Online:Zerith-var

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Zerith-var
Home City	Rawl'kha
Location	TBA, Reaper's March
Race	Khajiit	Gender	Male
Reaction	Friendly	Class	Necromancer
Other Information
Follower	A Moonlit Shadow
Faction(s)	Order of the Hidden Moon

Zerith-var

Zerith-Var is a member of an ancient order of Khajiit priests, harnessing necromancy to redeem fallen souls.

Zerith-var is a Khajiit necromancer and Companion. He is a member of the Order of the Hidden Moon sent forward in time from the First Era. Zerith-var will be available for purchase from the Crown Store or through ESO Plus in Update 44, along with Tanlorin.

If you are using an ESO Plus free trial and have not purchased the the bundle, Zerith-var will not appear.

Related Quests

• A Moonlit Shadow
• Beyond a Veil of Twilight
• Paths Out Of Darkness
• The Dark Behind the World

Companion Data

Zerith-var
Racial Skill	Third Moon's Chosen: Decreases ability cooldowns by 3% and increases Health by 3%.
Companion Perk	Zerith’s Guidance: Highlights valuable bags of loot found throughout Tamriel.
Default Gear	Heavy Armor and Greatsword, fine quality	Default Style	Moongrave Fane	Default Mount	(?)
Rapport
Cordial	(?)	Allied	(?)	Wary	(?)
Friendly	(?)	Companion	(?)	Irritated	(?)
Close	(?)	Likes and Dislikes		Disdain	(?)
Keepsake
	(?)
TBA

Class Skill Lines

Ultimate

	Name	Line Rank	Cast Time		Target	Range	Radius	Duration	Cost
	Blade of the Crossing	20	0.5 seconds		Enemy	15 meters	–	10 seconds	200 Ultimate
		Zerith-var calls upon the power of Azurah, swing a blade of lunar light in front of them, dealing 4950 Magic Damage. Enemies damaged by this ability have Minor Magickasteal applied to them for 10 seconds, causing them and their allies to restore 168 Magicka to attackers every 1 second when damaging enemies.

Guardian's Commitment

	Name	Line Rank	Cast Time		Target	Range	Radius	Duration	Cooldown
	Crescent Scythe	1	0.2 seconds		Cone	–	7 meters	–	7.8 seconds
		Zerith-var summons an implement of moonlight that slashes the enemy's life force, dealing 4950 Magic Damage. They heal for 2639 Health every 2 seconds for 6 seconds. The healing of this ability scales off their Max Health.
	Perigean Armor	5	0.2 seconds		Self	–	–	–	15.5 seconds
		Zerith-var wraps themselves in moon-empowered bone, granting them Major Resolve, increasing their Spell and Physical Resistance by 90 for 10 seconds. While active, enemies that strike them with ranged attacks will be pulled towards them once every 2 seconds and become taunted for 15 seconds if they are not already taunted. Creates a corpse when effect completes.
	Dark Moon Totem	14	0.2 seconds		Area	22 meters	6 meters	–	11.6 seconds
		Zerith-var summons an effigy of bone harboring the souls of fallen Khajiit at the feet of an enemy for 8 seconds and applies fear for 4 seconds. After 2 seconds the totem grants Minor Protection to them and their allies, reducing their damage taken by 5% and and begins fearing nearby enemies every 2 seconds, causing them to cower in place for 4 seconds.

Remedy of Atonement

	Name	Line Rank	Cast Time		Target	Range	Radius	Duration	Cooldown
	Penance of Lorkhaj	1	0.4 seconds		Area	–	28 meters	–	7.8 seconds
		Zerith-var sacrifices their own power to repair damaged flesh, healing themselves or an ally in front of them for 4950 Health but applying Minor Defile to themselves for 4 seconds, reducing their healing received and damage shield strength by 6%. Used when Zerith-var or an ally is below 75% Health.
	Azurah's Embrace	8	0.4 seconds		Area	–	8 meters	–	11.6 seconds
		Zerith-var absolves the misdeeds of fallen souls at the target location, healing themselves and their allies for 990 Health and removing up to 3 negative effects. Used when Zerith-var or an ally is below 75% Health.
	Atoning Spirit	17	0.3 seconds		Area	–	28 meters	–	15.5 seconds
		Zerith-var conjures a ghostly spirit of a fallen Khajiit to redeem its soul in service to Azurah for 8 seconds. The spirit heals them or the lowest Health ally around them every 2 seconds restoring 2475 Health. Used when Zerith-var or an ally is below 75% Health.

Warrior's Banishment

	Name	Line Rank	Cast Time		Target	Range	Radius	Duration	Cooldown
	Varmiina's Visage	1	0.3 seconds		Enemy	28 meters	–	–	7.8 seconds
		Zerith-var launches a nightmarish exploding skull at an enemy, dealing 4950 Flame Damage.
	Sepulchral Chill	2	0.3 seconds		Enemy	28 meters	6 meters	8 seconds	15.5 seconds
		Zerith-var sanctifies the ground at the target location, dealing 990 Frost Damage every 2 seconds over 8 seconds and applying Minor Breach to enemies within, reducing their Spell and Physical Resistance by 5948 for 6 seconds.
	Strands of the Lattice	11	0.2 seconds		Area	–	28 meters	–	11.6 seconds
		Zerith-var dislodges a spirit's tied to a corpse, releasing spiritual energy and dealing 1237 Disease Damage every 2 seconds over 10 seconds to all enemies around the corpse, around themselves, and between them and the corpse. When this release ends, it causes the corpse to explode, dealing an additional 4950 Disease Damage to all enemies around the corpse. Used when Zerith-var has a corpse within the area.

Likes and Dislikes

Ways for Zerith-var to lose or gain rapport

Amount	Action	Cooldown
Actions that give Positive Rapport
+500	Completing his companion quests	Once per quest [verification needed]
+10	Complete a Dark Anchor encounter	(?)
+10	Giving to a beggar	(?)
+10	Completing a Tales of Tribute daily quest	(?)
+5	Visiting Baandari Trading Post [verification needed]	(?)
+5	Looting a heavy sack	(?)
+5	Harvesting a water node	(?)
+1	Kill an undead enemy or dro-m'Athra	< 5 min
Actions that give Negative Rapport
-1	Getting a bounty or assaulting someone [verification needed — don't know which triggered the decrease]	(?)
-1	Murdering an innocent or using the Blade of Woe [verification needed — don't know which triggered the decrease]	(?)
-5	Stealing a medicinal, religious, or sentimental item	(?)
-5	Using a Counterfeit Pardon Edict or Leniency Edict	(?)
-5	Fencing stolen goods [verification needed]	(?)

Quest-Related Events

A Moonlit Shadow

Zerith-var in his tomb

Near the Moonmont you will come across Cantor Krin'ze who asks for your help investigating a falling star seen recently. According to her, they are a sign from Azurah that someone is need of help, she would go herself but she is not allowed to leave her current assignment.

You will follow a ghostly cat to the entrance of the Tomb of Zerith-var and then enter to investigate. There will be a body in the center which gets up as you approach:

Zerith-var: "Dhiz maziin! Hello? Ah, ziss'vo."

You can talk to him as he is resting on his sarcophagus:

"Kra, my head. Azurah, forgive my cursing in a holy place. Is this a holy place? Where am I? And who are you?"

I'm <Player Name>. We're near Moonmont in Reaper's March.

"A strange name to follow an even stranger dream. I circled the feet of Azurah, longing to be held aloft. She scooped me up and cast me down. I fell and fell.
And now I'm here. In this … is this a tomb? How did you get in here?"

A Twilight Cantor sent me to search for a fallen star near Moonmont. A spirit cat led me here.

"Your words confuse me, zha'al. A fallen star suggests someone is in great need. And a spirit cat? Azurah's claws stir the sand, indeed.
Let us start over. I am Zerith-var, hadaliit of the Hidden Moon. I am—Wait. Where is my moonclaw?"

What's a moonclaw?

"A sacred tool of my order. A gift from Azurah herself. I am bonded to it. I think I feel it nearby, but … I am weak.
For our safety, I cannot be parted from it. Please, help me find it. And anything else that might explain how I ended up here."

I'll look around for the moonclaw and see what else I can find.

"Please. The moonclaw. It is a … what is the word? Armlet? Metal hoop for your wrist. With a stone like moonlight.
I would search with you, but I feel very weak. I am not yet ready to get to my feet."

I have some questions first.

"You are as inquisitive as a young scholar.
Sand collects between my ears and blunts the finer points of memory. Might your questions wait until you return? I am certain I will have questions for you as well."

All right. I'll look around for your moonclaw. We can talk when I return.

Exploring the tomb, you will find a Crescent Blade, The Rise and Fall or Zerith-var and the Moonclaw. Once you have these items you can return to Zerith-var and hand over the armlet:

"You found it! I thank you, zha'al. Like the moons above, my strength returns to me in phases.
Ahh, there. It fits like it once did, though its magic seems to have waned. Did you find anything else?"

I also found this crescent blade and this stone tablet. I think you should read it.

"Very well. That blade seems long-neglected. But this tablet ….
Zerith-var. This tomb is mine? Memory of my apparent death is slow to return. Pray tell me, zha'al, what year is it?"

It's the year 582 of the Second Era.

"Second Era? That cannot be right ….
Listen. I am Zerith-var, necromancer of the Order of the Hidden Moon. I know nothing of eras. In my time, we had only years. This tablet says I died fighting a Rajaska. Do you know what this stone means?"

Completed the Ashen Scar Objective:	Otherwise:
I've never heard of a Rajaska, but I've been to the Temple of the Hidden Moon. It's in ruins. "Ruins? No. That cannot be. You must be mistaken. You said we are in Moonmont? Come with me to Rawl'kha. Azurah willing, the shrine of my order remains hidden there. You will see. I will show you."	I've never heard of the Order of the Hidden Moon. You're a necromancer? "Perhaps not the sort of necromancer you expect. I vanquish dark spirits through Azurah's power of redemption. You said we are in Moonmont? Come with me to Rawl'kha. Azurah willing, the shrine of my order remains hidden there. You will see."

I have some questions, Zerith-var.

"And I have many questions for you. But my mind and memories are still hazy. I will answer as best I can."

The tablet said you died fighting Rajaska. Did you really die?

"I went alone to face the Rajaska-z'har, leader of the pride. I knew I would not survive. And now, I awaken in a tomb.
The tablet speaks of my body's preservation. A curious phenomenon. The means or purpose of my survival remain a mystery."

What are Rajaska, exactly?

"The dark remnants of moon-singers vulnerable to the Bent Dance. Rajaska were a powerful kind of dro-m'Athra. Possessed Khajiit bent to the will of Namiira.
Worse, the Rajaska resisted redemption, the sacred work of my order."

And you died fighting a Rajaska? Do you remember what happened, exactly? / So you died fighting a type of dro-m'Athra known as a Rajaska. Do you remember what happened?

"The memory returns, though I do not wish to recount it just yet. I did not expect to survive.
It seems my efforts were not in vain. If you have not heard of a Rajaska, then the tablet speaks true. It is a blessing that they prowl Nirni no longer."

Bent Dance? / You mentioned the Bent Dance?

"The beating of the dark heart of Lorkhaj. A haunting and discordant song.
Hearing it creates cracks in the soul. And once the Void seeps in, it fills its vessel. Turning the poor Khajiit into a mindless puppet of the Void. A dro-m'Athra."

You're really a necromancer? / Can you explain Azurah's Crossing to me?

"Spirits of fallen Khajiit follow many paths to Azurah's Crossing. Those with darkness in their hearts can better find their way through the path of redemption.
When I use necromancy, I invite forth their spirits and show them the way."

I'm a necromancer, too. (if a Necromancer)

"You commune with the dead as well? You are brave to admit it. I confess, it is a relief to meet someone who will not be disturbed by my calling.
But tell me, how do you use these spirits you call forth? Do you summon them by force?"

I call forth the dead to do my bidding. It doesn't matter to me if they're willing or not.

"Ah. A simple perspective to have so long as your soul is not the one being pressed into service, eh?
If we see combat together, I will demonstrate how you can invite forth spirits that wish to be used so. There is no need for force. You will see."

I extend a call to spirits to animate the dead. I don't use force.

"Then we are not so different in our methods. That is good to hear.
All can benefit from such practice. Spirits wish to walk Nirni again and redeem themselves for misdeeds committed in life. We can give them a chance to do that."

Can I ask you about the Order of the Hidden Moon?

"I admire your curiosity, zha'al. Most consider it bad luck to speak of the work of my necromantic order.
Our path ventures through the dark, yes. But we do not enslave the dead. Through Azurah, we open doors to redemption in service to the living."

I need to tell you about the fate of the Order of the Hidden Moon. (Appears if you completed the Ashen Scar Objective)

"The fate of my order? When you say it like that ….
You mean to tell me it no longer exists? I do not believe you. How could such a thing even happen?"

An adept turned lich named Arum-Khal brought it down from the inside.

"Arum-Khal? I do not know this name. Perhaps he came after my time, but … forgive me. I do not wish to question your account, but I cannot believe that this is how my order met its end. At the hands of a lich.
How did you deal with this lich?"

I wielded the Moonlight Blade and restored Arum-Khal's spirit.

"The Moonlight Blade? I have only heard about such a thing in legends.
Your story …. I am not sure I can believe it just yet. But if you did this, I owe you thanks. On behalf of all of the Hidden Moon."

So you only worship Azurah? / Do you only worship Azurah?

"We are Azurah's most faithful. I follow her calling. I devote my life to her message of love and redemption.
But my duty is not in conflict with the other spirits known and worshiped across the sixteen kingdoms."

And what is your duty, exactly?

"When Khajiit die, love and forgiveness set their souls upon a path toward blissful light. But sometimes guilt and misdeeds cloud that path.
Azurah commands those lost in the dark must not be left to suffer forever. It was my duty to retrieve them."

And how did you do that?

"Necromancy. Adepts of the Hidden Moon call to the Void and invite a willing soul back to inhabit a physical form. These dead followed us into battle. Fought and fell alongside us.
In service and sacrifice, they see their souls purified."

Where does your order reside?

"The Temple of the Hidden Moon lies deep in the Ashen Scar in Northern Elsweyr. Carved into the long shadows of a desert canyon.
But we have shrines hidden in other places, too. Such as the one we head to now. You will see."

Can you tell me more about your moonclaw?

"It is a most holy totem. Azurah's grasp laid over my own.
With her strength and my faith, it allows me to invite forth the souls of Khajiit who need guidance to the afterlife. It also allows me create doors to cross Nirni with great speed."

You can use it to open portals?

"At its full power, certainly. Now? I must be careful. The magic has leaked from it during the years I was interred.
I apologize, zha'al. This all still feels like a bad dream. I am left to wonder why I am here. Perhaps we can find out together."

Leaving and returning to the conversation, he will instead say:

"I will meet you in Rawl'kha. Gazing upon Boethra's stone colossus again will bring me some comfort in wake of this troubled news. I hope."

As you leave, Zerith-var will run ahead of you:

Zerith-var: "I will meet you in Rawl'kha, then. Perhaps everything will make more sense once I step out to see the sun …."

Once outside the tomb, Cantor Krin'ze will have a doubletake as he walks past her down the path. You have the option of speaking to her before continuing.

When you arrive in Rawl'kha, you will find a stunned Zerith-var questioning a nearby guard:

Zerith-var: "This is all that remains of Rawl'kha? What happened to my city?"

Rawl'kha Guard: "This one warns you, jeek. Screaming nonsense in Rawl'kha will get you caged. Control yourself, or the guard will."

Speak with the demoralized Zerith-var:

"I recognize the bones. But the rest? Hahl fajh'na! My ancestors did not defy the Striped Death just to let this holy ground be stamped down to simple tents and stalls.
I must be very far from my own time if this is what Rawl'kha is reduced to."

The city was different back in your time?

"If only you could have seen it. I barely recognize what remains.
Back in that tomb, I confess I thought you were the senseless one. Now I see the truth. I must have sounded mad, going on like that. But you came after me anyway. Thank you."

You said there was a shrine for your order here?

"I did. In my time the order was respected, revered for what we could accomplish. But we were also feared.
And so our sanctuaries were hidden. Perhaps well enough to survive to the present age."

Where can we find that sanctuary?

"Just ahead lies the Temple of Two-Moons Dance. The entrance for my cloister should be around the back.
Let us hope something remains of it. And may Azurah's guidance illuminate why she cast me down to this time."

All right. Let's go find this entrance.

"Look to the southeast side of the temple's base. An entrance to the Hidden Moon sanctuary should be there.
To think, even the Temple of Two-Moons-Dance could be left in such disrepair! My fur falls out just looking at it."

You have an option of asking about the guard, along with the earlier questions you asked in the tomb:

What was all that with the city guard?

"I made such great haste to get here that I arrived quite parched.
I asked one of those traders for a drink of water and asked how much farther it was to Rawl'kha. When I was told that I had already arrived, I did not react well."

And that's what drew the guard's attention?

"I may have shouted a bit. Spilled some water. Knocked over a display while trying to keep myself upright—kss, it does not matter.
I suppose being dressed in these rags does me no favors. But finding my cloister, that is what matters now."

As you walk towards the temple to the southeast, Zerith-var will comment:

Zerith-var: "The door should be around the back of the temple on the southeast side."

Zerith-var: "Or perhaps the years have turned it into a sugar stall. We will see."

As you approach the entrance to the Shrine of the Hidden Moon

Zerith-var: "The entrance is here."

<A blue light appears on the stone platform.>

Zerith-var: "See how it opens? It recognizes me as a member of the order."

You may talk to him again before entering:

"This is it, the entrance to the sanctuary is here. I am both eager and fearful to see what we will find inside. Let us go in, yes?"

Zerith-var meditating inside the Shrine of the Hidden Moon

Inside the shrine, you will find only bones and dust, and Zerith-var slowly through the hallway:

Zerith-var: "No longer a sanctuary. Now a tomb."

Zerith-var: "I had hoped, with Rawl'kha still standing … but, no. The Order of the Hidden Moon is no more."

Once he reaches the main room, you can speak with him:

"How little is left of the world I knew. My clan is … gone. Our bones and sanctuaries left to crumble to dust.
I do not understand. Why was I sent here? I would rather have gone to the Sands Behind the Stars than be sent back to see this."

There must be a reason. Remember the fallen star.

"If my moonclaw had power, I could invite forth the spirits of those I knew in life. But what comfort or answers could the dead give me?
I tread the domain of the living once again. I must do as I did in life to find guidance."

What do you mean?

"If Azurah sent me back, I do not think it was simply to make me suffer. She must wish me to perform some kind of service.
I will consecrate the remains here and then beseech her for guidance. Will you assist me?"

What do you need me to do?

"That prayer book. Consult it for what I might say. The sand between my ears persists. I need to be reminded of what I once knew in my heart.
All these bones belong to Khajiit I never knew. Through them I will bid my clan, my family, farewell."

I'll examine the prayer book.

You may talk to him once again before checking the prayer book:

"I am like sand in a dust storm, zha'al. All out of sorts. Thank you for being patient with me. Check the prayer book and help my weary mind grow clear."

Once you read Rites of the Order of the Hidden Moon:

Zerith-var: "I remember. The rite requires moon-sugar water. There should be some in the temple above."

Zerith-var: "Do not worry for me. I would mourn in private for a time."

Talking to him before you leave:

"This blessing requires moon-sugar water, yes? So long as things have not changed too much, you should find some in the cloister at the front of the temple. Retrieve some and return to me.
Do not worry. The portal will admit you as it did before."

Once outside, you can head to a small room where you can take a sample of the Moon-Sugar Water. As you leave the building you will be stopped by Inquisitor Tashkier who says he has been following you and demands to know what you found in the Moonmont. You can decide what to tell him and return to Zerith-var, who you will find is now dressed up in armor:

Zerith-var: "Ah. You return."

Zerith-var: "Pour the water into the ritual basin and I will perform the rite."

You can talk to him before performing the rites:

"Yes, I traded my burial rags for armor belonging to those of my order. But let us discuss it after we tend to this ritual. Pour the moon-sugar water into the basin, please."

As the ritual is performed, the flames of the brazier ignite with a blue fire.

Zerith-var: "Mother of Twilight, I beseech you. Guide these souls to your Crossing with dawn's clarity. I seek guidance—"

<Blue flames appear in the brazier.>

Zerith-var: "Ziss! Blue flames? How can this be?"

Speak with him to see what this means:

"Blue flames? That is a call to arms, a signal for the Hidden Moon. A sign that a dark spirit of great power has pierced the veil of Nirni.
That tablet you found in my tomb. It said those spirits were vanquished. What could this mean?"

The Rajaska. Are those the spirits you're talking about?

"Rajaska, yes. From what you told me, they have not stalked Nirni in centuries. But now, they return.
Perhaps this is why Azurah sent me back. The knowledge of how to contend with them is lost. We must find these dark spirits and see them redeemed."

How do we find the Rajaska?

"My moonclaw guides me. Though weak, I can feel its pull. Somewhere east of here. At the Shrine of the Consummate S'rendarr, I believe.
I must now humbly ask for your aid. The last time I faced a Rajaska alone, it cost me my life. Will you help me?"

I'll help you. But I'm not sure where the Shrine of Consummate S'rendarr is.

"Perhaps it is called something else now. Let me see your map. Ah, Claw's Strike. I shall mark the spot.
Thank you, zha'al. Though you are not exactly a stranger anymore. Meet me at the shrine, and perhaps we will overcome these troubles as friends."

I'll meet you there.

"Once you reach what is now called Claw's Strike, head inside. I will find you there. I hope I am not wrong in thinking you can defend yourself.
There is no telling how much of my fighting skills remain after being dead for so long. We will see."

You can take the oppertunity to tell him what happened outside and ask him more questions:

An Inquisitor of the Torval Curiata tried to stop me outside. He said he followed me here.

"Inquisitor for the Torval … what?
I do not know what you speak of, but Inquisitors do not sound friendly. Are these Inquisitors like the Twilight Cantors you spoke of?"

Not exactly. They're working with Krin'ze, the Twilight Cantor who sent me after the fallen star.

"Well, blessings from Azurah that you found me then, and not these Inquisitors.
No matter. We must deal with this Rajaska threat before we concern ourselves with this Torval … whatever it was."

What should I know about the Rajaska?

"Dro-m'Athra are what happens when Namiira possesses the heart of any Khajiit. They are creatures of darkness and violence.
Rajaska are what happens when that darkness ensnares a moon-singer. You still have moon-singers in this age, yes?"

I'm not sure. What are they?

"They are storytellers, but this is a woefully simple explanation. In my time, the strongest singers wove stories into song, casting powerful spells in Azurah's name.
The boldest among those singers often aided the Hidden Moon."

Yes. I've met moon-singers in my travels before.

"Then you know of what I speak. In my time, the strongest of the moon-singers wove stories into song, casting powerful spells in Azurah's name.\n\nThe boldest among these singers often aided the Hidden Moon."

Why does ensnaring the soul of a moon-singer make for a more powerful dro-m'Athra?

"It is their songs. A once-joyous litany with the power to drive back the darkness becomes a shadowy dirge, a phantasmal chorus that grows in strength and beckons the drums of the Bent Dance.
The stronger the moon-singer, the stronger the Rajaska."

Are moon-singers like Twilight Cantors?

"We did not have Twilight Cantors in my time. But the name suggests an allegiance with Azurah.
Perhaps they are not so different from the moon-singers of old. I would like to meet one and learn more."

You changed out of your rags. Where did you get that armor?

"I did not pull it from the bones of my fallen brothers and sisters, if that is your concern. I found a cache of supplies and saw fit to equip myself.
But I do not wish to stick out like a broken claw in my travels. What do you think of it?"

It looks good. You'll fit right in.

"Var, var! Such kind words. Function is more important, of course, but what Khajiit does not like to present a sleek and pleasing form?
This is not quite what we wore during my order's time, but it will do well enough to protect me."

I think we could find you something better to wear.

"Ah, I was afraid you would say that. I suppose it must appear antiquated. But it will serve well enough for now.
When we find the time, perhaps you can assist me in finding armor more appropriate to this era."

Inside Claw's Strike:

Zerith-var: "F'ah! This once-honorable shrine now serves as a bandit den. I sense the darkness we seek to the east."

"My moonclaw's pull tells me this is the right place. Besides the beasts and bandits, I sense a stronger darkness to the east. Let us search in that direction."

As you approach the entrance to the Ruined Reliquary:

Zerith-var: "That dark corner. My moonclaw tells me that is where we need to go."

Inside the Ruined Reliquary you will witness Twilight Cantors performing a ritual:

Cantor Ta'khida: "Krin'ze! Are you all right?"

Cantor Krin'ze: "I will be fine. We must go after the others!"

High Cantor Viti: "We will handle it. Join us when you have recovered."

Zerith-var: "They destroyed a dro-m'Athra! Its soul. It is … gone!"

You may talk to him soon after:

"These are the Twilight Cantors you told me of? Their methods leave me speechless. Instead of helping the dro-m'Athra, they destroyed it!
Give me a moment and speak with the ja'rithantii there."

After you finish your chat with Cantor Krin'ze:

"Let us deal with this Rajaska before it is too late for the other rithantiin. We can talk later."

As you enter the final chamber you will witness spirit of Cantor Ta'khida being corrupted by Ravith-morna:

Zerith-var: "Ravith-morna? It cannot be."

Zerith-var: "She is dro-m'Athra now, a Rajaska! To arms, quickly!"

Once you defeat Ta'khida-morna Zerith-var will cleanse the spirit:

Zerith-var: "Besha ahnz'ii, rithantii. I am sorry we did not arrive sooner. With your spirit cleansed, Azurah guides you to her Crossing."

"Now you see what I was trained to do. Khajiit that fall to the Bent Dance of Namiira, I can straighten their tails.
The Hidden Moon's purpose was to tend to the immortal souls of all Khajiit, even those that fell to darkness. Do you understand?"

And that's different from what the Twilight Cantors are doing?

"We both saw the effects of their song. It utterly destroys the spirit! Banishes it from existence entirely!
Moon's mercy, these souls were Khajiit once! Are we so afraid of the dark now that we destroy anything that staggers out of it?"

Is there a way you can teach the Twilight Cantors your way of doing things?

"Besha ahnz'ii. In my anger, I forget my wisdom. But you possess enough for both of us.
That must be why Azurah sent me here. To show Khajiit of this time the way of mercy through Hidden Moon necromancy. There is just one problem."

What's that?

"My moonclaw's magic wanes. If I am meant to follow this path and teach what I have learned, I must restore it.
Just enough power remains to open a portal to the Temple of the Dark Moon. Your help has been invaluable. Will you come with me?"

Yes, I'll go with you to the Temple of the Dark Moon.

Zerith-var: "Noctra, grant me luck. Khenarthi, grant me haste."

Zerith-var: "Seven shadows, it worked! Take care of your high cantor, ja'rithantii. We will see you again soon."

"Let us head to Khenarthia. Or … what I knew as Khenarthia. Perhaps it is called something different now.
Kss. This is going to take some getting used to."

In Khenarthi's Roost you can witness the conversation:

Zerith-var: "No. The Dark Moon temple … it is gone?"

Shashan: "Skooma-addled old stray. Have you been asleep these past three hundred years?"

Zerith-var: "Longer than that, perhaps. Speak plainly."

Shashan: "No one favors the Dark Moon anymore. Ill omens, forgotten manes, ancient rites. The unified Elsweyr has no need of these outdated traditions."

Shashan: "The Sugar God rules the sands now. Riddle'Thar, they call it. Imagine that! Old Baan Dar managed to trick the world."

You can then talk to him:

"Loss after loss. Were it not for my Hidden Moon training, my heart would be Namiira's already for all the darkness these discoveries bring me.
It is only because of you and the appearance of Ja'kh here that I do not let grief overwhelm me."

Ja'kh? You mean the spirit cat? He led me to your tomb.

"Did he? I ask Azurah for guidance and she sends my cat. I suppose the Moon Mother is not without her mischief.
Perhaps this means she did not send me back to give up so easily. My heart had space enough for sorrow of this measure in my life before."

We came to restore your moonclaw. How can we do that if the Temple of Dark Moons no longer exists?

"Let us venture down these cliffs. The temple ruins seem to have been left where they fell.
Perhaps if we sift through the remains, we can still find something carrying the Dark Moon's blessing."

All right. Let's take a look in the ruins below.

"I pray that searching through the ruins below results in more than sorrow and lost time.
I should focus on the blessing of you and Ja'kh to guide me. Just think. I could have been found by someone with far less patience, like that nomad there."

Tell me about Ja'kh.

"Ah. My constant companion. I hope he lived a long and happy life after I passed.
I found him yowling for help on the streets of Corinthe. I took pity, cleaned him up, and replaced his missing eye with a bit of moonstone. You can hardly tell now."

Why did you name him Ja'kh?

"It is … not much of a proper name at all. A shortening of ja'khajiit. Kitten, I think you would say. With how sharply the sounds roll off the tongue, it means he is small but tough. A tough little guy."

Can you tell me more about the Temple of the Dark Moon?

"The Dark Moon is the true spirit of Lorkhaj. Redeemed and made protector of the Lunar Lattice by Azurah's grace.
Through him, we of the Hidden Moon find our way through darkness to lead Azurah's children to her Crossing."

So the Dark Moon gives you power?

"Just so. At the height of our training, hadaliit of the Hidden Moon steep ourselves in darkness so we cannot fall to the Bent Dance and become dro-m'Athra.
We train to walk through Namiira's dark without Azurah's light."

So how does your moonclaw factor into this?

"It aids in navigating lunar byways to guide souls. A most ancient purpose given to my order by Azurah herself.
As such, it must be empowered by something related to the Dark Moon. Something that we search for now."

You mentioned something about sorrow in your life before.

"Kra! Do not ask me about that. We have only just met. I want you to think well of me.
In all seriousness, it is … regret. I have no bent tail, but I walked a bent path. In the end, my misdeeds cost me dearly."

Is that why you joined the Order of the Hidden Moon?

"Ha, no. I was a knave and a jeek long before I heard Azurah's calling. And long after.
Now, it seems I have been given a second chance. Perhaps things will be different this time. It is all still so hard to believe."

Inside the cavern underneath:

Zerith-var: "They did not just let this temple crumble, did they? This new faith tore it down and let the sea wash it away."

"Inquisitors of the Torval Curiata hunt us? With help from one of the Twilight Cantors? Hrrm."

Zerith-var: "You found something?"

"Please, let me see that note. Perhaps it will distract me from the knowledge that these once-holy catacombs are now a midden.
My eyes are … glowing? Huh. I did not know that. Small wonder these Inquisitors seek to kill me."

What do your glowing eyes have to do with anything?

"Glowing eyes, risen from the dead? I must remind them of the dro-m'Athra. Our shared enemy.
They mention a High Cantor Viti here. Was she one of the moon-singers we saw at the Shrine of … at Claw's Strike?"

She's one of the Twilight Cantors. Cantor Krin'ze works with her.

"Krin'ze. The little Dagi you spoke to, yes? She seemed curious of my nature and presence, but not afraid. Too bad the same cannot be said of her fellow moon-singer. High Cantor … whoever.
Did you find anything else?"

I found this black pearl inside that ruined altar. Can it help to restore your moonclaw?

"Moon Mother be praised! It carries the Dark Moon's blessing.
In all my years, I have never been called a heretic. Perhaps with your help, and my moonclaw restored, we can drive back the Rajaska and show these Inquisitors we are on the same side."

See if that pearl restores your moonclaw first.

Zerith-var: "Ah, my moonclaw is restored! But it bears warning of another incursion. Quickly! We must go."

"The blessing on the black pearl restored some of my moonclaw's power, but with it comes a warning. Another incursion of Rajaska awaits us. Let us find them quickly, before more Khajiit are bent to her dark song."

TBA

Can you explain Azurah's Crossing to me?^{[verification needed — Correct prompt?]}

"Spirits of fallen Khajiit follow many paths to Azurah's Crossing. Those with darkness in their hearts can better find their way through the path of redemption.
When I use necromancy, I invite forth their spirits and show them the way."

I'm a necromancer, too. (if a Necromancer)

"You commune with the dead as well? You are brave to admit it. I confess, it is a relief to meet someone who will not be disturbed by my calling.
But tell me, how do you use these spirits you call forth? Do you summon them by force?"

I call forth the dead to do my bidding. It doesn't matter to me if they're willing or not.

"Ah. A simple perspective to have so long as your soul is not the one being pressed into service, eh?
If we see combat together, I will demonstrate how you can invite forth spirits that wish to be used so. There is no need for force. You will see."

I extend a call to spirits to animate the dead. I don't use force.

"Then we are not so different in our methods. That is good to hear.
All can benefit from such practice. Spirits wish to walk Nirni again and redeem themselves for misdeeds committed in life. We can give them a chance to do that."

The tablet said you died fighting Rajaska. Did you really die?

^(?)

Companion Dialogue

Much of Zerith-var's companion dialogue with you will depend on your current Rapport with him. The following sections list his known dialogue:

Greetings

When you talk with him, you can do the following:

• Access the Companion Menu and customize their abilities etc.
• Ask how they feels about you.
• Ask about them.

"Let's talk about us."

With this option, you can ask about his feelings towards you and about himself:

"What would you like to talk about?"

Responses

As a companion, Zerith-var will remark on various situations encountered during your travels.

When summoned:

• Blessings from my Moon Mother.
• By your side, tamiit.
• I am with you.
• In light or shadow, I am here.
• Khenarthi's wind at my back. Let us go.
• Let us travel like twin moons.
• Many paths await us.
• May we walk paths as many as Ahka.
• My moonclaw draws me to you.
• Shall we find some mischief?
• Together again.
• Where will our roads lead us today?
• Who might we aid today?

When idle:

• There was this old clan-mother I knew. I would roll my eyes every time she spoke of the good old days of her youth. Now, the things I hear myself say … I sound very much like her. It seems nostalgia rivals skooma in its potency.
• There are so many ways of getting around in this time. We did not ride as often in my day. We trekked across the dunes. Uphill both ways.

When levelling up:

• Jo'zhet! A new level of strength and understanding.

When starting combat:

• A fight, is it?
• Bahlee dad'niit!
• By the Hidden Moon!
• Get ready!
• Hiich radhin, tamiit!
• I am with you, tamiit!
• I will watch over you.
• Ka'is, jekosiit! Let us fight!
• Kes kridesi. Another fight?
• Khenarthi, lend us haste!
• Khenarthi, make this swift.
• Pray for mercy.
• Show me your claws.
• Swift as Khenarthi!
• To arms, tamiit!
• Trajii ba'vedik!
• Watch yourself!
• What are they thinking?
• You give me no choice!
• You will not last. ^{[verification needed — or ending combat]}

When ending combat:

• Bebaj-var. It is done.
• Evil never sleeps of its own accord. ^{[verification needed]}
• It is over? Hrrm.
• Jo'zhet! It is done.
• Let this be a lesson.
• May your bones serve better.
• Peace. For now.
• Rest and know peace.
• Rest now. ^{[verification needed — killing undead?]}
• Silence. At last.
• They left us no choice.
• Until you rise again.
• We did what we had to.
• We emerge victorious.

When low on health:

• Dhiz maziin! Help me!
• I have a second life, but I can still lose it.
• Moon Mother ... spare me ....
• Tamiit … my wounds ….
• The Crossing beckons once more.

When you're low on Health:

• S'rendarr! You are wounded, tamiit!
• Tamiit! Stay with me!

When you die:

• Come back to me. As I did to you.
• Fajh'na. You cannot leave me like this!
• Jone and Jode, no!
• Moon Mother, return my tamiit to me!
• Tamiit! No!

When you resurrect him: ^{[verification needed]}

• Azurah, give us strength!

When you're low on Stamina:

• You have exhausted your strength, tamiit!

When you become snared or immobilized:

• Fif zhat! Move, quick!
• Tamiit, move!
• You are trapped. Move!

When you become stunned:

• Focus on my voice! Break free!
• Free yourself, tamiit!
• It is in your mind, tamiit!
• Ra'ham! Find your center!
• Unshackle your mind, tamiit!

When you heal him:

• A gift of vitality. Ahzith rabah, tamiit.
• Bless you, my friend.
• Jone's mercy! That was close.
• S'rendarr's blessings to you, tamiit!
• Savior and protector. That is the tamiit I follow.
• You glow with S'rendarr's light, my friend.
• You show me Jone's mercy.

When you use your ultimate:

• With the wrath of Boethra!
• Send them running!

When using his ultimate: ^{[verification needed]}

• Azurah, witness my devotion!
• Dusk and dawn, ignite within me!

When getting on a mount:

• Ahzith rabah.
• Fif'zah!
• Hah!
• Let us move.
• We move with the wind.
• We ride.
• With haste!
• With Khenarthi's swiftness!
• You tire of walking? Very well.

When you harvest any material node:

• A potent find, tamiit.
• A useful find.
• Another find for your deep pockets.
• Good find, tamiit.
• Material full of potential. ^{[verification needed — ore and dust?]}
• What might you make with that?

When you harvest a water node:

• Ah. Liquid treasure.
• Khenarthi's blessings upon this find. ^{[verification needed — may be general harvesting]}
• The swish of fresh water—it soothes me.
• You do not know what a blessing water is until you have gone long without it.
• You will make fine potions with that, I am sure.

When you harvest a cloth node:

• Fine threads make for strong cord. Yes!
• Imagine the fine attire you might make with that.
• Spin and weave with Mafala's swiftness.

When you harvest a runestone node:

• An inspired find, tamiit. ^{[verification needed — may be general harvesting]}
• I always forget what that rune means.
• Potency, aspect, or essence? Hrrm. Good find.

When you harvest an alchemy node:

• A blessed bounty for potion-making.
• The potential for health or harm.

When you harvest a wood node:

• A sturdy find indeed. ^{[verification needed — may be general harvesting]}
• Do not catch a splinter, tamiit.
• For a furnishing, perhaps?

When you harvest a jewelry dust node:

• Fair potential for fine adornments.
• Jo-zhet. Useful for not only its luster.
• Such delicate fineries you might craft with that.

When you harvest an ore node:

• A fine ore, tamiit.
• For something to attack? Or something to protect?
• Such potential from the veins of Nirni.

When you loot a treasure chest:

• Ah, treasure. The draw of all adventurers.
• Ah. Something nice? ^{[verification needed — or thieves trove]}
• Enjoy this good fortune, tamiit.
• That lock did not stand a chance.

When pointing out a heavy sack:

• I see treasure, tamiit. Quick, while no one is looking.
• Something of value left there. Only fair that it become yours.
• Something useful or valuable there. Perhaps both.
• Treasure there, tamiit. Yours to take.

When you loot a heavy sack:

• A reward for your keen eyes.
• I sensed Ja'kh and suspected mischief. This is a nice surprise.
• Ja'kh must like you, tamiit. In life, he never did anything like this for me.
• Jo'zhet! How useful. Ahzith rabah.
• Wander on, little spirit. May you guide us to riches again soon.

When you loot a Thieves Trove or safebox: ^{[verification needed]}

• A very deserving find.
• Make some well-placed bets, and you may be lucky enough to double that find.
• What use is treasure if it stays sealed away?

When you look an Epic or greater item:

• An impressive find. Hold on to that, tamiit.
• I wonder which spirit bestows such fortune upon you?
• Kss. You get all the luck, tamiit.
• Seven shadows, what a find.

When killing a passive snake or beetle: ^{[verification needed]}

• Mafala keep your shame.
• Was that necessary, tamiit?

After killing a mudcrab:

• At last. The shores are free from this terror you call … mudcrab.
• I thought that was a rock. Bravely done, tamiit.

After killing a World Boss or elite enemy: ^{[verification needed]}

• Besha, Azurah. Besha.
• Boethra's path leads us to victory.
• Fahj'na! That was intense.
• Invigorating display, tamiit.
• Thus is the way of the Hidden Moon.

After killing undead: ^{[verification needed]}

• Cease your rattling.
• Our weapons are but one cure for your kind.
• May the earth grind you to dust.
• Stay buried next time.

After killing a dro-m'Athra:

• A new dawn upon your soul, dark one.
• May your heart be made clean.
• Var tsin'ra. ^{[verification needed — or end of combat]}

After completing a dolmen:

• After how many failed incursions should this Lord of Domination seek to change his name?
• The shackles of Nirni shall not prosper so long as we are there to break them.

After ^{[verification needed — a random encounter that requires combat]}:

• A victory worth dedicating to Azurah.
• Foes in such numbers! This era should be thankful that we fight them together.
• Sharp claws on all who see such a swift end! ^{[verification needed — killing undead?]}
• Wave after wave. I am glad to see it done, and with such finesse.

When starting combat with a Dragon:

• Demon! Feel the wrath of the Hidden Moon!
• Hahl fajh'na, a dragon? Show no mercy, tamiit!
• Like the Kra'Jun of old!

When near a cooking fire:

• Ahh. Warm like the desert sands.
• The comfort of a fire. As true in your time as much as in mine.

When approaching a delve: ^{[verification needed]}

• Fear not, tamiit. I am ready to explore.

When killing an innocent or using the Blade of Woe:^{[verification needed — one and/or the other]}

• A life taken, and for what? You are better than this!
• Have you abandoned your conscience? Stop this!
• Killing as you want is no way to live, tamiit.

When stealing a medicinal or religious treasure:

• Petty thievery I admire. Stealing such as this feels malicious.
• These items mean nothing to you, but could mean everything to their owner.
• Think better of taking such things, tamiit.

When stealing ^{[verification needed — not med or religious]}:

• Is it really a crime if you are never caught?
• May that find better use in your hands.
• Such trifles will not be missed.
• Take and give with the same hand, I say.

When attacking an innocent or getting a bounty: ^{[verification needed]}

• Ksss … I feel eyes on us, tamiit. Be more careful, next time.
• Ra'ham, tamiit. Even I know not to be so careless.
• You were spotted. Noctra turns her gaze from you in shame.

When your heat drops or your bounty degrades:

• All things fade, even the infamy of our actions.
• Time sees your infractions forgotten.

When using a Counterfeit Pardon Edict or Leniency Edict:

• And what lesson do you get from this action, I wonder?
• Really? Azurah forbid you might feel the weight of your actions.

When you pay your bounty to a guard:

• You do not flee from the consequences of your actions. Good.

When you summon the Abecean Ratter Cat, Big-Eared Ginger Kitten, or Senchal Striped Cat: ^{[verification needed — maybe more feline pets]}

• A very pleasing creature. As loyal to you as Ja'kh is to me.
• I wonder if Ja'kh will play nicely with your pet there. But I think he may be as shy in death as he was in life.

When visiting a Striking Locale:

• A place of such beauty eases the ache of being so far from my time.
• Are we stopping here? It seems a fine place to take in the sights.
• The spirits smile upon this place. Bebaj tsin'rajiit.
• What gems we stumble upon, just by exploring together.

When visiting a populated area: ^{[verification needed]}

• Hrrm. Fewer people staring at me than I anticipated. What a strange time you live in.
• I think I read about this place! In a book from my time. It is quite different from what I recall. … Perhaps I misremember. Pay me no mind.

When visiting Baandari Trading Post:

• I will stay close to you, tamiit. I do not wish to lose my way. ^{[verification needed — may be general populated area statement]}
• A trading post. The oldest reminder of home.

When visiting Rimmen:

• Rim'kha. How strange that a place may seem both foreign and familiar. Like a friend changed after so many years apart.
• The aqueducts here existed in my time, but often ran dry. Here, they run abundant, and feed farmland. Nothing short of miraculous.
• Walls. Conduct. Order. This is not the grassland oasis I knew. But perhaps that is for the best.

When visiting Senchal:

• Ah, Senchal. I would recognize a breeze off the Topal Bay even with my eyes closed.
• Senchal today is not so different from how it was in my time. Whether that is a complement or not is up to you.
• Senchal. A city built and rebuilt on its own ashes. What a comfort to know some things from my time remain the same.

After winning a Tales of Tribute match:

• So tempting to play … but if I do, you will never pry me away. Better that I watch. For now.
• Hahl fajh'na! You just never know the way these games will go.

After completing a Tales of Tribute daily quest:

• I cannot help but hear the tales told in each game you play. It is quite diverting.

After completing a Northern Defense Force daily quest:

• We tip the scales in favor of my homeland. I thank you, tamiit.

When donating to a beggar:

• Give as freely as you take, I say. Well done, tamiit.

Unsorted

• Ahzith rabah, tamiit.
• Besha ahziss tamiit, ja'vijah.
• By the power of the Hidden Moon! ^{[verification needed — using ult?]}
• Dad'na eska vijah. ^{[verification needed — end of combat or killing undead?]}
• Dur dad'na! ^{[verification needed — combat related]}
• Ka'iir! Begone. ^{[verification needed — killing undead?]}
• Noctra's luck be with us. ^{[verification needed — fighting elite enemy?]}
• Rahdiit! Hai!
• Var, var, var. ^{[verification needed — ending combat?]}
• You are a knave and a jeek! ^{[verification needed — starting combat with elite enemy or undead?]}

Furnishing

^(?)

File:ON-furnishing-Zerith-var.jpg

Zerith-var

48px Zerith-var Furnishing
Type	Houseguest
Acquired From	Complete (?)

You will earn the ability to have him as a houseguest once you've completed ^(?).

Notes

• Zerith-var is voiced by Darin De Paul.
• He and Tanlorin were originally based off an early companion named Zavier, a male Altmer mage, who was later renamed to Zerith and finally Zerith-var. Zerith-var inherited the name and mage class, while Tanlorin inherited the race.

Gallery

• 

  Promotional render

• 

  Featured in a promotional render

References

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