Oblivion:Umbacano

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Details
Quests: written by Already Written, checked by SerCenKing (CS & in-game)

Schedule: written by Already Written, checked by SerCenKing (CS & in-game)

Services: written by Corevette789 N/A (In-Game), checked by Forfeit (CS, none)

Personal Inventory: written by mxk101 (CS), checked by Helenaannevalentine (in-game)

House Contents: written by GuildKnight, checked by Helenaannevalentine

Unique Dialogue: written by Legoless (CS), checked by SerCenKing (CS & in-game)

Rumors: written by SerCenKing (CS & in-game)

Faction: written by N/A, checked by 2dum2live (CS)

Spells: written by mxk101 (CS), checked by Jeancey (CS)
Umbacano
(RefID: 0002B445)
(lore page)
Home City Imperial City, Talos Plaza District
House Umbacano Manor
Race High Elf Gender Male
Level PC+5 (range=10-25) Class Mage
RefID 0002B445 BaseID 0002AB4E
Other Information
Health 35 + (3+0.6)x(PC+4), PC=1-96
Magicka 238 + 7.5x(PC+4) (max=350)
Responsibility 50 Aggression 5
Essential Until Secrets of the Ayleids (Conditional Scripted Death)
Follower Secrets of the Ayleids
Faction(s) IC Citizens; Umbacano; Nobility 0(Knight)
Umbacano

Umbacano is a wealthy High Elf mage who lives in the Imperial City's Talos Plaza District. Umbacano is an avid collector of Ayleid artifacts, and will offer a reward in exchange for Ayleid Statues as a part of The Collector quest and for an Ayleid Carved Panel during Nothing You Can Possess. He greatly admires the Ayleids and is something of an apologist for them. He holds a pro-Ayleid opinion of the fall of White Gold Tower, calling the human victory a "brutal sack". It is later revealed during Secrets of the Ayleids that he desires to wield the power of the Ayleids and restore their fallen empire.

He has an extensive household of servants, including his steward Jollring and four guards. To gain access to his room, you must talk with Jollring first, who will then escort you upstairs. Once you enter his quarters, you will find him sat in his chair reading, an activity he undertakes every day from 8am to 8pm. After this he will enjoy a two-hour meal in the downstairs dining room before wandering around upstairs from 10pm until midnight. At this point he heads to bed and sleeps until 8am. If you are still in his room at 8pm, he will continue reading until you leave and the clock strikes the hour.

He wears a set of upper class clothing: a black & burgundy outfit with a pair of gold trimmed shoes. He carries a spare red velvet garment, his key, the key to his manor, and a large amount of gold.

Umbacano knows ten spells in total. He can use four major destruction spells: two Shock Damage spells (one touch, one target), a Disintegrate Armor or Disintegrate Weapon spell, and an Absorb Health spell. In addition, he knows a major chameleon spell, one major restore health spell, one minor restore fatigue spell, a major shield and a major shock shield spell, and a rather weak fortify intelligence spell. Except for the last one, all spells are always strongest for Umbacano's skill level.

Dialogue[edit]

Speaking to him before beginning the quest chain will have him introduce himself:

"Yes. My name is Umbacano."
Imperial City
"It is well known in the City that I collect Ayleid antiquities. It's true, but I desire only very specific items."

Rumors[edit]

His guards will all have something to say about their master, noting that his wealth covers for his oddity. Matthias Draconis will comment:

Imperial City
"Master Umbacano is a fine gentleman. Mad for old Ayleid stuff, true, but he's got the dosh, so it's all right, ain't it?"
Umbacano
"I got no complaints. Kind of an arrogant bastard if you get right down to it, but he pays us well enough."

The others will concur:

Surius Afranius: "A bit eccentric. Loves old things. He's practically got a museum upstairs. But he'd never let anybody else see it, oh no!"
Umog gra-Marad: "I keep an eye on his place. Stuffed full of treasure, you know? But no dirty thief's getting in while I'm on duty."
Usheeja: "I am one of his guard dogs, no more, no less. He pays us well to guard his many treasures. This is enough for me."

Ley Marillin at The King and Queen Tavern will also mention Umbacano's passion for Ayleid antiquities:

Imperial City
"A wealthy gentleman in the Talos Plaza district named Umbacano collects Ayleid artifacts. Perhaps he has use for someone like you."

Related Quests[edit]

Quest-Related Events[edit]

The Collector[edit]

Before you have an Ayleid Statue in your possession, attempting to gain access to Umbacano directly will see you be rebuffed by his manservant, Jollring. Once you enter the manor, Jollring will approach you:

"Jollring, the butler. I've served Master Umbacano for many years."
Umbacano
"My master, Umbacano, is known across Cyrodiil as a collector of Ayleid antiquities. He is always interested in rare artifacts from that era. Why, do you have something of interest to my master?"
I have an Ayleid artifact for sale.
"Really? May I see it, please?"
[Show him your Ayleid artifact.] (Welkynd Stone)
"How interesting. I'm sure the curio shops in the Market District would be glad to give you a fair price for this. Unfortunately, my master is only interested in the rarest and most unique Ayleid artifacts to add to his collection."
I'll only show it to Umbacano.
"My master trusts me to decide what to show him, I'm afraid."

If you do have a Statue in your possession, his response will depend on whether you speak to him during Umbacano's visiting hours (8am to 8pm):

[Show him the Ayleid statue.]
"I believe my master would be very interested in this item. However, it is too late to disturb him. If you'll return in the morning, I'm sure he will be glad to speak to you."
"I believe my master would be interested in speaking to you right away. If you'll just follow me."

Once you're led to Umbacano himself, he will greet you with:

"What can I do for you?"
"Yes? You have something of interest to me?"
No, I'm sorry to bother you.
"Then why do you waste my time? Jollring! Show him/her the door, if you please!"
[Show Umbacano the Ayleid statue.]
"Ah! One of the Ten Ancestors! Hold it up to the light ... yes! Exquisite! You did the right thing by bringing this to me. I am interested in obtaining the complete set of these statues. If you bring them to me when you find them, I will pay you double for each one. I would be happy to take this statue off your hands right now. I assume that's why you came to see me?"
The statue is not for sale right now.
"As you wish. That is a better price than you will get from anyone else. I expect you will reconsider eventually."
[Sell statue for 500 gold.]
"Wonderful! Remember, I will be happy to give you the same price for any others that you find. And I'll double your payment if you manage to recover the complete set of ten. I look forward to a long and mutually profitable relationship."

If you have instead triggered the quest by selling an Ayleid Statue to a merchant, Jollring will track you down on Umbacano's behalf:

"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jollring. I come on behalf of my master, Umbacano. He asked me to deliver this note. I believe it is an invitation to visit him at his manor in the Imperial City."
What does Umbacano want with me?
"My master is a collector of Ayleid antiquities. It has come to his attention that you recently sold an item that interests him. I believe the note will give you all the details."

Once you're led to him, Umbacano will explain the reason for his summons:

"Thank you for coming. You may recognize that statue over there on the table. The very one that you recently sold -- for less than its true worth. As you may know, I am somewhat of an enthusiast for Ayleid antiquities. In my own modest way, I have amassed a rather considerable collection. I have recently become interested in obtaining the complete set of these ancient statues. I believe that ten still exist. No mere shopkeeper knows their true worth. If you bring them to me when you find them, I will pay you double for each one."
One of the Ten Ancestors

In either case you can ask him about the statues:

Ayleid Statues
"I am looking for the complete set of ten for my collection. They were once part of the Temple of the Ancestors in the ancient Ayleid capital. Through my research, I have learned that they were removed from the temple before its sack by Men. I believe they were hidden in various Ayleid settlements across Cyrodiil, although I do not know the exact location of any of them."

If you had come to him with the statue, this will be followed by one of two lines, depending on whether you've already sold him the statue:

"Are you ready to part with your statue now?"
"Why, have you already found another statue for me?"

You can also ask him more about the Temple of the Ancestors:

"You know it as White Gold Tower -- the center of the ancient Ayleid capital of Nibenay. It was brutally sacked thousands of years ago by humans led by Alessia. The Imperial City is built over the ruins of that ancient city."

On every subsequent visit, when you approach he will say:

"Ah, the treasure hunter. Please, have a seat."

He will then greet you with:

"Ah, yes. My treasure-hunting friend. What can I do for you?"

If you have no statues in your inventory he will be disappointed

Ayleid Statues
"Yes? Have you found another statue for me?" :
No, not yet.
"Well then, you have work to do. I will continue to search the archives for any clues to the statues' locations." (if you haven't yet found a second statue)
"Well then, you have work to do. You'd best be on your way."

Once you sell him a second statue, he will be able to provide you with some more information:

[Sell statue for 500 gold.]
"Ah, a second Ancestor. Excellent. I had wondered whether the first was just luck, but I see now that you have some skill at this work. By good fortune, my research has uncovered some new information that may help you in your search for the remaining statues."
What have you learned?
"I have found the names of a number of Ayleid cities where the statues may have been taken for safekeeping during the siege of White Gold Tower. The only modern sites that still bear their ancient names are Moranda, Mackamentain, Wenyandawik, Ninendava, and Fanacas. There is no guarantee that my sources are correct, of course, but these should at least provide a starting point for your search."

As soon as he has the statue in his possession, he will break off from his activities and head to the cabinet in his private quarters, where he will place the statue. He will repeat this action for every further statue you bring him.

Once you sell him a third statue, he will offer you another task (see section below):

[Sell statue for 500 gold.]
"Beautiful. Exquisite. You have proven yourself to be quite resourceful. I have another task which should interest someone of your particular talents."

After this, his response will vary depending on how many statues you've brought him to date:

Statue Answer
Four to six "Well done! Here is your payment as promised."
Seven "I am impressed. Only three more statues to complete the set. Keep up the good work, my friend."
Eight "I had never thought to see eight of the Ancestors together again in my lifetime. Well done!"
Nine "You are doing very well in your treasure hunt, my friend. Only one more statue remains to be discovered! You are very close to earning the reward for completing the set of ten. I urge you to redouble your efforts!"
Ten "You have exceeded my fondest hopes, my friend. The Ten Ancestors are reunited at last! This is truly an historic day! As I promised when we first met, here is your reward for completing the set. Take it with my sincere thanks. It is well-deserved."

Asking him again about the statues at this point will have him sing your praises:

Ayleid Statues
"You were more resourceful than I had hoped. I esteem you greatly for your success in bringing the Ten Ancestors together again after all these years."

Nothing You Can Possess[edit]

After selling a third statue to Umbacano, he will offer you Another task:

"You have proven yourself more than a simple grave robber. I believe you can handle a more complicated assignment. Are you interested?"
I'm not interested.
"Very well. Perhaps I misjudged you after all."
Yes. Tell me more.
"Excellent. Here, take a look at this sketch. The ancient texts refer to this site only as "The High Fane." Do you know it?"

At this point, your options will vary depending on whether you have already visited Malada:

Yes, it is a ruin known as Malada.
"Malada? Really? I confess, I had never made the connection. But, yes... it makes sense... In any event, this should make your job easier than I had feared."
No, that doesn't look familiar.
"I'm not surprised. I have not been able to find any modern reference to it. Still, the architectural detail is distinctive enough, it may still be recognizable."

Either way, he will continue:

What am I supposed to be looking for?
"The High Fane dates from the Late Ayleid Period, following the fall of White Gold Tower, a very troubled time for that ancient people. A time I find most fascinating. The drawing on the bottom of the page I gave you depicts a carved panel from the central chamber of the High Fane. I believe this carving will shed new light on Ayleid history, if I am able to examine it closely. I would like you to retrieve it for me. You will need this as well. It is the key to the inner chamber of the High Fane. I part with it reluctantly, so guard it well. It is what began my search for the High Fane, many years ago."
The High Fane

At this point you can ask him for more details, with the answer varying depending on whether you've already visited Malada:

The High Fane
"Your first task is to locate the ruins of the High Fane. I believe it must now be known by a different name."
"Shouldn't you be off to Malada to retrieve the carving I want?"

After meeting fellow treasure hunter Claude Maric, you can return to Umbacano and ask about him:

Claude Maric
"I believe a little friendly competition always sharpens the wits. Even more reason for you to get back to hunting for my carving."

Once you've learned that the High Fane is at Malada, asking him about it again without the carving in your possession will annoy him:

The High Fane
"Yes, you learned that it is the ruin now known as Malada. Were you able to recover the carving yet?"
No, I haven't found it yet.
"Then I don't understand why you are still here in the Imperial City. You should return to Malada and retrieve the carving!"

If you manage to retrieve and hold onto the carving, when handing it in he will be delighted:

[Give him the carving.]
"Wonderful! You are indeed a treasure hunter of exceptional talents! Here is your reward as promised! Normally I would give you a chance to celebrate your success, but I do have another task for you, if you are interested. A rather urgent one."
The High Fane
"The carving you recovered from Malada will be invaluable in my research on the Late Ayleid Period."
Claude Maric
"I hope you don't blame me for the unpleasantness with Maric. I have no control over the man. In any case, it all turned out well, didn't it?"

If Maric has taken the carving from you but not yet sold it to Umbacano, he will have little sympathy for you:

Claude Maric stole the carving from me.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Especially since Maric has not delivered the carving either. Let me be clear: whoever delivers the carving will receive the reward. All I care about is the carving."

Should Maric have already handed it over, Umbacano will instead explain:

The High Fane
"My interest was in recovering the carving from Malada, and Maric has already delivered it to me. Our arrangement was clear. I would pay you for delivering me the carving. Since Maric delivered the carving, he earned the reward. I thank you for your efforts, but I am sure you understand that I cannot pay you for a task that you did not complete. However, I do have another task, a rather urgent one in fact, if you would like to redeem yourself."

Speaking to him again will only net you:

The High Fane
"I'm sorry you were not able to fulfill your part of our agreement, but I consider the matter closed. Please do not speak of it again."
Claude Maric
"My methods were vindicated. Apparently Maric was more capable than you. I'm sure you will try harder the next time."

Secrets of the Ayleids[edit]

After Nothing You Can Possess, Umbacano will offer you a third task:

"This is not quite in your usual line of work, but I hope you can help me just the same. A rival collector has an item which I very much want to add to my collection. But she stubbornly refuses to consider any of my offers. She and I have had our differences over the years, I admit. Now she is taking this opportunity to get her revenge. I believe that you may be able to persuade her to part with the item, where I cannot due to her prejudice against me. Are you interested?"
I'm not interested.
"Are you sure? I will pay very well. And the matter is urgent. If you decline, I will find someone else."

If decline again, he will be displeased:

Sorry, I'm really not interested in the job.
"Very well. I seem to have misjudged you."

Should you instead accept his offer, he will say one of the following lines, depending on whether you initially declined or not:

Sure, I'll take the job.
"Very good. I hope you will succeed where I have so far failed."
All right, you talked me into it.
"I hoped you would agree. I think you will be perfect for the task at hand."

Once you agree to the task, he will outline the situation and hand you 1,000 gold:

Tell me about this collector.
"Her name is Herminia Cinna. She lives here in the Imperial City, in the Elven Gardens district. She fancies herself a student of the Ayleids, although she sadly lacks any aesthetic instinct whatsover [sic]. Be that as it may. She has come into possession of an ancient relic known as the Crown of the Ayleids. Your job is to acquire it for me. Here is more than enough gold to buy it at any reasonable price. You may keep whatever you do not use as your fee."
Crown of the Ayleids
"Reputedly the crown worn by the last king of the Ayleids. It deserves to be part of my collection."
Last Ayleid King
"Very little is known of him, not even his name. He ruled the last Ayleid city in Cyrodiil during the First Era, three centuries after the Fall of White Gold Tower."

While on the quest, approaching him will have him say:

"So, have you managed to persuade Herminia Cinna to part with the Ayleid Crown?"

If you don't have the crown yet, he will be annoyed:

Crown of the Ayleids
"Have you brought me the Crown of the Ayleids?"
I don't have the Crown yet.
"Then why do you interrupt me? You will not find the Crown here. Begone."

Should you speak to Herminia to convince her to sell the crown to you, she will warn you:

"He's tried to get it from me for years. I will never allow the Crown to fall into Umbacano's hands. He is far more dangerous than you realize."
"I will never allow the Crown to fall into Umbacano's hands. He is far more dangerous than you realize."
"In the wrong hands, the Crown of the Ayleids could be very dangerous. And Umbacano is definitely the wrong hands."
Umbacano is a harmless collector.
"Far from it. His interest in the Ayleids is not that of a mere scholar. He hopes to unlock the secrets of their magical power. And if you know anything about Ayleid-ruled Cyrodiil, that should make you very uneasy."

Depending on which crown you then give him, he will say:

[Give him the Crown of Nenalata]
"Ah! Magnificent! This is my greatest prize yet!"
[Give him the Crown of Lindai]
"Interesting... these markings are unexpected... the royal glyph is not as described by Sorcalin... But no matter! This is clearly authentic Ayleid workmanship. Later ages have never seen the like."

Regardless, he will then continue:

"To think that I hold the very crown that once graced the brow of the last Ayleid king... Even to gaze upon it would have been death to anyone of the lesser races in the old days... I thank you again for your efforts. I have one final task for you, if you are still willing to face danger on my behalf."

If had you initially declined to retrieve the Crown for him and return after a couple of hours Umbacano will say:

"I had to find someone else to bring me the Crown of the Ayleids, since you were unwilling to help me. Be that as it may. I now have a task that should be better to suited someone of your particular talents."
Another task
"As I said, I believe I have something that will interest you. More in your usual line of work. And, of course, your reward will be generous."

Both the previous scenario and the ones where you give him one of the two crowns will then lead to:

What do you need me to do?
"In order to bring my research on the last king of the Ayleids to its final stage, I need to go to the Throne Room of Nenalata. While I am not without means of defending myself, I believe you would be an invaluable companion on such an expedition. Your reward will be whatever plunder you wish to carry off from Nenalata. Since the Throne Room has been sealed since the time of the Ayleids, it should provide rich pickings."
I'm not interested right now.
"You disappoint me. I was counting on your help."

If you return to him, he will plead:

Another task
"Have you reconsidered? Will you help me reach the Throne Room of Nenalata?"
I'll see you at Nenalata.
"Very well. Three days, then. Don't be late."

He will then leave the conversation with:

"Remember, I will be expecting you at Nenalata in three days time."
King of Nenalata

Despite what he says, Umbacano will actually start to make his way to Nenalata on foot at midnight on the next day after you speak to him. Once he arrives, he will stand around the entrance alongside Claude Maric. When approaching and greeting him, he will say:

"Even in its ruined state, it is magnificent, isn't it? In the days of its power, Nenalata must have been glorious indeed."
"Here you are at last. I know exactly where the Throne Room lies. Your job is simply to get me there safely."

After this he will become your follower. If you speak to him now, he will say:

"Yes? Is there a problem?"
Follow me.
"Lead the way."
Wait here.
"Very well. Scout ahead and return when it is safe."

Once you've reached the sealed entrance to the throne room, Umbacano will say:

"This is it! Just as Sorcalin described it! Follow me!"

He will then approach the wall, insert the carving retrieved from Malada and call out:

"Av Auri-El ye Tamri-El dellevoy an Arpen Aran tarnabye!"

As the stone door opens, he will approach the throne. If you try to stop him by talking to him, he will say:

"You are about to witness the glorious rebirth of Ayleid civilization. Stand aside!"

Otherwise he will reveal his true motives as he makes his way to the throne:

"Here it is... the throne of the last king of the Ayleids. And so it falls to me to begin the restoration of our ancient glory... Av Sunna Tam Riel arctavoy an Arpen Aran malaburo!"

If you gave him the Crown of Nenalata, he will be transformed into the lich King of Nenalata and will turn hostile, forcing you to fight him. Once transformed, he will possess the Staff of Nenalata and will also summon a large number of undead, calling out:

"Arise, my people! The restoration of Tam Riel begins today!"

If you instead gave him the Crown of Lindai, he will be killed upon sitting on the throne and will not be holding the staff, although the undead will still rise up.

Depending on what happened, if Claude Maric is still alive he will comment:

Umbacano
"An unfortunate end to a profitable relationship. Where will we find another like him? I wonder how he could have miscalculated so badly. Those old Elves didn't seem as glad to see him as he expected, eh?"
"I never suspected Umbacano might be up to no good. Apparently he was as mad as he was rich!"

Regardless of the outcome, when approached again Maric will say:

"Umbacano nearly did us in this time, and no mistake."

Back in the Imperial City, his employees will comment on his disappearance:

Jollring: "My master has not returned from his expedition to Nenalata. I fear the worst, but Umbacano Manor remains in my charge, and I will keep it in readiness for his return."
Umog gra-Marad: "You know, I haven't seen him around for a while. But I'm still getting paid, so what do I care?"

Unused Dialogue[edit]

  • Umbacano has a line of dialogue which was supposed to play when you handed over the Ayleid Crown of Nenalata if you had it prior to beginning the quest: "Really? You astonish me! May I see it?" As this is not possible, you will never hear it.
  • He also had an additional line about Claude Maric for when you met outside Nenalata: "I trust that you will be able to remain professional?" However, as the topic never appears you will never hear it.

Notes[edit]

  • The Umbacano Manor Key opens the manor's front door and the door to the dining room. Both Umbacano and Jollring carry a copy of this key. Umbacano's Key, carried only by Umbacano, unlocks the remaining doors in the house and the Ayleid Statue display case.
  • Umbacano was not always a wealthy collector of Ayleid antiquities. He also appears in Morrowind in an Imperial glass mine, along with Sorcalin, whom he mentions in dialogue during the quest Secrets of the Ayleids.
  • The script for the Secrets of the Ayleids quest will turn Umbacano into a stage 4 vampire and give him a 100% weakness to normal weapons if you give him the crown of Nenalata.
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