If it weren't for that bitch queen and her brats, I would have had my throne long ago, patiently awaiting my rightful ascent. Lysandus was a fool, his false death merely a convenience I repurposed for my grander design, a small price for true power. These orcs, Gortwog's savages, are but pawns to be discarded once Wayrest is firmly in my grasp, their utility fleeting. And you, you persistent shadow, have dug where you should not have, disturbing a king I took great pains to silence. The crown of Wayrest is my destiny, a truth that burns brighter than any ephemeral loyalty or pathetic sentiment. Even if I stumble here, the threads of my ambition are woven deep, and others will carry forth what I have begun. So come, face the architect of Wayrest's future, for the true game has only just begun.
Lord Woodborne, a prominent nobleman and general of the Wayrest army, serves as the primary antagonist in the main storyline of The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall. His ambition and treachery drive many of the pivotal events in the game's narrative.
Background
Lord Woodborne held the position of a powerful noble in Wayrest and was instrumental in King Lysandus's efforts during the War of Betony. He was also betrothed to Princess Elysana, a strategic alliance intended to further his own political aspirations. Woodborne's ultimate goal was to ascend to the throne of Wayrest, a desire he pursued through cunning and ruthless means.
Personality
Woodborne is characterized by his scheming, manipulative, and traitorous nature. He is deeply ambitious and possesses a profound sense of entitlement. The court of Wayrest, upon discovering his treachery, labels him a "villainous swine" and a "cad of the first order," reflecting his unpleasant and deceitful disposition. He expresses clear disdain for those he perceives as obstacles, particularly Queen Barenziah and her children, whom he views as "brats" standing in his way.
Motivations
Woodborne's primary motivation is to seize the crown of Wayrest. He meticulously orchestrated events to eliminate those who stood between him and power. His grand scheme also involved acquiring the Totem of Tiber Septim to control the Numidium, a powerful artifact that could grant him immense dominion.
Key Actions
Woodborne's most significant act of treachery was the assassination of King Lysandus. Initially, he assisted Lysandus in faking his death to allow the king to elope with his lover, Medora Direnni. However, Woodborne betrayed Lysandus during this scheme, ensuring his actual demise. This act directly led to Lysandus's ghost haunting Daggerfall, screaming for vengeance, and setting the central plot of the game in motion. He also conspired to assassinate King Eadwyre of Wayrest to clear his path to the throne.
Relationships with Other Characters
King Lysandus: Their relationship began as a military alliance during the War of Betony. Woodborne then played a central role in Lysandus's faked death and subsequent murder, driven by his own lust for power.
Princess Elysana: Woodborne's betrothal to Princess Elysana was a calculated move to legitimize his claim to the throne of Wayrest.
King Eadwyre (of Wayrest): Woodborne plotted Eadwyre's assassination as part of his plan to become king.
Queen Barenziah: Woodborne harbored resentment and distrust towards Queen Barenziah, viewing her as an impediment to his ambitions for Wayrest.
Prince Gothryd (Lysandus's son): Gothryd was seemingly involved in the initial plan to fake Lysandus's death. Woodborne's dying words, "It is up... to... to Gothryd now," suggest a deeper, possibly conspiratorial, connection or a continuation of his schemes through Gothryd.
Gortwog (Chieftain of the Orcs): Woodborne allied with Gortwog and his Orcs. The Orcs were involved in the assassination of Lysandus and were intended to be further used in Woodborne's bid for power in Wayrest.
The Hero of Daggerfall (Player): Woodborne considers the player character a significant "thorn in my side" for investigating Lysandus's death, ultimately leading to their direct confrontation.
Significant Quotes
Woodborne's dialogue reveals his ruthless ambition and contempt for his rivals:
"If it weren't for that bitch queen and her brats, I would and could be patient."
"Never trust a dark elf the old saying goes, for you cannot read truth in their eyes."
"I will deal with her just as I did with Lysandus."
"The fool should have agreed to support me. Gortwog and his orcs almost saved him. I'll deal with those sub-humans once I sit upon the throne of Wayrest."
"You have been a thorn in my side for a long time now. A wiser person would have let sleeping kings lie. Especially when I have gone to such great lengths to kill them. Yes, I killed King Lysandus. And now it will be a pleasure to slay you. En garde!"
His dying words: "I am... done in. It is up... to... to Gothryd now. May you... rot in hell. I most... certainly shall."
Lore Context
Lord Woodborne is central to the "Lysandus' Revenge" questline, which forms a significant part of Daggerfall's main plot. His actions contribute to the political instability plaguing the Iliac Bay region, a recurring theme in Daggerfall. His involvement with the Totem of Tiber Septim also connects him to the larger narrative surrounding the Numidium and the potential for immense power and destruction it represents.
Events for a Monologue
A monologue from Lord Woodborne could draw heavily on several key events and motivations:
The War of Betony and Lysandus's "Death": Woodborne could reflect on his role in the war, his initial "assistance" to Lysandus, and the pivotal moment he decided to betray the king. He could describe the calculated decision to turn Lysandus's faked death into a true assassination, detailing the strategic necessity and the thrill of seizing such an opportunity.
His Ambition for Wayrest: He could express his deep-seated desire to rule Wayrest, lamenting the "obstacles" of King Eadwyre, Queen Barenziah, and her children. His contempt for them and his conviction that he is the rightful ruler could be a central theme.
His Alliance with Gortwog: Woodborne could acknowledge his pragmatic alliance with Gortwog and the Orcs, perhaps expressing his disdain for them while recognizing their utility in achieving his goals, and his intention to dispose of them once he secured the throne.
The Persistent Ghost of Lysandus and the Player Character: He might express frustration and anger at Lysandus's ghost continuing to haunt Daggerfall, disrupting his plans, and the annoyance caused by the player character's persistent investigation. His monologue could build to a defiant challenge to the player, reiterating his conviction that "wiser persons would have let sleeping kings lie."
His Betrothal to Elysana: He could elaborate on the strategic importance of his betrothal to Princess Elysana, not out of affection, but as a direct route to the throne.
Contemplating His Legacy and the Future of Wayrest: Even facing defeat, he might muse on the inevitability of his vision for Wayrest, hinting at unresolved plots or other conspirators, perhaps even alluding to Gothryd's potential future role.
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