Rid-Thar-ri'Datta

Rid-Thar-ri'Datta (sometimes spelled Rid-T'har-ri'Datta) was the first Mane of the Khajiiti people. He restored peace to the Khajiit during the rebellions against the Elsweyr Confederacy, granting equal power between the masses.Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition: Elsweyr Confederacy ― Imperial Geographic Society
He encountered several times in his spiritual form across the Reaper's March's questline, where he grants his council to the Lunar Champions Khali and Shazah while they are on their way to become the next Mane.
==History==
===Early life===
Rid-Thar-ri'Datta was born sometime during the Second Era under the rare alignment of the two Moons, thus becoming the First Mane.
===Rebellions in new Elsweyr===
After Keirgo of Anequina and Eshita of Pelletine combined their kingdoms to form the province of Elsweyr in 2E 309, a class struggle had surfaced, with many feeling the ruling class had betrayed them. Keirgo petitioned the Second Empire for help, but they had just lost their Potentate Versidue Shaie, and were unable to help. The cities of Anequina were under constant attack, and after the old capital Ne Quin-al fell to the rebels, it seemed as though Elsweyr would fall under the weight of its union.
This all changed, however, as the nonpartisan Khajiiti spiritual leader, Mane Rid-T'har-ri'Ditta, bestowed class equality under the bi-lunar shadow, dividing their power in accordance with the Two-Moons Dance of Ja-Kha'jay. This established a rotational power base in which both sides of Khajiit society, the city-dwellers under the nobility and the nomadic tribes of the desert chieftains, shared alternate control of the region based on the phases of Masser and Secunda. The terms of this measure, the Riddle'Thar, were overseen by the Mane himself. Some considered Rid-Thar's rule a thinly-veiled dictatorship. He later passed away, though the year is unknown.Events of 
===Alliance War===
After Javad Tharn used dark magic to corrupt the current Mane Akkhuz-ri and summon Dro-m'Athra across Reaper's March, Rid-Thar returned to guide his people and coronate the new Mane.
==Interactions==
===Grim Situation===
After cleaning the central tree of Fort Grimwatch, the spirit of Rid-Thar-ri'Datta appears to you and Shazah. He gives you his blessing as the Moon Hallowed, and tells you to dispel the evil from Khaj Rawlith.
===A Door into Moonlight===
After praying to the Kauzanabi-jo's Lunar Shrine between the Fishing Dock and Senalana, a projection of Rid-Thar will appear:
Kauzanabi-jo: "Rid-Thar-ri'Datta... the First Mane?"
Rid-Thar-ri'Datta: "You have arrived in Reaper's March at a critical time. The soul of the Khajiiti people, and the entire Dominion, are in crisis."[Summons projection of Akkhuz-ri "Mane Akkhuz-ri is tainted by evil. He will never be fit to lead our people."
He will have Akkhuz-ri's projection fade, and bring in projections of Khali and Shazah:
Rid-Thar-ri'Datta: "Our hope lies with these women, the Champions. One of them will be Mane. You must help them walk the Path... for you are the Moon Hallowed.""Without a new Mane, the Khajiit will fall. The Dominion will fall. Walk well in the light of Jode and Jone, and you shall succeed. Moon Hallowed."
He and the other projections will then fade, and Kauzanabi-jo will officially declare you Moon Hallowed, having been a witness.
===The Golden Claw===
Rid-Thar-ri'Datta will help the Vestige restore the Do'Krin Monastery and retrieve the Golden Claw.
===Motes in the Moonlight===
Rid-thar-ri'Datta will help the Vestige, Khali and Shazah rid Moonmont of the influence of the Dark Mane. Later, he will constrain the Dark Mane and ask the Vestige to choose which of the sisters should guard him.
===The Moonlit Path===
Rid-Thar-ri'Datta will tell the Vestige and the Lunar Champion to attune the crystals to see visions of the past.
===The Den of Lorkhaj===
Rid-Thar-ri'Datta will show up after Javad Tharn's defeat and will open a portal back to Dune. He will also be present at the coronation of the new Mane.
==Dialogue==
===Conversations===
Show: Grim Situation
"You have done well, traveler. Stand beside Shazah, struggling against the darkness. You have taken your first steps down a difficult path."
:Who are you? "This one is as Shazah named him. I am Rid-Thar-ri'Datta, the first Mane. I have returned to watch over my people. The line of Manes is in danger, and this one felt his presence would help light the path."
::What is this path you speak of? "The Dro-m'Athra, Akkhuz-ri, the Champions... all are part of a whole. What lies ahead will require blood and steel and courage to overcome."
:::What do we do? "Pass through the flames, they will not harm you. Not you, of all people. Within the temple you will find the source of the darkness. Destroy it and you will return control of the fort to those who live in the light."
::::Consider it done. "Receive the touch of the First Mane. And exult in the moonlight."
Show: The Golden Claw
Upon entering the monastery:
"Be calm in the moonlight, Hallowed. Welcome to the Do'Krin Monastery. These stones were old even in Rid-Thar-ri'Datta's day as Mane."
:Why are you here, Rid-thar? "This one sensed the danger here, the threat to the Claw. And the threat to you, Hallowed. The Mane, the Claw, the Hallowed, the moons … everything has its place on the path."
::What danger? "You have already encountered the cult, and their dark thralls. The cult, in their ignorance, tear at the temple walls. They want to enter the inner sanctum, overcome the wards and claim the Claw. Fools."
:::What do you mean? "The Stonefire have torn down several shrines to the Bright Moons. These shrines are the keys to entering the sanctum. But you, Hallowed … you have the blessings of Jone and Jode upon you. With a touch, you can reconstruct the shrines."
::::So repair the shrines and we get into the sanctum. "Together, we shall restore the altars. You wield the blessings of the Bright Moons, and Rid-Thar will attune their connection to Jone and Jode."
:::::Can I ask you a question or two before we move on? "Of course. Jone and Jode teach us that the light of knowledge is just as bright as moonlight."
::::::Why are you here? "The March is in turmoil. The future of the line of the Manes is in danger, and threats bubble up from within and without. We may be far from the heart of Elsweyr here, but Rid-Thar goes where his people need him."
::::::Can you tell me more about the Claw? "Over the years, objects become imbued with faith, meaning, and power. The Golden Claw is one such an object. Its meaning to the Order of the Claw is such that many priests gave their lives to try to protect it."
::::::Why do the cultists want the Claw? "The Stonefire cult is led by a Tharn. That family is a vine of corruption wrapped around the heart of Tamriel. This one does not know what plans Javad Tharn has for the Claw. Rid-Thar does not want to know."
After restoring all the shrines:
"Jone and Jode smile down upon us. Are you ready to enter the reliquary, the inner sanctum of Do'Krin?"
:What can I expect? "A final defense bars our way into the reliquary proper. The Guardian Senche stands watch inside. Normally, you would have to be a high priest of the lunar clergy to cease its protection. With the blessings you carry, you will have no trouble."
::Anything else? "This one … he senses a darkness moving towards us. The cult must have felt the change within the Monastery. We should move quickly."
:::Let's go, then.
After retrieving the Golden Claw:
"The Bright Moons smile down upon us, traveler. The Claw is safe."
:Should I return it to the lunar priests outside? "Just so. In peaceful times, the Claw can sit in the darkness. At rest. This is not a peaceful time for the March. The Claw may yet be a weapon against the Tharn and his brood, and the priests will know how to use it."
::Thank you, Rid-Thar. "Wherever the lunar winds take you next, know that you have done the Khajiiti people a service today. Keep the Claw safe that it may protect our tomorrows as well."
:::Until we meet again.
Show: Motes in the Moonlight
At the second barricaded door:
"Tharn and the Dark Mane dare to tread on temple ground! Blasphemies against the Two Moons Dance. And corruption crawls the walls in Moonmont's inner chamber."
:How do we get inside? "The Dark Mane's residue has twisted the altars to Masser and Secunda. It crawls from between the bricks, stretching and clinging to any ray of light. The darkness of the Dro-m'Athra reaches from where they dwell beyond, snuffing out all it touches."
::Yes, I know. I'm asking how we can get past the door. "Ah, yes. Each of the three altars is normally aligned to one of the lunar phases. Simply refocus their light. Throw back the darkness, and reclaim … ahem. That should allow you to pass through the door."
:::How do we know how the altars should be aligned? "In times of old, the carvings and adornments upon the walls would sing of the dance. Precious stones inlaid upon intricate plaques would speak to Masser and Secunda. Time has not been kind to these adornments … but still, they may speak to you."
::::Thank you, First Mane.
After defeating the Dark Mane:
"Hallowed, I can see the light of the Dance reflected in your eyes. Jone and Jode smile down upon you now. They are with you, at this difficult hour. You must choose."
:Choose? "With you are two motes in the darkness. Khali and Shazah are the Lunar Champions, truly. One will go on to shine as brightly as Jone and Jode. The other will twist and rot and wither here in the corruption below Moonmont."
::I don't understand. What are you saying? "You are the Moon Hallowed. It's your destiny to make this choice. One will leave with you and walk the Two Moons Path. They will become the next Mane. The other will hold the Dark Mane in place here, and dwell forever in darkness."
:::You need to explain this, Rid-Thar. "Rid-Thar will tell you what he can. But know that this choice is yours. You must choose with your heart, and your mind, and your soul."
::::I have to choose one of the Champions to contain the Dark Mane? "You say it truly. She will remain here, a prisoner in darkness. Only through the strength of her heart, the wisdom of her mind, can the evil that is the Dark Mane be contained."
:::::Why does it have to be this way? Why does the Dark Mane have to be contained? "You have seen for yourself, Moon Hallowed. The devastation at Fort Grimwatch? That is what is possible for a Dark Mane fully in control of their host. When the host and the Darkness are one … the Darkness is terrifying."
::::::Can't we just destroy him? "The Dark Mane is a creature of Darkness. A being from beyond the stars. The only way he could be truly destroyed is to face him in one of those places beyond. But here, now, one of the Champions can hold him. Make the world safe from his evil."
:::::::Rid-Thar, can you help me decide? "No, Hallowed. This must be your decision. Speak to the Champions if you need to. Hear what they have to say before you decide. This must be your decision, alone."
Show: The Moonlit Path
"You have begun your journey, pilgrim. Ahead lies danger. For now, you face only the light of the moons. Breathe deep of the moon-sugar vapors and open your minds to the Path."
:Where are we? "You are deep below the Temple of the Dance, Hallowed. Tradition dictates that the start of your journey should be rooted in what has come before. Here you will find that the past is very much alive in the moonlight."
::What do we need to do? "Simply call down the light of Jone and Jode. Each of these reflectors is misaligned. Attune them to the moonlight, and see what the Bright Moons wish you to see."
:::We'll see it done.
==Conversations==
;Motes in the Moonlight
Rid-Thar-ri'Datta: "The altars are aligned, the darkness thrown back. Destroy the barrier, Shazah!"
<Shazah dispells the barrier>
Shazah: "Let's see this done!"
Khali: "Right behind you, sister."
;The Moonlit Path
Rid-Thar-ri'Datta: "Jone and Jode, you have shown the way to Rid-Thar-ri'Datta. This one is your humble servant. By your light this one will lead his people. By your light will this one imbue balance to the Khajiit."
Khali: "The day Rid-Thar-ri'Datta became the first Mane. He had to crack some skulls, mark my words. But my people are better for it today."
;The Den of Lorkhaj
After slaying Javad Tharn and te Dark Mane, if Khali was chosen to become the next Mane:
Khali: "Shazah? Are you all right?"
Rid-Thar-ri'Datta: "Your sorrow is misplaced. Your sister is at peace. Together, you and she have walked the Two Moons Path to its end."
Khali: "No! Damnit … I had to let you go once already. I'm not ready to lose you again."
Rid-Thar-ri'Datta: "Her soul is at peace now. She has traveled beyond the Path to Aetherius. The light of the Bright Moons surrounding and guiding her."
Khali: "How can I trust anything I've seen? The Path has shown me terrors, lies … failure."
Shazah: "Khali … don't cry. Tharn can't hurt me now. I'm at peace. Soon I'll be with mother and father."
Khali: "Please … don't leave me."
Shazah: "Goodbye, my sister. You will be the Mane. You will lead the Khajiit with wisdom and strength. Know always that I love you."
Rid-Thar-ri'Datta: "Hallowed, Champion, your journey is complete. Return now to Dune, and begin to walk the next path in your lives."
Khali's coronation:
Moon-Bishop Hunal: "Champion. It is time. You are at the end of your path. As the Lunar Champion, you have proven yourself time and time again a leader of our people, but do you truly understand what it means to be the Mane?"
Khali: "Yes. I've walked the path and know what lies ahead and honor those left behind."
Moon-Bishop Hunal: "You've begun the path and know what lies ahead of our people. Are you prepared to lead your people?"
Khali: "Yes, I accept this role in service of kith and kin."
Moon-Bishop Hunal: "Then wear this as leader of our people and rise, Mane of our people."
Rid-Thar-ri'Datta: "You've come through these trials and emerged victorious. Continue the path, young one, and accept this blessing for the journey ahead."
Moon-Bishop Hunal: "Rejoice one and all! Long live the Mane!"
==Quotes==
;The Golden Claw
*"Excellent. This altar is intact. It needs only to be attuned." – At the New Moons Altar
*"With regret, the Bright Moons wane from the sky." – When approaching the Waning Moons Altar
*"The cool light of the moons preserve us." – Upon restoring the Waning Moons Altar
*"The fullness of the two moons hang in the darkness above." – When approaching the Full Moons Altar
*"Let the Bright Moons shine down." – Upon restoring the Full Moons Altar
*"Jone and Jode wax, rising into the darkness." – When approaching the Waxing Moons Altar
*"Moonlight mote it be." – Upon restoring the Waxing Moons Altar
*"The inner sanctum should be open to we pilgrims, now." – After restoring all the shrines
*"Merely touch the senche, and unlock the way to the reliquary." – After slaying Martialis Tharn
*"Jone and Jode be praised. The Golden Claw, intact." – Upon retrieving the Golden Claw
==Gallery==
Rid-Thar with Lunar Champions Projection.png|Rid-Thar-ri'Datta with projections of Khali and Shazah
Rid-Thar with Akkhuz-ri Projection.png|Rid-Thar displays Akkhuz-ri's corruption
Rid-Thar-ri'Datta Floating.png|Rid-Thar-ri'Datta floating in Fort Grimwatch
==Trivia==
*Rid-Thar-ri'Datta was first mentioned in the Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition: Elsweyr Confederacy. His name was spelled slightly different, with the only difference being an apostrophe in "T'har."
*The Riddle'Thar is named after him.
==Appearances==
*
==References==
ru:Рид-Т'ар-ри'Датта
Category:Lore: Characters
Category:Lore: Manes
Category:Online: Deceased Characters
Category:Online: Ghosts
Category:Online: Reaper's March Characters