Skyrim [PS4] Playthrough #167, Dragonborn: The Gardener of Men

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heorotlinea

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Published on June 18, 2019 10:33:43 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRxAlqe5T5Y

Game:

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

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Let's Play

Duration: 50:14

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This is video #167 in my playthrough of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on the PlayStation 4. I am playing the game vanilla. This game has been rated M for Mature by the ESRB. This video does not contain commentary. To view the commentary version, click here: https://youtu.be/_YBoSDJy9XA

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim [PS4] (No Commentary) Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIZ8kn0xML26WuDTOKYxsk0WL-3AU8XjA

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim [PS4] (Commentary) Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIZ8kn0xML25Nu-1wNBrkoNXZuxLg9Nau

Previously, Davilas did the Dragonborn quest "The Path of Knowledge". Exploring Nchardak with Neloth, he unveiled the Black Book in this dungeon. Now, for "The Gardener of Men", he must actually read this forbidden tome.

After resuming, Davilas examines the Black Book in the Nchardak Reading Room. This is the "Black Book: Epistolary Acumen". As he is sucked into Apocrypha, he meets the Daedric Lord Hermaeus Mora. Hermaeus himself speaks to Davilas. He really is quite disgusting. Now, Davilas must explore this portion of Apocrypha and learn the hidden knowledge of "Epistolary Acumen".

Davilas starts in Chapter I of the book. His followers cannot come along, but he can summon atronachs, familiars, or daedra to help him. The Sanguine Rose is a great thing to have. Scryes are switches that create pathways. Look out for tentacles lashing out from the black pools. This "book" is fairly straightforward. Enemies will appear starting in Chapter II. They are mainly Lurkers and Seekers.

At the end in Chapter IV, Davilas finds "Black Book: Epistolary Acumen" again. When he opens it, Hermaeus speaks to him again. Hermaeus teaches Davilas "Mind", the second word of "Bend Will". However, before he will teach Davilas the final word, he demands a steep price: the secrets of the Skaal. Davilas must talk to Storn in Skaal Village.

Afterwards, Davilas can choose one of three active effects from "Epistolary Acumen": "Dragonborn Force", "Dragonborn Flame", or "Dragonborn Frost". They will respectively power up Unrelenting Force, Fire Breath, or Frost Breath. Davilas chooses Dragonborn Force. Davilas can read "Black Book: Epistolary Acumen" again to switch to a different active effect.

Then, he examines the book to return to the Nchardak Reading Room in Solstheim. After a conversation with Neloth, he can head outside. The named dragon Krosulhah attacks. After defeating it and absorbing its Dragon Soul, Davilas unlocks "Mind", the second word of "Bend Will".

Then, Davilas fast-travels to Skaal Village. As he arrives, he eavesdrops on a conversation between Fanari and Deor. This starts the objective "Ask Deor about Baldor's disappearance".

Davilas talks to Deor Woodcutter. Deor believes that Baldor, the town blacksmith, is missing. This starts the sidequest "A New Source of Stalhrim". Davilas must search for Baldor to the southwest.

Then, Davilas talks to Storn about Hermaeus Mora's demand. Even though Hermaeus is the Skaal's enemy, Storn agrees to confront him. However, Storn will only do it if Davilas has finished "Cleansing the Stones".

Afterwards, Storn will take "Epistolary Acumen" and use it to confront Hermaeus. It turns out poorly for Storn. However, Hermaeus teaches Davilas "Dragon", the final word of "Bend Will". "The Gardener of Men" complete!

The final quest in the Dragonborn quest line, "At the Summit of Apocrypha", begins. Davilas must first unlock all the words of "Bend Will".

Be sure to take back the "Black Book: Epistolary Acumen" from Storn's body.

To get a Dragon Soul, Davilas fast-travels back to Skyrim. For some reason, he does not acquire Dragon Souls from the weaker dragons he encounters at Bonestrewn Crest, Northwind Summit, or Lost Tongue Overlook.

However, he does get a Dragon Soul from the stronger dragon at Autumnwatch Tower. This enables him to unlock "Dragon", the last word of "Bend Will". Now, he is prompted to read "Waking Dreams" again. Note that reading a Black Book will take Davilas to Apocrypha only if he is on Solstheim. If he is in Skyrim, this will not happen.

Davilas fast-travels back to Raven Rock on Solstheim. Next time, he will read "Waking Dreams" to confront Miraak in Apocrypha.

Thanks for watching!

This video is part of my playthrough of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition. I am playing the version of the game released for the Sony PlayStation 4 in 2016. All characters, story, music, artwork, and other components of this game are the property of their respective owners.

Played on the Sony PlayStation 4 Slim. Recorded with the Elgato Game Capture HD device and software. Produced with Adobe Premiere Pro CS6.

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