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The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles Hints

Ritual of Dementia

  • 1 of 16: This is the quest you get if you finish "Ritual of Accession" by choosing to replace Syl, Duchess of Dementia.
  • 2 of 16: You're to ask around New Sheoth about Syl's routine to help you plan her assassination.
  • 3 of 16: Actually, you can just talk to Arctus in the Sacellum to get the info you need.
  • 4 of 16: He refers you to Kithlan and Anya Herrick, so follow your two new quest arrows to find them.
  • 5 of 16: What you need to do is get their dispositions up to 60 and then talk to both of them about "Syl" and "Replaced."
  • 6 of 16: Anya will agree to distract two of Syl's dark seducer bodyguards, and Kithlan will give you a key that'll get you into the Private Gardens area.
  • 7 of 16: Enter the Private Gardens through either of its two doors and sneak over to its east side.
  • 8 of 16: If you're seen by the dark seducers who guard the gardens, they'll attack you. But that's okay if you can beat them -- it won't ruin the quest for them to see you.
  • 9 of 16: Kithlan's key will also get you through the locked door that leads to the Duchess' Quarters.
  • 10 of 16: There's nothing to worry about in there except the duchess herself, so head east to her bedroom.
  • 11 of 16: You'll find her dead on the bed, but as Kithlan will run up and tell you, that's just a decoy. The real Syl has escaped!
  • 12 of 16: Once in Xirethard, you'll need to make your way through a couple of areas to reach Syl. Hints for each are below.
  • 13 of 16: Return to the Sacellum Arden-Sul and use the big altar inside to put Syl's heart in its bowl.
  • 14 of 16: After Arctus proclaims you to be the new Duke of Mania, talk to Sheogorath to report your success.
  • 15 of 16: You'll be interrupted by a lengthy cut-scene in which Thadon shows up and rags on Sheo for sponsoring your takeover of the House of Dementia. He'll threaten to join the side of Order and storm out.
  • 16 of 16: After that happens, talk to Sheo again to get the Summon Dark Seducer greater power and the Ring of Lordship.