Online:Petronius Galenus

Petronius Galenus is an Imperial who is involved in celebrating Old Life. He appears at the northern edge of the New Life Tent, which is located south of Windhelm.
 

Related Quests
 

Quest-Related Events
As you approach him for the first him you may hear him greet you with, "A solemn Old Life to you, traveler!". Approaching him after completing his quest at least once with have him instead say, "A solemn Old Life to you once more, friend." Speak with him to learn about the Old Life ceremony.



You can then ask questions about Old Life and himself:
:Can you tell me more about Old life?
:"Though lesser known, to some the observances of Old Life are just as important as the New Life Festival. They compliment each other, as if two sides of the same coin. To pass into a new year, you must acknowledge the old."
:Is that the reason for the messages?
::"Yes. Acknowledging those that have passed on is an important part of moving forward. We need never forget those we've lost, but this tradition allows us to say things we might have held back while they were alive. The shrines are a vessel for that."
::How many Old Life shrines are there?
::"Over my years of travel, I've seen them along old Imperial pilgrimage routes every so often. Though, I don't know the exact number. Some are quite old. They may not be friendly places anymore, so be cautious if you seek them out."
:Tell me more about yourself.
::"Happily! I'm a traveling merchant. Imperial City was once my home. These days, I travel all over Tamriel to find interesting, exotic things to buy and bring back to the city to resell."
::What do you mean it was once your home?
::"The Three Banners War changed that. Imperial City is uninhabitable now. Most of Cyrodiil is, really. I was recruited by Selvari Abello to help acquire needed supplies, furnishings, food and homes for the Imperial refugees. Now my home is the road."
::Do you miss your home?
::"Most days, yes. But so many lost so much more than I did. I had no family to flee with or care for, so my transition was easier. At least now I can put my skills toward helping those who need it."
::Interesting, thank you for telling me.

Once you return after burning the messages:
:"Ah, you've returned! Did you find the shrine and take part in the ceremony?"
:I found the shrine and participated in the Old Life ceremony.
:"Then may your message reach Aetherius, traveler. I'm glad to have been a part of your celebration of the Old Life. Take this. It's my gift to you, in the spirit of the tradition. Something special, so you can remember this Old Life day."

If spoken to again after the quest:
:"I hope you will celebrate again when the time comes. And that you share this tradition with any you think could benefit from it. The Old Life ceremony is deeply personal, but those who participate feel a sense of connection. As I'm sure you felt."
:I burned the paper and then ….
::"No, no! Don't say anything more. That message, and any response, that is for you alone. Treasure it, and keep it in your heart. that is where it will do the most good."
::Is getting a response rare?
::"Incredibly so! Those lucky few who receive a response from Aetherius often keep it a secret. They do describe it as a life-changing experience, though. I choose to believe those who receive responses were in need of a sign, for whatever reason."
:You mentioned refugees?
::"Yes, many were displaced when Molag Bal invaded and the Three Banners War broke out over Cyrodiil. They are good people that have been driven from their homes and scattered across Tamriel."
::And they still seek to celebrate Old Life?
::"Absolutely. Many have lost loved ones in the process, after all. Their shrines were destroyed within Imperial City. As they relocate, many have given their messages to people like me, hoping they will reach a shrine elsewhere in Tamriel."
::I see.'''