Hannibal Traven (Oblivion)

Hannibal Traven is a Breton and the Arch-Mage of the Mages Guild in Cyrodiil. He is also the author of The Black Arts On Trial. He has an enmity towards Necromancy, and was responsible for its banning from the Mages Guild.
==Interactions==
He offers the following quests after the Hero completes Necromancer's Moon and is promoted to Magician in the Mages Guild.
*Liberation or Apprehension?
*Information at a Price
*A Plot Revealed
*The Bloodworm Helm
*The Necromancer's Amulet
*Ambush
*Confront the King (Hannibal Traven will explain that only by sacrificing himself and turning into a Colossal Black Soul Gem can he protect the Hero during battle with Mannimarco)
==Dialogue==
;General
"Hannibal Traven, Arch-Mage of the Mages Guild. Welcome to the Arcane University."
:Imperial City "Before the Arcane University was founded in the Second Era, the Crystal Tower on Summerset Isle was the source of all magical learning. Since then, the Imperial City has been Tamriel's foremost magical research center."
Show: Liberation or Apprehension?
At the Arcane University:
"Before we continue, you should speak to Raminus Polus about your advancement within the guild."
:Tasks "Before we continue, you should speak to Raminus Polus about your advancement within the guild."
After advancing to the rank of Magician:
"Greetings. It is high time that we meet face to face, don't you think? Raminus has told me good things about you. You have advanced quickly, and show great promise. I now intend to put your talents to a more direct test. I have a difficult tasks that you can, perhaps, assist with."
:Tasks "Are you prepared to begin?"
::Yes. "Very good. Let me explain what is at stake. The Council of Mages has been aware of the increased Necromancer activity in Cyrodiil for some time. It had been our position to sit back and watch what unfolded, but that time has clearly passed. We cannot tolerate these attacks on the guild. Most of our information on the Necromancers has come from an informant inside the cult itself, a guild member who offered to infiltrate their ranks."
:::You have someone on the inside? "Yes, and we have for quite some time. Though the information he has provided is limited, it has given us a sense of their scope and power. The Council was initially reluctant to believe the information was reliable, but with recent events, they have little choice but to trust it. I fear that our informant is in danger, and that is why I have called you here."
:::Who is the Informant? "Mucianus Allias. He is not a Council member, but has long served the guild here at the Arcane University. Aware of the growing interest in the guild after the ban on Necromancy was put into place, he offered to help the Council track the cult's actions. With my blessing, he infiltrated the group, and has fed us information for quite some time, until recently. I have not heard of him, and I fear for his safety."
::::Go on. "The lack of reports from Mucianus has disturbed the Council, and they are now concerned about the legitimacy of his information. A group of Battlemages were dispatched to Mucianus's last known location, with the intent of bringing him in for questioning. I argued against it, but eventually agreed to maintain order in the Council. I regret that decision, and that is why I wish to send you there."
::::::What am I supposed to do? "I fear the Battlemages may mistreat Mucianus, if they do not mistake him for one of the many Necromancers no doubt present in the ruins. I wish for you to find Mucianus, and ensure his safe return to the Arcane University. I do not want anything to go wrong. Please, hurry. The Battlemages will arrive there soon, if they have not already, and time is of the essence. If for any reason they are unsuccessful, Mucianus' life will be in forfeit. You must make sure he is safe. Go now, and bring word to me as soon as he has been escorted to safety."
::::::Where do I need to go? "Mucianus last reported being sent to the ruins of Nenyond Twyll, south of the Imperial City. That is where the Battlemages went. South of the White Rose river, nearly halfway to the border of Elsweyr. I'm afraid I know nothing more about the location, or what you may expect to find once you arrive."
:::::::Very well. "Thank you. Know that I would not ask such a thing of you if I did not feel it was urgent, or that it was beyond your capabilities. I shall await your return."
::::::::Tasks "Nenyond Twyll awaits you. Return with Mucianus as quickly as possible, so I may settle the Council's fears."
::No, not yet. "Better that you should be adequately prepared. I shall await your return."
"Make haste. Mucianus is in danger."
If left in dialogue:
"Welcome back. An important task awaits you."
After discovering Mucianus' fate:
"What news of your task? Your face looks grim."
:Mucianus Alias "What? By the Nine! And there was nothing you could do for him? What a horrible fate. I cannot imagine how they could do that to him. So many lives lost... I thank you for trying to save him."
Show: Information at a Price
At the Arcane University:
"There is an urgent matter which requires your personal attention. This task falls to you, and only you."
:Tasks "Are you prepared to begin?"
::I'm ready. "Count Hassildor of Skingrad has contacted the Council. He claims to have information that is vital to us. He has requested that you personally travel to Skingrad to obtain this information. I cannot stress how important it is that our relationship with Hassildor be preserved. I expect you to visit him immediately."
:::Janus Hassildor "I am unsure as to why he has requested that you, of all people, should be the one to visit him. I have no wish to put you in harm's way."
:::Skingrad "Please, travel there as soon as possible. The Count is waiting for you."
:::Tasks "Please pay a visit to Count Hassildor in Skingrad. If his information is as vital as he claims, we need it as soon as possible."
::Not yet. "Please, prepare yourself as quickly as possible."
"Count Hassildor awaits your arrival."
If approached again:
"You have your task. Return as soon as you have the information."
After obtaining the information:
"What news from Skingrad? I assume you've spoken to Count Hassildor."
:Mannimarco "What? Is that possible? This is grave news indeed. I had, perhaps foolishly, believed that Necromancy was all but stamped out in Cyrodiil. It seems I couldn't have been more mistaken. I shall need to consult the Council as to how to proceed with this situation. Thank you for the information. It may save many lives."
If approached again:
"My attention is focused on the Council right now. I will need you soon enough; I need more time."
Show: A Plot Revealed
At the Arcane University:
"The Council is in complete disarray at the news of Mannimarco's presence in Cyrodiil. The King of Worms has obviously targeted the guild, but we have no idea why. No demands have been made. All of my attention is devoted to the Council. We must discern the reason for this sudden attack, and stop Mannimarco before he destroys us all. I am unable to look into something that has been brought to my attention. Are you capable of going on my behalf?"
:I can go now. "Good. Please go to Bruma; I have not heard from Jeanne Frasoric for a few days now, which is unusual for her. While I welcome the break from correspondence with her, I worry that something may be amiss, given recent developments. Find out if Jeanne is all right, and let me know if she needs anything."
::Jeanne Frasoric "Make sure she's all right, will you? It's not like her to avoid contact with the University for so long."
:I need more time. "Please, hurry. The division in the Council will be difficult, if not impossible, to reconcile."
"Come see me when you've spoken to Jeanne."
If approached again:
"Speak with Jeanne Frasoric in Bruma, and see that she is all right."
After discovering what occurred at the Bruma Mages Guild:
"Any word from Jeanne in Bruma?"
:J'skar "He was the only one left? This is worse than I thought. From what he's told you, Mannimarco -- the King of Worms -- is here in Cyrodiil, and preying on our Guild. This is something I'd never have dreamed. We'll need a few days to digest this new information. Should J'skar arrive here, we'll see to it that he's well taken care of. Thank you."
Show: The Bloodworm Helm
At the Arcane University:
"At the worst possible time, the Council is in ruins. A course of action could not be agreed upon. Some felt that we are in danger of being exterminated, and that it is time to fight back. Others felt it appropriate to fight fire with fire, as it were. The Council has shattered, and artifacts have been lost. The Necromancer's Amulet and Bloodworm Helm have been taken."
:Bloodworm Helm "A group of mages led by Irlav Jarol took the Helm, and have retreated to Fort Teleman, in an effort to study it further. They hope to learn enough from it to find some way to fight Mannimarco. I tried to dissuade them, but it was no use. I would like the Helm returned, so that it may be kept safe here in the University. I fear Irlav has made himself a target for the Necromancers."
::Bloodworm Helm "It was last seen in the possession of Irlav Jarol. He was taking it to Fort Teleman; I can only assume he is still there. Please, return the helm here before any harm comes to it, or those who are using it."
If approached again:
"Have you recovered either the Bloodworm Helm, or the Necromancer's Amulet?"
After retrieving the Helm:
"Have you recovered either the Bloodworm Helm, or the Necromancer's Amulet?"
:Bloodworm Helm "Irlav is dead? I tried to warn him. I tried to tell him it was a mistake to leave with the Helm. I shall return the Helm to a secure place in the tower. It's the least I can do for Irlav. Thank you."
If the Necromancer's Amulet was recovered first:
"Have you recovered the Bloodworm Helm?"
Show: The Necromancer's Amulet
At the Arcane University:
"At the worst possible time, the Council is in ruins. A course of action could not be agreed upon. Some felt that we are in danger of being exterminated, and that it is time to fight back. Others felt it appropriate to fight fire with fire, as it were. The Council has shattered, and artifacts have been lost. The Necromancer's Amulet and Bloodworm Helm have been taken."
:Necromancer's Amulet "Caranya insisted on removing it from the University. She said it posed a threat to the safety of the Imperial City. While I do not doubt that she was right, I question whether he motives were genuine. She seemed all too eager to explore its power. I fear she is not safe from the minions of the King of Worms. She is at Fort Ontus; please, go there and return with the Amulet. Help her to see that she should not use the weapons of the enemy, especially out of fear."
If approached again:
"Have you recovered either the Bloodworm Helm, or the Necromancer's Amulet?"
:Necromancer's Amulet "Caranya turned on the Guild? I... I don't understand. She was one of my most trusted advisors. The situation grows more dire with each passing day, it seems. I fear where this will end. The amulet is safe, however, and that must be enough for now. Thank you for returning it."
If the Bloodworm Helm was recovered first:
"Have you recovered the Necromancer's Amulet?"
Show: Ambush
At the Arcane University:
"Time is against us, and our enemies grow stronger. There is much to do, and little time in which to do it. Your next task is essential."
:Tasks "Word has been sent that the Necromancers have been quite busy, creating black soul gems for their master. In particular, a unique Black Soul Gem has been crafted in the south of Cyrodiil, in the ruins of Silorn. This gem needs to be confiscated and brought here, before it can be delivered to the King of Worms and used against us."
::Why not destroy the gem? "No... I have need of it. I believe it may be instrumental in saving our guild. I will explain once you have returned with it. Until then, discussion is useless."
::How did you learn this? "I've spoken with several individuals I cannot name at this time. Count Hassildor has also provided valuable information, as you well know."
::Go on. "A contingent of Battlemages has been sent to the site. I would like you to oversee their actions on my behalf. The only thing that matters is that gem. Do you understand? Once you have it safely in your possession, return here immediately. Know that you have my complete confidence. I would not entrust this job to you if I did not feel you were prepared for it. Now, go."
:::Black Soul Gem "You must make sure the gem does not reach Mannimarco. We are doomed if it does."
:::Tasks "There is only one task with which you should be concerned. Intercept that soul gem before it reaches Mannimarco's hands."
After obtaining the Colossal Black Soul Gem:
"Go. Find Thalfin, and the other Battlemages. Stop the gem from reaching Mannimarco."
:Black Soul Gem "Dedicated to the last! I cannot thank you enough for bringing the gem here. I have need of it immediately. We have much to speak of, and very little time. A new task awaits you, and it is by far the most important you have been entrusted with."
Show: Confront the King
At the Arcane University:
"I know what purpose this Soul Gem is meant to serve. It is meant to house my very own soul, to be absorbed by Mannimarco and increase his power. You were sent to acquire this gem so Mannimarco would not get his hands on it. With it, he would have marched on the University and come for me. There would have been little anyone could do to stop him. Now, however, I believe you have a chance to defeat him. When you are ready, I have a final task for you to undertake. it will, undoubtedly, be the most important service you perform for the guild."
:Tasks "Are you truly prepared for this task? I cannot be certain what awaits you, but I am sure we will not speak again after you begin."
::I'm ready. "Then hear me, and hear me well. Mannimarco will have what he seeks, but it will be his undoing at your hands. With this gem in your possession, you will be impervious to his attempts to enthrall you. When he fails, that is when you shall strike. When we are done speaking, you will take this gem, you will then seek out Mannimarco, and destroy him. Get to him any way you can. It is your only hope for defeating him. I have full confidence in you, and so I leave the guild in your care. When I am gone, you will be recognized as Arch-Mage and leader of the Guild. Lead your fellow mages, and lead them well. The future rests on your shoulders. Farewell, my friend."
::Not yet. "There is little time. Please prepare yourself as quickly as possible. The entire guild depends on you."
==Quotes==
Quote 	Audio
"Greetings, Magister. I trust you are serving the guild well." 	
"At the worst possible time, the Council is in ruins." 	
"Others felt it appropriate to fight fire with fire, as it were. The Council has shattered, and artifacts have been lost." 	
"The Council is in complete disarray at the news of Mannimarco's presence in Cyrodiil." 	
"The King of Worms has obviously targeted the guild, but we have no idea why. No demands have been made." 	
"All of my attention is devoted to the Council. We must discern the reason for this sudden attack, and stop Mannimarco before he destroys us all." 	
"Greetings. It is high time that we meet face to face, don't you think?" 	
"Raminus has told me good things about you. You have advanced quickly, and show great promise." 	
"I now intend to put your talents to a more direct test. I have a difficult task that you can, perhaps, assist with." 	
"Time is against us, and our enemies grow stronger. There is much to do, and little time in which to do it. Your next task is essential." 	
"A final task awaits you, when you are ready. It is time for you to strike back at the King of Worms." 	
"I know what purpose this Soul Gem is meant to serve. It is meant to house my very own soul, to be absorbed by Mannimarco and increase his power." 	
"Hannibal Traven, Arch-Mage of the Mages Guild. Welcome to the Arcane University." 	
"From what he's told you, Mannimarco -- the King of Worms -- is here in Cyrodiil, and preying on our Guild. This is something I'd never have dreamed."	
"I had, perhaps foolishly, believed that Necromancy was all but stamped out in Cyrodiil. It seems I couldn't have been more mistaken." 	
"The Council of Mages has been aware of the increased Necromancer activity in Cyrodiil for some time." 	
"It had been our position to sit back and watch what unfolded, but that time has clearly passed. We cannot tolerate these attacks on the guild." 	
"I cannot stress how important it is that our relationship with Hassildor be preserved. I expect you to visit him immediately." 	
"Mannimarco will have what he seeks, but it will be his undoing at your hands." 	
"With this gem in your possession, you will be impervious to his attempts to enthrall you. When he fails, that is when you shall strike." 	
"Lead your fellow mages, and lead them well. The future rests on your shoulders. Farewell, my friend." 	
==Trivia==
*All of Hannibal's dialogue was also recorded by Wes Johnson, the voice actor for all Imperials.
*Despite not being a Noble, all of Hannibal Traven's rumors are coded for nobles.
*In the wizard Ancotar's journal in Fort Caractacus, he mentions his peers, one of whom is Traven.
*If Traven is resurrected following or during "Confront the King," by using the Risen Flesh Greater Power from the expansion, and then killed, the Hero will still be expelled from the Mages Guild.
==See also==
*Mages Guild Ranks
*The Black Arts on Trial
*Hrormir's Icestaff
==Appearances==
*
*
de:Hannibal Traven
es:Hannibal Traven
pl:Hannibal Traven
ru:Ганнибал Травен (персонаж)
uk:Ганнібал Травен
Category:Oblivion: Imperial City Characters
Category:Oblivion: Authors
Category:Oblivion: Quest Givers