Shivering:Desideratus Annius' Ghost

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Desideratus Annius' ghost

Desideratus Annius is an Imperial warrior and resident of the ruined city of Vitharn, which was overrun by its own brethren centuries ago. As a result of the cowardice, inaction, and incompetence displayed by the denizens of Vitharn, their ghosts were cursed by Sheogorath to relive their final moments in perpetuity.

Apparently, Desideratus' whole family was killed by lunatics some time ago. As a substitute, he has directed his love to a doll, which he refers to as his "betrothed". During the Vassal’s attack, he was so obsessed with protecting her that he left his post and ran into the Vitharn Keep just to make sure she was alright. During the related quest, it’s up to you to stop his protectiveness towards the doll and, instead, stay in the defense line and fight.

You will find him in the Vitharn Bailey, standing next to Hloval Dreth. When the Vassals breaks through the first gate, Desideratus quickly leaves his post and runs into the Keep, over and over again.

He doesn't stay outside for very long, but if you manage to approach him, he will express his concern right away: "My betrothed! I must save her!" or "Please! I must find my betrothed!" When you ask him about the siege at hand, he will give you the background story: "We tried to gather the townsfolk into the keep, but it was too late. I barely had time to find my betrothed and get us inside. The gate was closed behind us. I heard the townsfolk pounding on the gate. But not for long, because then the screaming began. I'm supposed to defend the courtyard against the Fanatics. I'm supposed to stop them from getting inside the keep." When you ask him about his own problem, he will only say the following: "She is the love of my life. I would do anything to save her."

At one point, it becomes clear that you have to destroy the doll, especially if you try to just hand her over: "My Beloved! I'll carry her away to safety. Should the fanatics get her, I…I…I would have to kill them all." After that, he once again disappears into the Keep. When you destroy his doll, he will be furious but will also able to stay and fight: "You burned her?! She's gone? You have driven all meaning from my life. I shall throw myself upon the swords of the Fanatics so that I may join her sooner." And "My betrothed is gone! I cannot live without her. I only hope I can take a Fanatic with me."

One of the other soldiers in the defense line, the archer Althel, will tell you the sad story about Desideratus and his relationship with the doll: '0, 9. Ah, the doll. Poor Desideratus. 1, 5. Lunatics killed his whole family. 9, 6. That doll is all he has left of them. 5, 5, 9, 4." Hloval Dreth, on the other hand is not nearly as touched by his story: "You mean that stupid doll? I think he's been blessed a little too well by Lord Sheogorath. He's on the list. Not first though. Definitely not first." The fourth soldier, simply named Vitharn Ghost Soldier, will tell you that "Desideratus is a little too attached to that doll, if you know what I mean. They don't like to dance. It gives me the creeps." The last words belongs to Count Cirion: "Desideratus is a gentle fool. I never should have allowed him to take up the sword."

In the small graveyard near the Mausoleum, two gravestones can be found. One for Desideratus where the inscription reads: "Desideratus Annius lies here, coward and deviant." The other one is for his rag doll, and it reads: "Beloved of Desideratus Annius, ragdoll to most."

[edit] Related Quests

• Ghosts of Vitharn: Set things right for the ghosts of a fallen castle.