Great House Questlines
The Great Houses are the pillars of Dunmer society on Vvardenfell, each with its own unique culture, ideology, and territory. Engaging with their questlines offers a deep dive into the political machinations, ancient traditions, and internal conflicts that define Morrowind. Successfully navigating these quests can grant sificant rewards, influence, and access to powerful allies.
There are five Great Houses, though only three are prominently featured with extensive questlines in Morrowind:
- House Hlaalu: Known for their pragmatism, mercantile prowess, and willingness to deal with the Empire. Their quests often involve business dealings, political maneuvering, and dealing with criminal elements. They are generally more open to outsiders and trade.
- House Redoran: A more traditional and honorable Great House, emphasizing martial prowess, duty, and adherence to Dunmer customs. Their quests often involve combat, upholding justice, and defending their honor and territory.
- House Telvanni: A reclusive and magically inclined Great House, known for their powerful wizards and their mushroom towers. Their quests often involve arcane research, magical experimentation, and dealing with the unique challenges of their magically potent members. They are generally isolationist and distrustful of outsiders.
The other two Great Houses, Dres and Indoril, are less central to the player's direct questing experience but are still sificant political entities on the island.
Starting Great House Quests:
To begin a Great House questline, you typically need to gain entry into the House. This often involves:
- Reputation: Building a positive reputation with the specific Great House through various means, such as completing minor tasks or impressing their members.
- Introduction: Being introduced by a member of the House or completing an initial task that proves your worth.
- Location: Visiting the headquarters or key settlements associated with each Great House. For example, Balmora is a major Hlaalu center, Ald'ruhn for Redoran, and Sadrith Mora for Telvanni.
Quest Progression and Rewards:
As you progress through a Great House's questline, you will undertake increasingly challenging tasks that often pit you against rival Houses, dangerous creatures, or internal dissent. Rewards can include:
- Gold: Sificant monetary rewards are common.
- Unique Items: Powerful weapons, armor, and magical artifacts specific to each House.
- Rank Advancement: Rising through the ranks of the Great House, granting you access to more resources, followers, and privileges.
- Influence: Gaining political clout and respect within the Dunmer community.
It is generally not advisable to serve multiple Great Houses simultaneously, as their quests can often put you at odds with each other. Choose the House that best als with your character's alment and playstyle.