So I have decided to write my own novelization of the first Elder Scrolls game: Arena. It is a work in progress, but feel free to comment. Be advised, like i said, its a wip, so its only in its first draft, but I'd love for some encouraging comments so I know people like it. I've added my own Eternal Champion as the protagonist and I've given the Arena story more depth and detail, and it's slightly modified (i.e. protagonist is the former chief of the imperial guard, not some nobody), also I plan on making Jagar Tharn a more menacing character than he is in the game, and am going to have him do some evil stuff. Here is the prologue:

"The best techniques are passed on by the survivors..."

-Gaiden Shinji, Blademaster

First Era, 947

For centuries different factions battled in petty wars and border conflicts, until in 2E 896 Tiber Septim crushed all those who opposed him and took control, proclaiming himself as Emperor. Still, the bitter years of war had its affect on the populace. The name Tamriel, Elvish for Dawn's Beauty, seldom fell from anguished lips and was soon forgotten. In a place where life and death were different sides of the same coin tossed every day, the people of the known world began calling the land of their sorrow, the Arena... Now, 492 years after Tiber Septim took control and kept the peace, the land of Arena has a new threat. The Emperor, Uriel Septim VII celebrates his forty-third birthday. But jealous hearts desire the throne and plot his downfall. It is said that hope flies on death's wings. Prepare then, for as the Elder Scrolls have foretold, this is where our hero's adventure begins...

Prologue:

2nd of Sun's Dusk, Third Era 389

"Enter" Johlin Cineus, chief of the Imperial Guard, said in response to a knock on his door. The wooden door swung open, letting a draft into the room. Before Johlin stood General Talin Warhaft, commander of the entire Imperial Army. He was dressed in his usual armor befitting of a general, and his massive muscular figure was imposing as usual. "Johlin, the Emperor has requested to meet with us in private." "Do you know what for?" "He wouldn't say. But he wants to meet with us both in the tower." "I'll meet you outside" Johlin replied as he got up from his bed and put on his shining knight armor. The two friends walked across the busy streets of the Imperial City, taking in the scenery as they headed to the palace. Children laughed and played in the streets as merchants sold their goods on the sides. Johlin could smell freshly baked sweet rolls coming from the bakery. He smiled.

The city was always beautiful this time of year. It was so full of life. "Why would the Emperor require such secrecy?" he finally asked Talin. "He wouldn't say" "It must be urgent then." When they approached the massive gate leading to the palace doors, the watch guards stepped aside to let them through. Entering the palace, the pair walked through the many halls that stretched through the building. Servants were busy at work taking down decorations from the Emperor's birthday celebration from the previous night. Rounding the corner, Johlin nearly bumped into Ria Silmane, the apprentice to the Imperial Battlemage.

"My apologies, m'lady" "Johlin, always with the sincerity." Ria joked. She crossed her arms at the knight and smiled. Months earlier, Ria and Johlin had been romantically involved, but Johlin's duty as a knight and chief of the Imperial Guard came first. Talin and Johlin continued on their walk until they arrived at the stairs leading up the White-Gold Tower. It was the tallest structure in all of Cyrodiil, and could be seen from miles and miles away.

After climbing to the top of the 150 foot tower, Johlin and Talin walked out onto the observation floor which overlooked Tamriel. "My Lord, you wanted to see us?" Talin asked the Emperor, who had his back turned to them. He was dressed in his royal garbs, and the jewels on his golden crown sparkled in the sunlight. Emperor Uriel Septim VII turned around and looked at the two. The ruby-red Amulet of Kings necklace which displayed his status as the Emperor glittered on his neck. Septim was one of the youngest Emperors to rule Tamriel, and his attitude displayed this. He was always energetic, full of pride, and ambitious.

"Yes" was all he managed to say to the two before walking over to them. "My Lord, you asked to see us in private. Now I found ourselves speaking at the top of the White-Gold Tower. Is this urgent?" Johlin asked curiously. "You are quite astute, Johlin. This is indeed a matter of great urgency. You must agree that what I tell you up here stays here. No one must know what I'm about to tell you, it would cause too much chaos." "Of course, my Lord. We are your two best men" Talin reminded him. And he was right. "I know this, Talin." The Emperor replied as he walked back to the end of the balcony and leaned over the wall as if he was looking down at Tamriel from the heavens.

"Jagar Tharn has given me grave information: he has informed me that there is a traitor in the Imperial Court, and they plan to overthrow me tonight." His words sank in hard for Johlin. A traitor? In the Imperial Court? It could be disastrous, and possibly endanger the centuries-old Third Empire of Tamriel. "Tharn? The Imperial Battlemage? How does he know this?" Johlin asked. "You forget that Jagar is my right hand man and senior advisor. He is also my Spymaster. He has spies all over Tamriel that give him reports on the well-being of my citizens. If what he says is true, then the Empire is at risk." "What would you have us do?" asked Talin.

"Tharn has requested that Talin and I meet with him in his quarters. He has found further information on the traitor. Johlin, I want you to put the Imperial Guard on high alert." "Yes, my Lord." "Make haste, my friend. I want this traitor dealt with immediately." Johlin bowed to Septim before heading down the stairs again, leaving Talin and Septim alone. "When does he wish to meet with us?" "Tonight..."

That Night

"Sir, is everything alright?" Ticatus Uulerick asked Johlin as he stood in his office. He was one of the Imperial Guard's top lieutenants serving under him, and was also his best friend. He had noticed Johlin was staring off into space at his desk, clearly alarmed by something. Snapping out of his reverie, Johlin looked up at his friend. "Huh? Yes. Everything's fine." "You seem distressed" he replied as he pulled up a chair and opened a bottle of ale. Taking a sip, he offered the bottle to Johlin, who declined. "I'm alright. Having to get the Guard on high alert on such short notice was not pleasant, though." "Why are we on high alert, anyway? There appears to be no imminent danger?" "Believe me, I want to tell you, but I'd have to kill you if I did." Ticatus laughed. "I'm actually thirsty. Hand me a cup." Ticatus poured the ale in a cup and handed it to Johlin."Here's to the Emperor" he said, holding his ale in the air in a toast. They clinked their cups together and drank.

Meanwhile, in the palace, Septim and Talin walked to the Imperial Battlemage's quarters. "Tharn better not be wasting our time" Talin muttered under his breath. He didn't like or trust him. "Any possible threat on my life is no waste of time, Talin." They passed Ria in one of the halls, and Septim greeted her. "Wonderful night, isn't it, my Lord?" she said. "Indeed. What are you doing in the palace so late?" "Running errands for Jagar. He's busy at work in his quarters as usual." "I see. Have a nice night, Ria." "Same to you, m'Lord." As Septim and Talin approached the door to Tharn's quarters, they opened magically, letting the two in before sealing shut.

Inside his quarters, Jagar Tharn was working on some potions at his alchemy table. Draped in his battlemage robes, he had his back turned, but he felt the two's presence as they entered. "Jagar, I hope you have further information on the traitor" Septim said. Grinning beneath his hood, Tharn turned around. Jagar Tharn was a sickly looking man with pale skin and dark red eyes. In his right hand, his bony fingers and long nails were wrapped around his magical staff. In his other hand was a book on magical summoning spells. "As a matter of fact, I do, m'Lord." He closed the book and glided over to the Emperor.

"What information can you give me?" "His name." "You know who the traitor is?" said Talin. "Indeed." "Who is it then?" Septim asked impatiently. Tharn took a few steps back then whipped around and pointed his staff at the two. "You're looking at him!" he yelled before firing bolts of lightning from the staff. Septim and Talin grunted in pain before collapsing on the floor. Jagar walked over to them. He kneeled down and held the Amulet of Kings in his hand. "T-Tharn...why? You're my friend." He chuckled at the Emperor's remark. "All a ruse, I'm afraid." He looked into his reflection in the necklace. "You never deserved this" he whispered in Septim's ear before standing back up.

"I'm sure I'll do a far better job in your place. Goodbye, Uriel. Enjoy your stay in Oblivion." And with that, Tharn waved his staff in the air and opened a portal out of thin air. On the other side of the portal was the flaming realm of Oblivion. The portal sucked Septim and Talin inside Oblivion before sealing shut. Tharn was now alone. But his sensed a presence nearby. Swinging open the door with magic, he found Ria Silmane crouched before him. She had been watching the entire scene through the keyhole. The expression on her face was a mix of shock and horror.

"How could you do this?" she shouted at him. "Ria...you were my favorite student. It's a shame I'll have to kill you now." She quickly stood up and dashed down the hallway. But Ria was not fast enough for Tharn's magic. Pointing his staff at her, a bolt of lightning soared through her. She screamed before disintegrating. Returning to his quarters, Jagar magically sealed all the doors and windows before opening another portal with his staff. "It is done." "Good. Then the next part of our plan can be set in motion. I am sending my best Dremora to serve you" said the voice of Mehrunes Dagon from the other side of the portal.

There was a bright flash of light, and seven Daedric dremora appeared before Tharn. "My minions, I have plans for you all..." Jagar pointed his staff at the dremora, and smoke billowed around them. When the smoke cleared, the dremora were images of the Imperial Guard. "You are now the captains of the Imperial Guard. Your subordinates will not question your orders." Tharn looked into the jewel of his staff. "There is but one step left to complete..." he whispered to his reflection in the jewel. Tharn used all his magic and poured it into the jewel. "Argh!" He felt the magicka seep into his body as his face began to morph into an image of the Emperor's.

When he was finished, Tharn looked just like Emperor Septim himself. He laughed at the success of his plan. Everything was working. With both the Emperor and Talin gone, Tharn's plan was almost complete. He had only one loose end left to deal with...

The Next Morning

Johlin was thrown out of his sleep after the door to his room was kicked down. Four guards stormed into his quarters armed with swords and pointed them at him. One of the captains entered. "Tirius? What is the meaning of this?" Johlin demanded. "Johlin Cineus, you have been accused of treachery and plotting against the Empire of Tamriel. You're under arrest." "No! You are mistaken! I am no traitor!" Two of the guards grabbed Johlin and carried him outside. As he was dragged out into the streets he was escorted to the gates of the palace, where Uriel Septim and the entire Imperial Court was gathered.

He was kicked to the ground before the Emperor's feet. "Your Lord? What is the meaning of this?" "You traitor! Do not speak to your Emperor in such a tone!" "What have I done to receive such a title as traitor?" "Do not play the fool! Yesterday night you attempted to assassinate me in my quarters!" Bystanders who had stopped to watch gasped in horror and shock. "He killed Talin and Tharn! And is now trying to pretend he had nothing to do with it!" Citizens in the crowd spouted words like, "Traitor!" and "Hang him!" Johlin's face was filled with absolute shock. How could this have happened? "Take him to the dungeons! I'll see you hang for this, Johlin!" Septim shouted as two Imperial guards dragged Johlin away.

Chapter 1:

Ghost from the Past

23rd of Sun's Dusk, Third Era 389

Deep in the bowels of the Imperial Dungeons, there was a wing that no man dared to enter. It was so neglected, creatures like giant rats and goblins roamed its halls. This is where the Empire sent their worst criminals to die. The only man who currently occupied the wing was Johlin, who sat in his rusty cell in his tattered rags. He was skinny and starved. It had been three weeks since his imprisonment. As he laid on the stone slab that was his bed, he struggled to get sleep. All he could think of was the trial that had occurred earlier that day, and the final verdict the Imperial Court had given.

"Johlin Cineus, the Court has not found sufficient evidence to find you innocent. We find you guilty of treason and plotting against the Empire. You will be hanged by the neck tomorrow morning..." Johlin remembered seeing the sad look on Ticatus' face. He had tried to prove Johlin's innocence, but every time he did more evidence against him appeared. He looked across the room at Septim, who had a devilish grin upon hearing the sentence. Now, Johlin struggled to get sleep knowing that he would die the next morning. After tossing and turning for a few hours, he finally drifted off to sleep. But as he slept, something miraculous happened.

Johlin felt himself drifting through empty blue skies, clouds surrounding him. He felt lighter than a feather. "Where am I?" he asked. His question echoed across the strange dimension he was currently in. Suddenly, another voice echoed into his ears. "Do not fear, Johlin." It was a familiar voice he had not heard in weeks. Turning around, Johlin saw the ghostly apparition of his former love, Ria Silmane. "It is I." "Ria!" was all Johlin could say as he saw her form stand before him. He rushed over to her and extended his arms to embrace her, but she took a step back. "What's wrong? I haven't seen you in weeks. Not since...I miss you."

Ria held her arm out and touched his pale face with her transparent hand. "It is too late for me, for I am already dead. Tharn killed me the night the Emperor disappeared. Only my powers as a sorceress keep me between this life and the next." Johlin's smile disappeared, and quickly turned to a frown. "That's why you never came to my hearing. I thought you had..." "I would never have abandoned you, Johlin." His sadness quickly turned to anger. "Tharn is responsible for all of this, isn't he? Killing the Emperor and Talin? Framing it so that I would take the blame? Killing you!" "Septim and Talin are not dead. Tharn imprisoned them both in the realm of Oblivion. They are in Coldharbor, being tortured as slaves of Mehrunes Dagon."

"What am I to do? I am in prison, and am going to be hanged in the morning..."

"Listen to me, Johlin. There are no others left to carry on this fight. Ticatus is not influential enough to stop Tharn. Now that he is the Emperor, the Imperial Guard and the rest of Tamriel's knights listen to and obey him. He has left you to your fate. He does not see you as a threat now that you have been stripped of your knighthood and position. In that act of arrogance, he has made his first mistake. When you awaken, look to the north wall of this cell. You will find a ruby key which will unlock the door. Take it and make your escape. The passages here were once used by Tharn to hide treasures he had stolen from the Emperor's coffers. If you wish, you can gather enough to support yourself. Be careful, there are many creatures which inhabit this area of the dungeons now, vile rats and goblins."

Johlin watched as his surroundings began to dissipate. "My power is waning. Do not succumb to greed or you may find these tunnels to be your final resting place as well. I can still work my magic to a certain extent. If you travel west from this cell, then south, you will find a shift gate. It will transport you far enough from the center of the Empire that you should be safe. If you survive these sewers you will see me again. Remember, Johlin: Jagar Tharn has taken on the guise of the Emperor. No one will gainsay his word for yours. I will come to you once again in your dreams, so it is imperative that you rest from time to time. In that way I will be able to communicate with you and lend my aid."

As more of the dimension began to dissipate back into reality, Ria held Johlin's hands and looked him in the eyes. "You are entering a dangerous arena, my friend, one in which the players are beings beyond your mortal comprehension. I do not envy your role. There is however a power within you as yet untapped. Look for me when you have escaped to safety. You are my last and best hope...for the Empire and everyone in Tamriel. Goodbye, Johlin. Until we meet again." Ria began to walk off. "Wait! Ria...I...still lo-" before he could finish his sentence, she vanished. Johlin found himself gasping for breath as he was thrust back into reality. Looking at his surroundings, he found himself still in his dungeon cell, the only sound was that of water dripping from the ceiling.

Getting up from the stone bed, Johlin looked at the other end of the cell, and found a ruby key lying on the ground just as Ria had said. Putting it into the lock, the metal prison door squeaked and creaked as it slowly opened. Looking to his left, Johlin found a rusty dagger lying on the ground along with a small sack full of gold. Along with this was a folded shirt and some trousers. Picking up the dagger and putting on the clothes, Johlin readied himself for what was to come...