying et'Ada dream residue. Still, I love my work. It also affords me the opportunity to spend time with our initiates."
:::So you're a teacher?
:::"Of sorts. I educate students on the importance of compassion, discipline, objectivity and the like. Our Order's chief virtues. It can be very rewarding—provided the students take such lessons to heart. I am confident you will be such a student."''

Return from sealing the time breaches and he'll say:
:"Welcome back, initiate. Have you done as I asked? Are the time breaches on Summerset Isle truly sealed?"
:Yes, I sealed all the breaches on Summerset
:"Well done. Well done, indeed. You already seem well-versed in the cardinal virtues of our order: altruism, foresight, precision in both thought and action. You will be a true asset to the Order. Of that I am certain."
:'''Thank you, Loremaster. What's next?
:"Speak with Josajeh. She will want to know that the Augur is safe, no doubt. Yes, I know all about its sudden disappearance. You did well in recovering it. I bade her give you something—your first step on the path. She awaits you in the Athenaeum."
:Thank you. I'll go speak to Josajeh.
:"Please, go talk to Josajeh, initiate. She will no doubt be pleased to see you."

Breaches of Frost and Fire
After closing all breaches return to Artaeum and talk to Loremaster Celarus to complete the quest.
:"Ah, greetings, initiate. You arrive not a moment too soon. I assume that Josajeh gave you a summary of our predicament?"
:Predicament? What's the matter?
:"The Staff of Towers has returned. I was skeptical at first, but there is no longer any room for doubt. Josajeh made the discovery—an exemplary feat of arcane inquiry. I find myself filled with a mentor's pride ... and no small measure of dread."
:Why is the Staff of Towers so frightening?
:"Ah. A teachable moment! As a member of the Psijic Order you must know that great power always walks hand-in-hand with great peril. Even in the hands of a Ritemaster, an artifact like this can churn up untold horrors. Truth be told, it already has."
:What are you talking about?
:"Misuse of the staff led to something called a Dragon Break in the First Era—a catastrophic disruption of linear time that lasted the better part of a thousand years. Trust me when I say that is something we cannot afford to repeat."
:Fair enough.
:"The threats we face are grave indeed. Fortunately, the Old Ways always provide. Wisdom in the face of uncertainty. Patience in the face of turmoil. And of course, strength in the face of danger. Take this, initiate. And my thanks."

The Shattered Staff
Initial greeting when starting the quest:
:"Now our work begins in earnest. The Staff of Towers must be recovered. Shall we begin?"

After recovering the fragments:
:"Welcome back, initiate. I see you have recovered all the staff fragments. Such a collection of artifacts ... it is difficult to miss."
:Yes, I recovered all four.
:"Excellent. I will find a safe place for them here in the Ceporah Tower. Four less artifacts in the world eases my mind considerably. Once we find the remaining four fragments, our task will be complete."
:Where are the four remaining fragments?
:"Regrettably, we have not located them yet. Our scryers discovered the first four by studying the collision of tonal waves. The Psijic Seals you placed in Tamriel provided information that was vital this pursuit."
:So I need to place more Psijic Seals to discover the remaining fragments?
:"Exactly. Each time breach you seal brings us closer to recovering the remaining fragments. I knew you would be an asset to the Order, but you have exceeded even my expectations. You are clearly prepared for greater things. Take this, and my thanks."

A Breach Amid the Trees
Initial greeting when starting the quest:
:"Are you ready for another journey to Tamriel, initiate?"
:Yes. Where do you need me to go?
:"Another cluster of time breaches appeared in the Wood Elves' homeland. Valenwood. We need you to seal these breaches, just as you did before. Josajeh will provide the tools you need. May I ask another favor of you?"
:Of course. What else do you need?
:"Please, just take a moment and discuss this matter of the staff with Josajeh. I fear that she still resents my decision to lock the fragments away. She suffered a ... trauma. The promise of this staff could create an unwelcome distraction."
:All right. I'll talk to Josajeh and seal these breaches.'''

The Towers' Remains
Initial greeting when starting the quest:
:"The time has come, initiate. We must gather the final fragments of the Staff of Towers."

Once you return after finishing the task:
:"Old Ways be praised. Welcome back, initiate. I hesitate to ask, but I must—were you successful? Did you recover the remaining staff fragments?"
:Yes. I collected all four fragments.
:''"What a great relief. You have the Order's deepest admiration. Alas, more work remains. With the introduction of four new fragments, the forces drawing the staff together may grow stronger. Hopefully, gathering all eight will yield greater insights."
:Do you think you'll be able to store the staff safely?
:"If any society of mages can do it, it is the Psijic Order. You will no doubt be pleased to hear that Josajeh has gained some valuable perspective. We spoke at length, and now she seems committed to disassembling the staff."
:That's good to hear. What's next?
:"Many tasks yet remain. Even with the Staff of Towers here on Artaeum, the time-storms continue to rage on Tamriel. But for now, let us give proper recognition to your success. Take this knowledge, initiate. You have most certainly earned it."

If interacted again before completion of the quest:
:"With all the pieces of the staff gathered, we can begin our task in earnest. The Staff of Towers will be rendered harmless soon enough."''

Time in Doomcrag's Shadow
Initial greeting when starting the quest:
:"Are you prepared to set out again, initiate? As I said, this threat to Nirn is far from settled."
:What do you need me to do, Loremaster?
:"Even with the staff fragments removed from Tamriel, time breaches continue to open across the continent. This time, in the forbidding land of Rivenspire. I only pray that they do not grow stronger now that the staff is so close to completion."
:So you need me to seal more breaches?
:"We do. As always, the Augur, map, and Psijic Seals are prepared for your use. Josajeh will provide them. Return to me once you have closed the breaches. We will solve this problem of the staff soon. You have my word."
:'''All right. I'll go speak with Josajeh.

If interacted with again before talking to Josajeh:
:"The hopes and intentions of the Psijic Order go with you, initiate. You will overcome this threat. Of that I have no doubt."

If interacted with again before venturing to Rivenspire:
:"May the Old Ways guide your steps, my friend.  This phrase is doubly important in Rivenspire, initiate. In the shadow of Doomcrag, a single misstep can result in bloody disaster. Be cautious."

After the task is completed:
:"Tranquil greetings, initiate. You carry yourself with a victor's confidence. Did you seal the breaches in Rivenspire?"
:Yes, all the breaches in Rivenspire are sealed.
:"Excellent. I with I could echo the sentiment.  Our work on the Staff of Towers proceeds at a snail's pace. Every time we make a breakthrough, something interferes. At first, I thought it was the staff itself—expressing some otherwoldly intention."
:And now?
:"I fear sabotage.  After long consideration, I permited Josajeh to assist me in this endeavor. She was jubilant. But now … it seems her interest in the artifact remains personal. It brough me no pleasure, but I had to remove her from the project."
:How did she take the news?
:"Not well. But she will see the wisdom in it. Avoidance of temptation is a crucial element of moral action. In her heart, she knows this—perhaps better than most.  But we digress. You have more than earned this reward. Use it wisely, initiate."

If interacted with again before the completion of the quest:

:"Josajeh is one of my greatest pupils, but removing her from this undertaking was essential to its succes. I'm sure you understand."

A Breach Beyond the Crags
Initial greeting when starting the quest:
:"Are you prepared for one last journey to Tamriel? I believe our final success is nearly at hand."
:Yes, I am prepared, Loremaster.
:"Now that we can labor over the staff without the … complications Josajeh introduced, I am confident we will render the artifact harmless soon. Unfortunately, one cluster of time breaches remains. This time, in the barren land of Craglorn."
:So I should travel to Craglorn and seal these breaches?
:"Yes. Precisely. Josajeh will provide the items you need. I was hesitant to give her this task at first. But keeping her involved to some degree seemed prudent … and perhaps humane? You should go speak with her. She needs friendly counsel."
:All right. I will speak with Josajeh and seal these breaches in Craglorn.

After accepting the quest:
:"Safe travels, ceruval. Let us both hope that when you return this business of the Staff of Towers will be concluded."
:Are you absolutely certain Josajeh interfered with your research?
:"I am. Magic is an intensely personal exercise, initiate. No two mages weave their spells in exactly the same way. Like painting or sculpting, each artist jas their own distinctive style. Josajeh's style is difficult to miss."
:What kind of spell did she use?
:"I will not bore you with the finer details. Perhaps an analogy? Imagine an elaborate lock with thousands of tumblers. The master locksmith must learn their sequence before they can devise a key. Josajeh switched the tumblers."
:Will she be punished?
:"Removing her from the project is punishment enough. In truth, the order finds the idea of punishment repugnant. The road to justice often leads to a place of vengeance. Too often. Punishment should serve as an opportunity for growth. Nothing more."

If you talk to him again before reading the map:
:"The hopes and intentions of the Psijic Order go with you, initiate. You will overcome this threat. Of that I have no doubt."

If you talk to him again after reading the map:
:"Safe travels, ceruval. Craglorn is an unforgiving place. Make sure you are prepared."

After sealing the last breach, a projection of Celarus will briefly appear:
:Loremaster Celarus: "Initiate! Something terrible has occurred. Return to Artaeum at once!"
thumb|right|Projection of Loremaster Celarus
Upon returning to Artaeum:
:"Thank you for returning so quickly, initiate. Our situation is dire. Shortly after you left, the fragments of the Staff of Towers disappeared. Stolen, I'm afraid, by one of our own."
:Josajeh?
:"Regrettably, yes. The lion's share of the blame falls upon me—for not recognizing the depths of her despair. Pushing her away from the task when I should have kept her close at hand. But guilt and penance will have to wait. We have much to do."
:What will happen if she tries to use the staff?
:"Difficult to say. She mentioned an Ayleid binding ritual she discovered. If it's successful, the catastrophe might be more limited in scope. But make no mistake, there will be a catastrophe if we do not act quickly to stop her."
:Then we need to stop her.
:"Indeed we do. And quickly. Take this, initiate. You will need it during the trials ahead."

If you talk to him again before finishing the quest:
:"We haven't a moment to lose. If Josajeh activates the Staff of Towers, the results could be cataclysmic."''

The Towers' Fall
Initial greeting when starting the quest:
:"Josajeh was very thorough in her preparation. Apparently, she mastered the art of ghostly passage without my knowledge. A feat as impressive as it is frustrating. Attempts to scry her location have failed. We must take a more direct approach."
:All right. How are we going to find her?
:''"I looked through her things. An abominable breach of confidence, I know. In any event, I found some renderings of a mine her family once owned—Divad's Chagrin. It is both remote and largely untouched by world events. Perfect for her endeavor."
:Do you think she's hiding in this mine?
:"Not for long. A familiar place can serve as a temporal anchor. If she went to Divad's Chagrin, she almost certainly plans to use it as a springboard into an unfamiliar place ... an unfamiliar time. Take the Augur and these seals and find this mine."
:Don't worry. I'll travel to Divad's Chagrin Mine and stop Josajeh before it's too late.

After accepting the quest:
:"If you catch her ... when you catch her, please exercise mercy and restraint. As you well know, Josajeh is not evil—only misguided. May the Old Ways guide your steps, ceruval."
:Why do you need me for this? You are the most powerful mages on Nirn.
:"Yes. That is precisely why this task falls to you. Psijics like the Ritemaster and I exert tremendous stress on the Aurbic forces around us. Our very existence presents arcane risk. If we approached a ritual like the one Josajeh has planned ..."
::What would happen?
::"Frankly, I do not know. But I suspect the power of the staff would spin even further out of control, consuming Josajeh in the process. You, though ... You command the Order's power, but leave a far shallower footprint."
:::All right.
:::"I am truly sorry, initiate. It pains me to send you into such peril alone. Rest assured, we will keep a close eye on your progress. Once you have rendered the staff inert, we will come to assist you immediately."
:You said Josajeh might use the mine as a springboard to an unfamiliar place?
:"Yes. And perhaps more importantly, an unfamiliar time. The staff's creator, Anumaril, reigned from the White-Gold Tower. The White-Gold staff fragment sits atop the other seven. It is possible that the tower itself may be required for her ritual."
::But the White-Gold Tower is overrun by Molag Bal's Daedra.
::"As I said ... an unfamiliar time. The towers exist on a level beyond the physical, initiate—apart from time in the way we understand it. If I was forced to guess where she was headed, the White-Gold Tower would be my reply."
:::The White-Gold Tower ... detached from time?
:::"Yes. That idea alone presents a series of frightening paradoxes. I truly hope I am wrong in this."
:If the ritual has already begun, how do I stop it?
:"In this, I can provide little more than supposition. Gripping the staff or attempting to sunder it would likely make things worse. Were I in your position, I would focus on its effects. Rifts, breaches, inversions ... seal them first."
::And that will stop it?
::"It may. The power of the staff must have some means of escape—like breath from the lungs, or air from a bellows. Without this, the power will swell beyond the staff's ability to contain it."
:::What will happen if the staff fails to contain it?
:::"The staff will either shatter into eight inert fragments, or ..."
::::Or?
::::"Or the power will coalesce into an impossibly dense Aurbic gyre—creating a new Dragon Break. Or perhaps something worse. I wish I could be more reassuring. But the Old Ways demand that we see things as they are—not as we'd wish them to be."

When arriving in the Time-Lost Throne Room:
:Loremaster Celarus: "Josajeh! You're alive!"
:Relicmaster Glenadir: "I fully expected more chaos. I see our newest member has the situation well in hand."
:Loremaster Celarus: "They've been invaluable to this effort, Relicmaster."
:Relicmaster Glenadir: "That is quite clear. Celarus, see to your apprentice. I shall recover the Staff of Towers."
:Loremaster Celarus: "Yes, of course. I'll see to Josajeh's welfare and insure the staff is recovered. Return to Artaeum when you're ready."

:"Ah, it does my heart good to see you, initiate. The events of the last few days ... I must admit, they have taken a toll. I was just preparing Josajeh's proclamation of banishment. Not a simple task, I can tell you."
:So she's being ejected from the Psijic Order?
:"Surely this comes as no surprise. She deceived me and the Ritemaster, stole an artifact of unimaginable power, and very nearly broke time itself. Exile is our only recourse. This brings me no joy. I care deeply for Josajeh. It is ... it is tragic."
:What will happen to the Staff of Towers?
:"Relicmaster Glenadir sealed it in the Vault of Moawita, and there it will remain. So long as I draw breath, that staff will never again see the light of day."
:Can we discuss the Augur of the Obscure? It agreed to help us on the condition that I set it free.
:"I would not have entered into such a bargain. But given the circumstances, I understand. The Augur served us well, but we cannot permit objects of such power to roam free in Tamriel. In the wrong hands, its gift of foresight could prove costly."
:: 
:: 

If you interact with Loremaster again before making the decision:
:"I understand that you entered into an arrangement with the Augur, but an object like that—particularly an object with its ... unique disposition—cannot roam free. I am sorry."


When standing at the portal to Tamriel in Artaeum:
:Josajeh: "I'm so sorry for disappointing you, Loremaster."
:Loremaster Celarus: "It is as I always said, Josajeh. Failure is an opportunity for growth. I hope this exile will lead you to better things."

If you talk to him afterwards, but before Josajeh leaves:
::"You should speak to Josajeh before she leaves. You may not get another opportunity."

You can talk to Loremaster Celarus at the portal:

:So what happens now?
:"Now you reap the harvest of your good works. Through your dedication and heroism you have proved your worthiness. So, I present this final gift. Beyond this, there is nothing I can teach you. Let the Old Ways proclaim—you are now a true Psijic."''

Speaking to him after Josajeh's departure:
:"Congratulations, ceruval. You now possess all the rights and privileges afforded to members of our order. Continue your studies, use these powers for the good of all, and you will make this humble teacher very proud indeed."

Notes
Celarus was first mentioned in TES II: Daggerfall in the books   and  , where he is also described as having become the leader of the Psijic Order at that much later point in time.
He is voiced by Keith Szarabajka (IMDb), who previously voiced Archcanon Tarvus and Abbot Durak.