If one inquires about the latest rumors with the innkeeper Kleppr at the "Silver-Blood Inn" in Markarth, it is learned that Brother Verulus has closed the Hall of the Dead. It is noted that this action does not make him particularly popular within the city.

Speak to Verulus about the Hall of the Dead
Depending on whether the Stormcloaks or the Imperials are in control of Markarth, Brother Verulus is located inside Understone Keep, either engaged in a heated conversation with Thongvor Silver-Blood or standing outside the locked door to the Hall of the Dead. If questioned regarding the Hall, he merely states that entry is forbidden and that he cannot discuss the underlying reasons.
An attempt can now be made to change his mind through persuasion or bribery (intimidation will not succeed) in order to obtain the key. Verulus also confidentially reveals the discovery that some of the deceased have been eaten. Thus far, catching anyone in the act has been impossible, as if the perpetrator knew when the coast was clear. He wishes the player success in investigating the matter and admonishes them to be cautious.

Investigate the Hall of the Dead
After a few paces inside the crypt, a comforting voice is perceived within one's mind. The voice allegedly senses that one experiences hunger and a rumbling stomach at the sight of the dead. One is told not to fear and to remain. Suddenly, a woman named Eola approaches and speaks in a similar manner regarding curiosity and a craving for human flesh. One is told not to feel guilty, as a friend who understands has now been found.

Apparently, one is mistaken for a cannibal pursuing their urges, and Eola displays a high degree of understanding for this inclination. It is stated that Namira, the Daedric Prince of decay, possesses a place within Reachcliff Cave where like-minded individuals can satisfy their appetite without facing judgment. However, the dead at that location have recently awakened from their slumber, forcing Eola to retreat here. One is requested to meet her outside the cave to "fight our way to Namira's embrace together." Following this, she renders herself invisible and proceeds ahead. ★

Tell Verulus the Hall of the Dead is safe / Clear the Draugr from Reachcliff Cave
Upon returning to Verulus, he can be reassured that the deceased here will no longer be disturbed. He expresses gratitude for this heroic deed and is pleased to be able to reopen the Hall. One is rewarded with the Amulet of Arkay.

Due to the quest marker, the cave is located quickly, and one can either take Eola along for assistance or instruct her to wait. With her intriguing philosophy in mind that "the dead exist to feed the living," entry into the cave is made.
Inside, undead warriors roam the ancient corridors and halls. The final room - a dining hall containing Namira's shrine - is also guarded by the eternal sentinels. Once the highest-ranking Draugr at the end is defeated, a secret passage leading to the outside can be discovered in the anteroom.
If Eola was left waiting outside the cave, she must now be notified.

Speak to Eola
Eola is pleased that the shrine belongs to "us" once again and intends to hold a feast to welcome the player into Namira's coven. One is granted the honor of procuring fresh prey for the main course, and she already knows the perfect individual: Brother Verulus from Markarth. One receives 100 gold to convince the priest to tag along, as the Daedric Prince will handle the rest once he stands before Namira.

Convince Verulus to follow you / Lead Verulus to the Shrine of Namira
In Markarth, an attempt can be made to hire Verulus as a follower through persuasion. If this is unsuccessful, bribery will function. Following this, it is recommended to travel to the secret passage via fast travel and enter the cave with Verulus. The interior decoration has changed in the meantime. Candle decorations and blood-splattered stones are intended to emphasize the festive atmosphere. The guests have already arrived and gather around the richly set table. Some are old acquaintances from Markarth, such as Lisbet from "Arnleif and Sons Trading Company," Banning the hound seller, or Hogni Red-Arm ("The bloodiest beef in the Reach!").
Upon approaching, Verulus questions the attendees about who they are and what they are doing here. Eola approaches and greets him warmly. Either Eola's words or the proximity to the shrine exert a hypnotic effect upon the priest. She suggests fatigue to him and offers that he may rest while the meal is prepared. Verulus subsequently strolls to the altar and lies down.

Kill Verulus / Feast on Verulus
The meal rests upon Namira's table. One is now prompted to carve it. If the intention is to complete the quest regularly, Verulus must be killed. Following this, as an initiation into the coven, one is granted the honor of taking the first bite. Once one has strengthened themselves upon the blood and gall of Verulus (a short animation shows the consumption of the priest's still-warm innaries), Namira's words are heard. She states that it pleases her that one feeds upon Arkay's creatures. One receives her ring and her blessing. Regardless of the response given to her, the quest concludes.

Eola admits to having immediately perceived the special qualities within the player upon entry into the Hall of the Dead. One is celebrated by all as the Champion of Namira and Keeper of the Ring.

Known Bugs

• It is safer to avoid fighting alongside Eola against the Draugr. She can be killed by the Draugr or by a regular follower, which causes the quest to fail.
• If one does not inquire about rumors but instead addresses Verulus directly, a subsequent conversation with the innkeeper Kleppr can lead to a permanently remaining journal entry: "Speak to Verulus about the Hall of the Dead".

Tips & Notes

• The cannibalism themed in this quest (the consumption of conspecifics in general) represents anthropophagy (the consumption of human flesh specifically by humans) more accurately.
• Aside from a Restoration skill book, scarcely anything is found within the Hall of the Dead.
• If the third dialogue option is selected after the conversation with Eola in Markarth, she attacks and the quest fails. Returning to Verulus remains possible, allowing one to report success and receive the Amulet of Arkay from him.
• Reachcliff Cave can be cleared of Draugr prior to the quest, although the final section remains inaccessible. An advantage, however, is that the loot within the cave is refreshed upon starting the quest. Looting the location twice is therefore possible.
  

  

• If the cave has been cleared without Eola, one can retrace the same path back (which is shorter) or utilize the lateral secret passage to notify her. Occasionally, she notices on her own that the coast is clear and approaches through the main entrance. If she is killed, the quest fails, but looting the entire cave up to that point remains possible.
• Verulus is a capable mage. While Eola and the guests wait inside Reachcliff Cave, completing other quests with him as a follower is possible.
• The side entrance is also inaccessible from the outside prior to the quest:
  
  "Reachcliff Secret Entrance" prior to and during the quest.
  
  
• The killing of Verulus is considered a murder.
• Following the quest, the guests can be encountered in Markarth again, and some possess unique dialogue. For instance, Lisbet reveals information regarding her spouse and her brother... The feast is discussed only in hushed tones.
• If Namira's Ring is equipped, certain guards will remark: "- Ugh. Your breath is foul. What've you been eating?"
• If one experiences pity for Verulus or feels revulsion regarding the completion of the quest, killing Eola instead is possible. Consequently, the guests become hostile, but the priest stands up and returns to Markarth somewhat dazed. For his rescue, one receives gold in a leveled amount from him (1500 gold at level 56). The quest is considered failed.
• Completing the quest is not mandatory to receive the Steam achievement "Oblivion Walker". Acquiring all other Daedric artifacts and obtaining two from Hircine suffices.