In Elder Scrolls Online, the quest “The Grip of Madness” is an engaging side quest in the Grahtwood region. This guide will provide an in-depth overview of the quest, focusing on the critical decision players must make between helping Mayor Aulus or the spirit of a man named Darius. We will also discuss the outcomes of each choice.
The Grip of Madness Quest Overview
“The Grip of Madness” is a side quest in the Grahtwood region, which players can receive by talking to the character named Treethane Rolon in the town of Southpoint. The main objective of “The Grip of Madness” is to investigate the cause of the madness that has afflicted the town and find a way to resolve the situation.
The Decision: Helping Mayor Aulus or the Spirit of Darius
During the quest, players will come across a difficult decision: helping one of two characters, either Mayor Aulus or the spirit of a man named Darius. Both choices have consequences that will impact the outcome of the quest.
Option 1: Helping Mayor Aulus
If players choose to help Mayor Aulus, they will need to follow his instructions to find a way to lift the madness affecting Southpoint. Aulus believes that the madness is caused by Daedric influence and requires players to destroy a Daedric artifact in the town’s cathedral.
Upon choosing this option, players will receive the following benefits:
- Mayor Aulus will survive, and the town of Southpoint will be freed from the grip of madness.
- Players will receive a unique reward, the “Aulus’s Captive Coffer” container, which contains various useful items.
Option 2: Helping the Spirit of Darius
If players choose to help the spirit of Darius, they will need to follow his instructions to find a way to lift the madness affecting Southpoint. Darius believes that Mayor Aulus is the cause of the madness and requires players to confront and defeat him.
Upon choosing this option, players will face the following consequences:
- Mayor Aulus will die, and the town of Southpoint will be freed from the grip of madness.
- Players will receive a different reward, the “Darius’s Lost Ledger” container, which also contains various useful items.
Outcomes and Consequences
Regardless of the choice made, players will successfully lift the madness affecting the town of Southpoint. The main difference between the two choices lies in the fate of Mayor Aulus and the rewards received.
By helping Mayor Aulus, players will save his life and destroy the Daedric artifact, which they believe is the source of the madness. Additionally, they will receive the “Aulus’s Captive Coffer” container as a reward. On the other hand, if players choose to help the spirit of Darius, they will confront and defeat Mayor Aulus, whom they believe is the cause of the madness, and receive the “Darius’s Lost Ledger” container instead.
Ultimately, the decision between helping Mayor Aulus or the spirit of Darius in “The Grip of Madness” comes down to the player’s preference and desired outcome. Both choices have their consequences, and players should consider their options carefully before making a decision.
