Narina Carvain

Narina Carvain is an Imperial and the Countess of Bruma at the end of the Third Era. She is known for being a crisp countess, ruthless in negotiations and cunning in thought. During the Oblivion Crisis, she played a crucial role in the events that led to the Second Battle of Bruma, allowing Martin Septim to proceed with his plan to allow the Daedra to attack the city. She was also known to be an avid collector of Akaviri artifacts.
==Background==
At some point during the Third Era, Carvain was named countess of Cyrodiil's County Bruma. A somewhat controversial choice, given her Nibenese heritage and the fact the Bruma was for all intents and purposes Nord country, but she proved herself an able ruler in time. Despite this, some among the nobility of Cyrodiil still held misgivings about her.
In the year 3E 433, Carvain found her county host to the last surviving heir to the throne and the only person capable of saving Tamriel from the Oblivion Crisis: Martin Septim. Hidden in Cloud Ruler Temple, the fortress of the Blades in the mountains north of Bruma, Martin was secretly orchestrating a means of defeating the Daedric hordes and ending the Crisis. Bruma was inevitably caught in the middle, becoming a focal point for the war. The Mythic Dawn, the Daedric cult behind the Oblivion Crisis, planned to attack the city in an effort to corner Martin at Cloud Ruler. The Blades notified Carvain of this, and she responded accordingly.
Towards the end of the Crisis, Bruma was to finally come under full attack from the Daedra. Martin's plan of defeating them involved allowing the Mythic Dawn to proceed with the attack. Carvain was informed of Martin's plan by his champion, the Hero of Kvatch, a singular figure in the war. Though hesitant to risk Bruma's destruction, Carvain agreed to the plan, accepting that if Bruma fell, so would the Empire. She met with Martin for a council of war to finalize the plans, then ordered the gates of Bruma closed and the city's troops deployed. The Second Battle of Bruma, though costly in terms of life, was ultimately a success, and Bruma was saved from destruction. Carvain allowed for a statue to be erected in Bruma commemorating the hero of the battle, the Hero of Kvatch.
==Personality and traits==
Narina Carvain was described as "a cunning and ruthless negotiator." She was considered truly politically adept, although aloof and cold as her county. She was also a very religious person, known to be a dutiful chapelgoer. Despite her political prowess however, she also knew when the time for words was over, and when desperate action was needed, going against the advice of even her top military advisors, such as Guard Captain Burd. Carvain also possessed a talent for reading others, as displayed when she first met the Hero of Kvatch. She detected that the Hero truly was just that, a person who could inspire and lead others to victory, though the Hero never responded to her claims.
Narina was a known scholar and collector of Akaviri antiquities. In her throne room, she had on display ancient Akaviri katanas and shields, and she even carried an Akaviri katana on her person, suggesting some skill with the blade. At one point, she hired the services of an adventurer, who may or may not have been the Hero of Kvatch, to acquire the Draconian Madstone from the ruins of Pale Pass in the north.
==Quests==
*Lifting the Vale
*Buying a house in Bruma
*Defense of Bruma
==Dialogue==
"Welcome to Bruma Castle. What's brought you here today?"
:Bruma "Some see only the conflicts between northern and southern cultures, but I see the way they are stronger when woven together."
:Buy a house in town "I've been looking for just the right owner for a special home I have. It's a quaint little house conveniently located just off the main gate."
::I'll gladly pay 10,000 gold for it. "Wonderful. I'll have the deed transfered to you. Here is your key to the door. As I said, it's located right by the main gate. I've had a look at the place myself, and it could use some furnishings inside. Quite barren in there I'm afraid. I'm fairly certain that Suurootan at Novaroma here in Bruma can acquire the things you'll need to make it look like home."
::I don't think I'm ready to buy. "I'd prefer to only discuss the property with serious buyers."
::I can't afford 10,000 gold. "What a shame. I guess I have to look for another buyer."
"May the Divines smile upon you."
Show: Lifting the Vale
Inside Castle Bruma:
"I've heard much about your deeds from my people in Bruma. I trust that the stipend Tolgan gave you whetted your appetite?"
:Yes, that's why I'm here. "Good point. Allow me to formally introduce myself. I'm Countess Narina Carvain. I assume you've noticed all of the Akaviri relics I'm displaying. Well, it's safe to say I'm a collector of sorts. I've invested a great deal of time and money aquiring these bits of ancient history. In fact, I'd be so bold as to proclaim my collection the most complete in all Cyrodiil; perhaps even beyond. Except for one thing. A particular relic has eluded me for many years. Possessing this piece of Akaviri antiquity would make my collection complete. I'm of course referring to The Draconian Madstone."
"Please consider my proposal."
If approached again:
"Hear me out before you make your decision."
:Draconian Madstone "The stone is a fine bit of Akaviri craftsmanship. Worn like an amulet, this talisman is said to protect the wearer from poisons of any type. The Madstone appears as a snake coiled around and encircling itself. The eyes of the snake are supposed to be precious gems or some such. Through my sources, I've learned that the last reported location of the Madstone was the ruins at Pale Pass."
::Pale Pass "Are you familiar with the history of Pale Pass?"
:::No. "Back at the end of the First Era, raiders from the continent of Akavir attempted to gain a foothold here in Tamriel. At that time, the Empire was broken into smaller factions. Reman Cyrodiil decided to unify them and form an army to repel the Akaviri raiders. The force became known as as the Army of Reman. The two armies clashed in what's now northern Cyrodiil. The Akaviri were strong and well supplied. But their greatest error was marching through Morrowind on the way to their objective and dismissing the response it would garner from Vivec. They didn't count on Lord Vivec forming an alliance with the Trident-Kings of the Dreugh. From Morrowind, he struck at their rear flank. Not only did this make the Akaviri fight on two fronts, it also cut off access to their reinforcements and supplies from the sea."
::::So the alliance ended the conflict? "Not quite. The Army of Reman knew that the organized Akaviri forces were commanded from a hidden post in the mountains. Rumors placed it in a snowy vale called Pale Pass. That's where Reman focused his attention. As his forces fought their way across the Jerall Mountains, the Akaviri suddenly surrendered. It was assumed they were overwhelmed and gave up. The only strange part was that the command post and Pale Pass were never found. It was dismissed as rumor and the Army of Reman celebrated. It's come to my attention that the post did exist and it happens to be the last reported location of the Draconian Madstone."
::::Wait, who was Reman Cyrodiil? "You must be joking, right? Who hasn't heard of the greatest known hero of the First Age? Reman Cyrodiil not only was the conqeuror of the Akaviri forces, but he actually convinced them to help build the Empire as it is today. With such an Empire at his disposal, he conqeured most of Tamriel, except Morrowind of course, and was crowned Emperor. In fact, he instituted the rites of becoming an Emperor, which included the construction of the Amulet of Kings. His alliance with Lord Vivec during the Akaviri invasion is just one example of his cunning and ingenuity."
::::History lessons are boring. "I beg to differ, history can be quite enriching. Hmph. I figured you to have more brains than brawn, but so be it."
:::Yes. "Well then, history lesson notwithstanding, I hope you can recover the Draconian Madstone."
:::No, and I don't care. "Look, there's no need to be rude. I just thought it might have been interesting to you."
::::Draconian Madstone "If you retrieve the Draconian Madstone for me, I'll be happy to compensate you by rewarding you with another Akaviri artifact. Are you game?"
:::::Yes. "I had a feeling you'd accept. Good. Then let me tell you how you're going to find the Madstone. I've come into the possession of a diary written by an Akaviri messenger. I suspect that the text within can lead you to the ruins. Here's a translation of the passages we could still read. It was quite damaged. I've also included a rough map that was drawn in the diary as well. I'm also providing you with a unique key that was supposedly found with the diary. I'm assuming it will prove useful when you arrive at the site."
::::::Diary "I paid several scouts to try and find the ruins at Pale Pass before I hired you. They were only able to locate the first of a series of landmarks. These landmarks are mentioned within the diary. The one referred to as Dragonclaw Rock has been located. I'll mark it on your map. The rest is up to you. My scouts reported bitter cold and dangerous creatures in the area, so they couldn't proceed. Be cautious, and return home soon. Good luck."
:::::::Diary "The Messenger's diary will make a nice companion to the Madstone in my collection."
::::::Draconian Madstone "The Madstone awaits, and so does your reward if you retrieve it."
:::::Perhaps later. "I'm not used to hearing no, but I admire your boldness. I won't force you to go, only to request that you reconsider in the future. I'm sure the lure of my reward will have you back sooner than you think."
"May the path ahead be free of danger."
If the offer was refused:
"Back to take me up on that offer, eh? I knew you couldn't resist."
After taking the job:
"I'm pleased you decided to find the Madstone. It will be the highlight of my collection."
If returning to the castle:
"Have you recovered the Madstone?"
:Not yet. "Then best be on your way. You won't find it by standing around in here."
After retrieving the Madstone:
"I hope you bring good news."
"Have you recovered the Madstone?"
:Yes, I have. "I never thought it possible. I mean... I had hoped... but to actually hold it in my hands. It's more beautiful than I imagined it. Congratulations. I had a feeling you were the right person for the job. And it seems I owe you a reward. This Akaviri ring was found with the Messenger's diary. It awards the wearer with increased agility and resistance to harmful magic. It's known as the Ring of the Vipereye. I hope it serves you well in your future journeys."
::Draconian Madstone "The Madstone is finally mine. It's the pinnacle of my collection. Many thanks to you again."
::Pale Pass "With the information you have given me about Pale Pass, it could take scholars many years to amend the history books."
"May luck be always on your side."
If approached again:
"Good to see you again."
Show: Defense of Bruma
Inside Castle Bruma:
"Greetings. What news from Cloud Ruler Temple?"
:Battle plans "A desperate plan indeed. This ... Prince? Emperor? Martin would risk my whole city to gain a Great Sigil Stone?"
::We must recover the Amulet. "This is the only way to stop this invasion from Oblivion? I must confess, you are the first person to speak of victory against these daedra. This war seemed hopeless to me, but what else is there to do but hold on and wait for a hero to arise to save us? And now it seems there is an heir to the throne after all, hidden at Cloud Ruler Temple... and perhaps a hero as well?"
:::Martin waits at the Chapel. "You avoid answering my question ... Very well. Don't think I doubt you. The rulers of Bruma have long had dealings with Cloud Ruler Temple. We know whom they serve. I will meet Martin at the Chapel. When all is ready, I will order my men to stop closing the Gates and prepare for battle."
If approached again:
"Come with me to the Chapel of Talos. I wish to speak with your lord."
Inside the Chapel of Talos:
"I'm ready for battle when you are, champion. What say you?"
:Let the battle begin. "So be it. Bruma's fate is in the hands of the gods now ... and yours."
:I'm not ready yet. "As you wish. I will wait here while you prepare yourself for battle."
If approached again:
"Your place is on the battlefield. I have trusted you this far. Do not fail me."
==Conversations==
===The Great Sigil Stone===
Countess Narina Carvain: "Your Highness? I am Narina Carvain, Countess of Bruma, at your service."
Martin Septim: "There is no need for any formality at this time. I am not Emperor yet. And I am quite new to this notion of being heir to the throne. Thank you for coming. I know I am asking for a great deal of trust. But this is the only way. I would not suggest it otherwise."
Countess Narina Carvain: "Your champion has already explained the situation to me. I have agreed to it. We will not win this war through caution."
Martin Septim: "You have a rare gift, to know when desperation is the path of wisdom. I will do everything in my power to defend your city, my Lady."
Countess Narina Carvain: "If Bruma falls, the Empire falls with us. So be it."
===Defending Bruma===
Countess Narina Carvain: "Burd! Deploy the troops for battle!"
Burd: "As you command, Countess."
==Trivia==
*Narina is encountered mainly in the Main Quest, where she acts as the flashpoint to start the battle in the "Defense of Bruma" quest.
*As with most of the other Counts and Countesses, she is essential throughout the entire game, and therefore cannot be killed.
*Three characters in share Narina's surname: Plautis and Salonia Carvain, who are nobles from Cyrodiil, and Marcius Carvain, the viscount of Bruma and author of An Explorer's Guide to Skyrim.
==Appearances==
*
de:Narina Carvain
es:Narina Carvain
pl:Narina Carvain
ru:Графиня Нарина Карвейн
uk:Наріна Карвейн
Category:Oblivion: Bruma Characters
Category:Counts and Countesses
Category:Oblivion: Quest Givers