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dwemer

Dwem a Little Dwemer...

Author: 
Anonymous
Sotha Sil
 
I watch. I wonder. I build. I tear down.
 
Am I a god? A surely as any are.
 
Gods have forever to measure their words. Mortals only moments to hear them.
 
Is the Lord Vivec a god? As surely as I am.
 
Vivec is a poet. Trust not the words of a poet, as he is born to seduce. Yet for poetry to sieze the heart, it must ring with the chimes of truth.
 
Is the Lady Almalexia a god? As surely as is Lord Vivec.
 
Almalexia is a warrior. Beware the warrior, as her steel may not distinguish friend from foe. But in a true hand, a sharp blade may carve history.
 
Again you ask, am I a god?
 
I am Sotha Sil. I am the Mage. I am the Clockmaker.
 
You ask where my Clockwork City is? Some say in the swamps of Black Marsh. Others claim it is deep in the ground beneath Ebonheart. I have even heard it told that my city is contained within a jar on the Lady Almalexia's mantle. These are all true, and false. My city is where I live, and I live in my city. Its location is unimportant, as I am its only citizen.
 
The Dwemer were the Dwemer. The Chimer were the Chimer. Now the Dwemer are gone and the Chimer are changed. Azura's words weigh heavy, but we have discussed the words of gods already, have we not?
 
I am Sotha Sil.
 
I watch. I wonder. I build. I tear down.
 

Sotha Sil

 
Thieves? An interesting concept. Did we steal the essence of the Divine, or was it given to us freely, that we might lead our people into a new age?
 
Few called us thieves when by words and by rite the Princes of Oblivion were bound to a truce. Fewer still when Mehrunes Dagon broke that truce and himself was broken on the soil of Mournhold.
 
The events of Red Mountain happened so long ago. What has Lord Vivec told you about that day? Did he wrap it in riddles, give you an array of possible pasts all leading to the same inevitable future? That is his way.
 
Do not curse him for this, as this is what he is. A puzzle. The opposition to his own viewpoint.
 
Almalexia would tell the story best, I think. She of us all was the closest to Nerevar. Lover. Counsel. General. And she of us all wears the mantle of a god most proudly. She has walked among the people and learned their frailties. Learned them well.
 
Men of god? Gods of men? Which should you fear most?
 
You wonder where the Dwemer have gone? Perhaps better to wonder why one remains. Even gods dislike the absolute, for it stinks of something larger than themselves.
 
Still I watch.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
Upon arriving at my tower, I was informed by one of my wives that a wonderous discussion has taken place without my knowlege. Bear with me, for my long journey has left me weary.
 
And so, the debate over the Tribunal, Kagrenac's tools, and the Dwemer has arisen once again! My dear up-and-coming scholars, the facts are there! Can you not see the truth? Allow me to prod a bit on your senses in order to bring some light into this topic.
 
The Tribunal....
 
Vivec, Almalexia, and Sotha Sil are God heroes, are they not? Self made upon using Kagrenac's tools (which I will discuss in a bit) upon Lorkhan's Heart. Azura punished them, and their peoples (yes, including me!). The dark skin and fiery eyes is a visible and alarming reminder. Is this coincidence that the change happened upon the breaking of the oath? Azura is indeed the culprit. Had the "Tribunal" not undergone this deed, Azura would have taken no action. Did Azura take the lives of the Dwemer for attepting use of the Heart? A question that only the Goddess can answer, but I do not believe so. Nobody knows what plans Kagrenac had for the Heart. Perhaps Kagrenac's use of the Heart was the undoing of the Dwemer. Either by plan or by mistake. This is of little concern to the Tribunal. They got what they came for. To walk in the "Shadows of Gods". To send their general off to a Battle and recover their prize. Nerevar was, in my opinion, expendable, to them. Nerevar would know the truth behind the Dwemer and the Tribunal hunger for Power. This brings me to another matter.... did Nerevar indeed die of his wounds, or did the Tribunal fear his knowlege of the truth, and silence him, forever? Surely the Tribunal and Azura would know. Azura was quite fond of Nerevar, and it is possible that *IF* the Tribunal did exterminate Nerevar, Azura cursed the Tribunal and the chimer for this. The Dissident Priests seem to believe this aspect, as do I.
 
Kagrenac's Tools....
 
Keening, Sunder, and Wraithguard. The very same tools that Kagrenac designed and constructed to harness the Power of the Heart. Can these tools also be used to destroy the Heart? Are they intended to send the Heart back to it's origin? Or are they simply used as tools to draw forth Power for individual consumption? Well, we know how the Tribunal used them. The mystery is, what were Kagrenac's plans for them? Sotha Sil was able to decipher their use for tapping into the Power. The Tribunal paid a visit to Red mountain with the Tools and did just that, thus, becoming "God-Men".
 
The Dwemer....
 
First and foremost, one must ask themselves, were the dwemer a carefree or a careless race? Were they tolerable or were they tyrants? Did they create machines of offensive or defensive? What *IS* known is, they were great inventors of machine and construct. Magic was not favored by them, but it is rumored that there was some practice within their numbers.
 
Did the Tribunal fear them? We know that in order for the Tribunal to gain their "God-Men" Power, they had to defeat the Dwemer to recover what they had in their possession. It is not very likely that the Tribunal feared the Dwemer, they simply feared what the dwemer could become. Afterall, an entire race that was as poswerful as the small Tribunal would be quite a power to be reconned with.
 
Their disappearance is still a mystery that grows deeper and deeper with every step taken forward. We know that *ALL* Dwemer (with the exception of my good friend Yagrum) vanished when Kagrenac struck the Heart with his tools. Where they went is the true mystery. Many theories say they were transported to Oblivion. Quite a harsh place to *want* to go, if that was their plan. It is possible they went somewhere by accident. It is even possible they just ceased to exist at all. The idea that they are lost in time is quite new to me. I highly doubt that since the laws behind time would govern us to not even recall they even existed. Trully something supernatural, indeed. I *DO* know what happened, but in all reality, I do NOT know where they have gone or is they are in all truth, dead.
 
Perhaps, with the meeting of our minds and studies, we can find more meaning and resolve to these matters at hand. I have dedicated much of my time and work to this subject and expect to find some sense in it.
 
And beware the Tribunal. For years, they have known what we do not. They speak in odd Tongues and bite like snakes in tall wickwheat. Their secret is their true Power. For, the return of the Nerevarine Prophecy will bring them into the light and their true identities shall be known. Their words should be taken with a grain of skooma.
 
 

Divayth Fyr

 
Ah, B, my good friend, you overestimate my intentions. I am but a student. A student of the mysteries that engulf the land entire. It is not my way to tackle obstacles. It is my way to solve them. One may know how to climb a mountain, yet one may never climb it. I do not seek the Power of the Heart. I yearn to understand it. Just as the Dwemer may have. We do not know for sure that they wished to weild such power. Perhaps they simply wished to understand it's uses. Not necessarily use them. One can only speculate.
 
I had the opportunity of gaining audience with Sotha Sil some time ago. Indeed, it was long ago. He has since then gone into complete seclusion. He had little to say but would listen with an ever alert sense. I tried to persuade him into working with me on some theories involving the fluxuation of power that the Dwemer seemed to have mastered in their steam driven machina. Although he appeared quite interested, he was pressed for another duty. One which he did not, and would not mention. I bid him farewell and took my leave. He was nil seen after that meeting. I do agree, that Sotha Sil shares an interest as I do, but we are very much different. As I wish to understand, he wishes to utilise. He is the farthest thing from Psijic. I believe Sotha Sil cared not for Psijic Ways. There is order in the Ways, and Sotha Sil tends to follow only HIS order.
 
In the past, it would appear that the Tribunal have lost much communication with one another. With the reversing of Sotha Sil's Clockwork and his silence and seclusion, Vivec straining all power to hold aloft the mighty Blight, and Mournhold on the horizon of becoming a major Capital, the Man-Gods have their hands full. And with the Nerevarine Prophecy knocking on their doors, I would imagine there is nil cheer, but fear, in their hearts. What does the Prophecy have in store for them.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
Very interesting theories indeed, Raptor. Quite a bit of insight for a young up-and-coming scholar. Surely, the word "betrayal" rings out far and wide in this Tribunal circle. It is my belief, that there is a conspiracy that is still hidden in the depths of the Tribunal knowlege. Azura surely knows of it. Nerevar would too. I cannot say for sure if Nerevar betrayed Dagoth Ur, but we know that Dagoth is one that cannot be trusted, by writings. The Dissident Priests believe tell that Dagoth had a plan of his own.
 
The Raised King Wulfarth, the Nords, and the Orcs all played parts in this enormous plot. With all these players in their prospective positions, none may know of the Dwemer disappearance though. To know the answer to this mystery, one must understand the Powers that the heart held, Kagrenac's Tools, and Kagrenac's Plans. With an understanding of these issues, one may be able to unlock the demise of the Dwemer. Even speaking with Yagrum, he cannot be sure of what exactly happened and what the plans for the tools were. As of where my research currently stands, the only excuse for Yagrum's existence is the fact that he contracted Corprus, possibly rendering him immune to the disappearance. This, however, has a major loophole. Corprus and the Blight did not appear until AFTER the disappearance of the Dwemer. Is it possible that Corprus existed before? There is no record of it in all of Tamrielic history prior to the event. Much more is still hidden that we have yet to see, I am afraid. The Dwemer may still play a part in Tamrielic history I imagine. I do not think we have seen the end of them yet. Are they buying time in an out of reach location? It would appear that they left behind Centurions and Sentrys to keep guard of their strongholds. Did the Dwemer REALLY lose at Red Mountain? Perhaps that is what they wish us to think.
 
What is true?
 
What is false?
 
Who is right?
 
Who is wrong?
 
Surely, all of our words are false, and we are all wrong? The Tribunal would make it so.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
My dear lad, Striker.... you appear to write as though I take all truth from scriptures and words. Alas, that is quite the contrary. Allow me to build on what I was attempting to say.
 
There is no solid proof that the Dwemer ever even HAD a "link" to the Heart. All we know is, they had the Heart in their possession and somehow, upon striking the Heart with the tools, they disappeared. I can so no more of this considering it is all that is known. As for the Tribunal, considering the Heart is their Power source, who knows just how their Powers would react to a severed link. Would they lose them? The only sure fire way of knowing would be in attempting such a feat.
 
My love for the Tribunal is no more than for a stranger passing on the road. It is quite passive, entering with little trust until proven. The Dissident Priests are a shady lot, yet they are true to the Ashlander belief, and stern believers in Nerevar. Now you, as an individual, neither of the Priests nor the Tribunal, must ask yourself, are the three "False Gods". In the context that the Dissident Priests paint, possibly so. In "MY" context, they are. Had they ascended by another means, suitable to comfort the Gods, I do believe they would be True enough Gods. However, they are no REAL Gods. What IS a REAL God?Surely one would believe Azura a REAL God [Goddess] if one were inclined to believe in her. Without the ramblings of an old Dunmer who must get back to his studies sometime today, I personally consider them "Powerful Dunmer". No more, no less. Mind you, these are MY words. They are real enough to bleed and they walk with fellow Dunmer. In the sense of "Gods", they do not fit the description.
 
Surely you must be mistaken if you think I believe what I read in scriptures and myths. I simply bring up The Five Songs of King Wulfarth for those who hunger for some insight to the Red Mountain situation of past. They are to be taken, my no means, as truth. Just as I, should be not taken for truth. They are quite innacurate, simpy because there is no proof. They certainly contain many holes which only lead to more puzzlement, and that is where the reading gets interesting. So, certainly, the writing can be used, simply because, that is all we have, and to draw questions from that is the only way to put the true puzzle together. As many of my fellow scholars know, I know quite a bit of what happened through my researches and studies. However, I am sworn to my secrecy outside of my council.
 
A trip to Almelexia would be quite a step towards your researches. I have done so on many occasion. Such a wonderous city and named for the ever beautiful and deadly member of the Tribunal. Her audience will not be so easily accomplished though it would be a step in the right direction. Good luck in your ventures.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
I shall attempt to follow suit with as many questions as I can in my pressing time. For, I am due for a great feast with the council in short due time.
 
All very good assumptions and theories from this gathering. Quite intuitive. But, if you will allow me to add a small trinket of knowlege that has been completely overlooked, then I shall. If you have heard recently, the reincarnate, Lord Nerevar, did indeed confront the Heart, and it's loyal servant, Dagoth Ur. Nerevar had these great tools of Kagrenac, did he not? Think now, did he use just any ONE tool? Was there a particular way he had to use them? Think about these and I shall check with this gathering after my council feast.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
Allow me to reiterarate what i was building on earlier.
 
The tools that the "reincarnate" of Nerevar used on the Heart (a correction in identity of this lone hero) were as follows....
 
Wraithgurd
 
Keening
 
Sunder
 
The very same tools that Kagrenac built to tap into the Hearts power, and the same tools the Tribunal used to gain their "Power".
 
These tools may have to be used in some sort of combination. I have have heard tell of the combination that the "reincarnate" used, but have yet to speak with this "Hortator" that defeated Dagoth Ur. Perhaps the combination was NOT known by Kagrenac upon weilding his tools upon the Heart, there was some reprecussion that he did not expect, thus, causing the disappearance. Sotha Sil may have learned of the enchantments on the tools and deciphered the combination, allowing the Tribunal to correctly use the tools. Is it possible that Kagrenac did NOT know this combination that the Tribunal and the "reincarnate" used? Maybe there was another combination that Kagrenac used that Sotha Sil did not find. Speculation is all. I plan to meet with this "Hortator" and question him of his use of the tools. This may aid me in my understanding of the tools and perhaps, gain some more clues as to the Dwemer disappearance. If any of my fellow scholors here has any information on the use or combination of these tools, feel free to share your knowlege. It may give us some deeper insight.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
The Tribunal hads always respected my work and research to the point of tolerance. They do not always agree with my purpose and opinions, but they also realise my contributions. I do not wish to stand about and wave a flag in my honor, but I have been around for some time and have become one of the more "powerful" and "knowlegable" mortals of this plane. I *DO* house a Dwemer and Yagrum is not a trophy. Vivec and the other Tribunal members may or may not know of his existense, this I do not know, but I also do not keep him secret from the Tribunal. If Vivec were to ask, I surely would inform him. I would not release Yagrum to Vivec's hold without a very good reason, of which I am sure the Tribunal could not consider one worthy enough. I hold no enchantments proecting Yagrum from being seen as I am not his protector. Yagrum is a friend and Iam his host. I work closely with him and we research many articles together. For, in Yagrum's prime, he was quite a scholor himself. Corprus has taken quite a lot out of him and controlling the madness has become much of his internal battle. His memory and wisdom have failed him much since his people's disappearance and Corprus. Perhaps, if the Tribunal know this, they realise there is little threat from him. I recognise the Tribunal and offer much advice and play role as advisor on many an occasion, although I remain one of their largest skeptics. It is an aquaintance built on respect more-so than friendship.
 
Also, do remember, with the coming of the named "Hortator" and reincarnate, the defeat of the Heart has altered the Tribunal. Still powerful, yet, I am quite sure much of their power has left them when the Heart took it's absence. Knowking just what they are capable of at this point is quite beyond my knowlege.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
My Heart!? Surely my friend, you flatter me, however, weilding my Heart would merely bring one a wet, blood-laden hand. My existense is quite mortal. My flesh is of the earth. My magics are of the mind. My mind is within the winds whence life leaves my body. Any material form of me will be quite useless when I am "returned". The most I have to offer the Tribunal will come in my living years. This they know, and this they follow by. To slaughter me for power would be quite a senseless act with nothing to gain. I will admit, numerous writs have come down bearing my namesake, and no Tong taking the challenge has ever left my Tower with his skin. Within my Halls, I live by the Law of Fyr. Many would believe that taking claim to my possessions will make them mighty indeed, but that is simply their fear of the mystery that surrounds me. I am quite mortal. Power gained was power earned. But mine, is most assuredly, power of knowlege.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
I am not, Divayth Fyr.
 
The words of many who I allow court. What exactly defines the "proper" Divayth Fyr?
 
He is not Divayth Fyr, and Divayth Fyr simply is not he.
 
"He" is not the man, but he asked you, "Who was he?"
 
I am, Divayth Fyr.
 
Had I better relations with the Tong, a lawful writ might be sought out. And do know this.... the words of the "one", Divayth Fyr, are never to be taken as, what you prefer to as, "official". Being but a scholar and student/teacher of lore, to be something of "official" is furthest from truth. Had my words been "official", I would hardly take audience with students, such as yourself. So I ask this of you, the one called bigdog60960, show respect until the respect is spent and absorbed by ignorance. Whence I lose your respect, your accounts shall press my shadow towards the sun until it is no more.
 
I am, Divayth Fyr. Psijiic of the Old. Scholar of the New.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
Good day to you and may you enjoy your travels in Morrowind. Let not my words offend you.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
I spoke with the Elders of the council, and a debate broke out concerning the public release of the Dwemer language. I shall continue on with my persuasion and will eventually win, but please remain patient. I am quite sure such a release will aid the lot of you in your researches.
 
It is, however, quite a risk on my behalf. The Tribunal may not appreciate my sharing of such a thing. I could not tell you why, but it is a specualtion.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
I have news on the council hearings regarding the Dwemer speach. The council seems all too afraid of the Tribunal at this point. The recent events surrounding Vvardenfell have everyone looking for answers and keeping tight on their observations. The council is more concerned with understanding this "outlander" than releasing any sort of documentation. BUT, what was discussed was a missing volume of a Dwemer translation of a popular book. This translation's whereabouts are unknown but it is possible that it is in this province. It has long been sought after by members of the council and lore masters alike, but no recovery has been claimed. I too shall begin a search for it and relay any clues as to it's location as I come across them. This wold indeed, be a wonderful find and quite a prize.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
Operation of the Dwemer constructs isnt too hard to figure out actually. Yagrum here builds them out of pure fun, and many folk across the continent with the mechanical know-how have even succeeded at building these creations. Given they have the correct materials, they are quite simple. An old theory that they used a combination of steam power and magicka was questioned when a fellow in southern Morrowind built one successfully without an understanding of the magical arts. The Dwemer used a power source of which is long lost to our knowlege and you can still find a many of these power containers around. They go for a pretty drake. As for the fellow in the south, he was able to concoct a power source out of various ingredients, including an elixir, from which he would not reveal the specifics. I imagine it came from an illegal market and was not cheap in the slightest bit. His creations resemble the Dwemer constructs given he uses spare parts from them. He is quite an open fellow regarding them, and seeks to market them in some manner. Now, these being powered by a fluid source, can only mean that they will cease to operate once the drain this fuel or power. Clearly, not what the Dwemer used.
 
Now, my idea for the Dwemer power source would still lean towards a combination of magicka and steam. Not all magicka was ignored by the Dwemer. It was simply not a widely used and taught art. If there were some way of knowing what exactly was in the containers that still lie about, I might be able to decipher such a thing and solve this riddle. Quite simply though, it is unlikely. Yagrum would know, but alas, he has lost much of his sanity and mind to the sickness. Perhaps one day, it will come back to him.
 

Yagrum Bagarn

 
It makes me happy to see that so many are devoted to unlocking the truth of the Dwemer! I was quite intrigued to pay a visit to this gathering of minds once Master Fyr informed me of such an event. I have read through the gathered notes in hopes that something would possiblt spark a glint of my long lost knowlege. Some seems quite possible, but none can bring forth my past memory.
 
I can, however, delve on the topic of the constructs. Given I have the right parts, I can create and repair several different variations. Master Fyr thinks it may aid me in my sickness to keep my mind on something that I know and appreciate doing. The idea of these canisters powering the constructs is quite true. The contents of the canisters still blanks in my mind however. How I long to remember! Powering my personal constructs, Master Fyr has concocted a fluid to fill the canisters. The fluid may only last up to a few days, depending on the construct and their consumption. I am quite sure this is not what these canisters held at one time though. The idea of spirits of the Dwemer filling these canisters is somewhat appauling. That rings out necromancy of sorts and we Dwemer were all too uncaring for that art. I also find it difficult believing that this Heart could power such devices. It is not impossible, but I do not think Kagrenac's Plan involved the constructs, given the Dwemer had constructs long before the Heart was taken in.
 
There must be a fuel source, given the use of steam, perhaps accompanied by some sort of lasting enchantment. For the life of me, if I could only recall! It would be ever so helpful knowing. I would no longer have to have Uupse refilling my machina centurion chair.
 
I shall return again to see how this progresses. I must return to my quarters to have some of my sores tended to. This blasted sickness is for the Daedra!
 

Divayth Fyr

 
My studies and researches have delved even deeper into the dwemer disappearance. I believe I have come up with some staggering evidence that proves many of our theories wrong. Thinking more about the ghostly Dwemer spectres that still walk this plane, and constructs that remain operable after all these years, I have opened myself to more possibilities. Many of which are quite grand and may be conclusive. In proving my theroies, I shall have to take council with the prophesized Nerevarine and research the Tools of Kagrenac even further. I believe that Sotha Sil may hold the secret to their disappearance since he was able to study the Tools. If I were to pry into them, I may be able to unlock what I believe to be the "Truth". This may be the very reason why Sotha Sil has chosen isolation. What he knows may present a great danger. Of course, getting answers from the Heart is quite impossible at this point, since it is believed that the Nerevarine has sent it to an outer plane, or perhaps destroyed it altogether.
 
My theory has been relayed to the council, where they are in total agreement that this should be looked into deeper.
 
My friends, these are rich times we are living! The truth is just around the corner.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
I have in my possession, the Tools of Kagrenac. My Tower has been teleported to the Outer Planes so I may be quite secluded and without interuption. So far, my findings are quite acedemic. The enchantments surrounding these devices are quite simple and easily conjured. I do not believe the enchantments alone to be the key I am looking for. It appears that any mortal man can weild such devices, given he knows the order of use.
 
There is something very peculiar here. I just can not put my finger on it. Under all the enchantments, they simply appear to be Dwemer devices of ornate design. Nothing new as a matter of fact. There must be more behind this. Perhaps the Heart played an even larger part than I have imagined. Kagrenac was quite the genius with invention and ambition, but the Tools just do not match up with many theories. How could these simple, enchanted Tools be used against the Heart and vanish an entire race? I am afraid there is more than meets the eye.
 

Sotha Sil

 
Friend Divayth, it is too long since we have spoken. And it is too often recently I have seen your words.
 
You toy with the minds of these curious mortals. The Tools of Kagrenac in your possession? I think not. Were you to have them, I would fear for your life. They are not tools for mortals, Fyr, as you well know.
 
And what of your own mortality? How does that stand? If you live longer than a god, are you any less sublime? There has always been something different in you, though, I think. I believe you find a certain joy in your own mortality, thin stretched though it may be. It is a good quality in you.
 
Your curiosity is troublesome. You are a wizard, a scholar, a delver into pasts and futures. This I understand, as I have been all these things and more.
 
Curiosity is an odd thing. It is a bright path surrounded by brambles.
 
You are an interesting creature, my friend, and I would not wish you ill. I implore you take greater care with your words. The mortal mind is easily fractured by the divine.
 
For now, I will watch you entertain yourself as you toy with so much talk of the How and the Where. These are the questions most easily answered, but they will be the least satisfying.
 

Yagrum Bagarn

 
I do not feel that it was Master Sil's intention to harm Master Fyr (fear). My belief is that he indeed wished only to remind Master Fyr of the dangers involved in such research, given that Master Sotha knows a considerable amount more of these Tools and the Heart. Although Master Fyr journeyed to the Outer Realms, it is unlikely that the Heart has also ventured there. I do not think Master Sotha stubborn enough to attempt such a folly act as to weild these Tools upon the Heart even if it were there. Remember, he is a gatherer of information, not a pioneer to physical discovery.
 
In my heart and soul, I know Master Fyr to be quite unscathed and well being. He is far too wise to try anything absurd or to even be harmed by petty obstacles in the way of his research. Azura forbid something comes in the way of Master Divayth's work. May Dagon have mercy on your lost soul.
 
I shall keep you all posted of Master Divayth's disappearance. Worry not though, for he is more of a man than any mortal can wish to be.
 

Yagrum Bagarn

 
AH, please, do excuse my wording. I still recall little of the Dwemer ways. I can only take Master Fyr's word for most of the Dwemer culture. This blasted corprus has drained me of much of my physical and my mental abilities. Memory is but a distant realisation for me.
 
As in speaking of Azura, my memory of my beliefs fails me. I have adopted many of Master Divayth's thoughts and theories over time. I do not worship the Daedra, but I do recognise them. Master Divayth's worship in the Daedra is quite unclear to me. I do not believe him to worship them but he realises their uses. On many occasion, Master Divayth may summon forth a Dremora Lord to to his bidding. Many times as his watch dogs or even protection. I have personally never been witness to Azura's presence, but Master Divayth assures me she is indeed existent. I can only take his word for it.
 
I only wish Master Divayth were here to better cover this subject. I am but a sickly Dwemer with a failing mind.
 

Yagrum Bagarn

 
Master Divayth has returned!
 
Uupse informed me that he had strangely appeared sometime overnight and that he spoke nil a word before locking himself into his study. He appears quite weary from his journey she says and a strange paleness has stricken his skin. I do hope Master Fyr is well. I wish to speak with him soon, given he will take audience. I am quite happy that he has returned, but concern for him and wonderment fill me with fear.
 
Why did he take refuge in his study?
 
What could he have witnessed that drove him into his current state?
 
When and will he be ready to join us with his discovery?
 

Divayth Fyr

 
Friends and collegues,
 
This is indeed a time of troubles. My recent discoveries have me pinned in a state of confusion. My dear friend Yagrum tells me he has told you of my journey. Though, I instructed him not to speak of my exploration, my extended stay left him quite alarmed, and he thought best to take council with you in search for help. Needless to say, I did find myself in a position to where I was unsable to return for some time, and any help in returning would have been appreciated. I appreciate Yagrum's disobedience and his care for me has been noted immensely.
 
I have been in deep thought and meditation for many days now. My comprehension of what I had witnessed is still quite out of reach. I do not know if I was witness to was a vision or reality. Paranoia and fear have stricken me and my meditations are still flooded with mind bending dreams. Or are they reality? Am I going mad?
 
I have been called forth to appear in front of the council for my "unlawful" research into the outer plane. Though, I am quite the rogue, according to the council, they still wish to maintain a balance in the magicka and research tiers. I understand their motives and attempt to comply whenever possible. This, many already know however. I am a member of the council, but not a loyal subject by their Laws and Ways.
 
Until I brief the council, I shall share my vision, as I believe it only to have been....
 
I was born unto the timeless land.
 
Witness to blood of past.
 
Time stood, towers still strong and new.
 
Alone I stood, of flesh and eye.
 
But, not alone. For my brothers too, stood.
 
I am merely a ghost, but the hate is still deep.
 
The Heart. The timeless shell. The living gear.
 
Their guardian? Their home? Their slave? Their tomb?
 
One holds the key. He will not tell. He can not tell.
 
Begone. For they have only just been born. The time is coming.
 
You shall be witness. Time is aligning with time.
 
The truth is known. The blood shall run again.
 
This vision is all I am willing to share at this point. What it means holds more meaning than imaginable, and I hold much fear. These words haunt my thoughts endlessly. What I actually witnessed with my eyes haunts my very soul. Please, bear with me and in time, this shall all be brought into more light.
 
I have been to the outer plane many times.... I do not recall this....

 


Divayth Fyr

 
I have made sense of the vision. It WAS a vision indeead. During my travels to other planes, I meditate to pass the time. Travel between planes is quite disorienting and one who is not used to the action may succumb to a sensation of his body being ripped apart. Meditation eases the sensation. My journey back took longer than usual. The "vision", or what could also be considered a nightmare, strayed me from my original path. I was unable to abandon the vision as it held me physically and mentally. Once the vision had ceased, I found myself lying nude, in some brush just outside of Tel Vos. Weakened from this extraordinary incident, I was able to still find my way back to my stronghold, where I slept for days, to regain my strength.
 
In speaking with the council on the matter, they too believe it to be a mere vision. Not one that holds any meaning, but perhaps merely a sign that I have been straining myself too hard on the matter of the Dwemer. This is very possible, although it seems a bit more to me. Rest is indeed what I lack, and I believe I shall take leave of such journeys for some time to regain my self being.
 
Yagrum, on the other hand, seems to have regained much in the past. He still shows signs of corprus, but his memory seems to slowly be coming back from time to time. He spends quite a bit of time on his own now and wishes to remain alone. I am sure that glimpses of his past, coming freshly back to him, give him much to ponder over. I feel for my old friend. I only wish there was more I could do. A temper seems to rattle him every now and then and I have instructed my sister-wives to leave him be. In time, he will come to and understand what fate holds for him.
 
And interesting thing.... Yagrum confronted me after my arrival from the council, and wished to know if I still had the Tools in my possession. Upon hearing that the Hortator had taken leave and carried the items off with him, Yagrum seemed quite upset. What is going in that mind of my old friend's. I shall keep a close eye on him, for I worry about his well being.
 

Divayth Fyr

 
Considering the Tools and the outer Planes, nothing was accomplished. Bearing many of Kagrenac's journals and the correct materials, I was able to build exact replicas that worked exactly like the originals. The Tools are not the key whatsoever. This leads me to believe that the Heart was the major ingredient in this case. No doubt, the Tools acted as a sort of "tuning fork and dial" for the Heart. But tuning to what and dialing to what?
 
My thoughts carry more on the idea of whether the Heart was actually living. Or does Lorkhan speak through this heart? Or, is it simply a powerful gem of sorts? Is the Power simply leeched? Is a deal struck with the "mind" of the Heart for the Power? Does the owner (Lorkhan) of the heart grant the Power? Is it possible that the Tools are simply used to "awaken" the Heart?
 
Alas, I must rest once again.

Magic vs. Technology: The Dwarven Mystery

Author: 
Anonymous

sleighr

Having been doing some study on the Dwemer, looking through all texts that have even the slightest hint at anything relating to the Dwarves, I've developed some speculations that I thought should be brought up for discussion.

The most prominent -and indeed the point that colours all other hypotheses on the Dwarves- is the whole subject of Dwemeri society being an entirely non-magical one.

This is, in itself, something unique among all the races of Tamriel, possibly in whole of Nirn: a society totally devoid of using magick, even in the most mundane sense, instead completely dependant on physics to sustain themselves and their way of life. Not only that, but the fact that the Dwemeri not only did not use magic, but did not even BELIEVE in magic of itself!

When one studies closely Dwemer society -what little information of it there is available- this attitude towards magick becomes more evident, and more puzzling, the closer the examination. The question that begs to be asked all the more is: Why the total aversion of the Dwemer towards the use of, or even the recognition of, magick?

It could not have been due to the Dwarves being ignorant of the existence of magick. If the generous presence of magicka within the confines of natural sources were not enough to scream proof, then certainly its use against them by the enemies of the Dwemer would more than bear its acknowledgement -by duress, if nothing more.

It also could not be attributed, despite certain Elven claims to the contrary, to the Dwemer lacking intelligence to recognize the existence and properties of magicka, for the same reasons.

And yet, throughout all knowledge of the Dwemer, there seems to be not even the slightest use of magick. Indeed, it seems that the Dwemer went so far as to take great pains to remove even the slightest hint towards the existence of magicka from their lives. A prime example would be in astronomy, where the known constellations, universal among all peoples, are identical all but with the exception of the Mage, which is instead substituted with the Mechanist.

This anti-arcanal attitude, despite immeasurable contrary evidence, can lead only to one conclusion: that the Dwemer PURPOSELY denied the existence of magick, for reasons known only to them at this time.

Such a position could be considered tantamount to blasphemy, as it is well known that the source of magicka is the planes of Aetherius, from which magicka flows -through the stars- to the mortal realm. Indeed this heretical denial of magick might even reach to the accusation of atheism, as to deny magick is to deny the source of magick (i.e. Aetherius), which would equal denial of the gods themselves. To further this accusation it is interesting to note that nowhere do we find evidence of Dwemeri religion among any of the ancient cities, artifacts or survivng texts of the Dwarves; or any pantheon of gods; or even a Dwemeri creation myth among the those of the other races, though Dwarven influence has been found from one end of Tamriel to the other.

And yet the Dwarves do give testimony to having spirituality of a sort, one seemingly bound to their mechanistic nature. The Dwemeri devotion to their machines may hold the answer. Through existing texts, there is the theory that the Dwarven metal is tempered by the souls of their dead. Tales of the creation of the Anumidum involve "the sacrifice of so many of their golden souls to create Anumidum's metal body", and their forming of the Mantellan Crux is likewise steeped in spirituality. It has been theorized that Anumidum's creation was, in itself, a refutation of the gods, though others claim this nonsense.

However, this may be the key to understanding Dwemeri aversion to the arcane. Is it possible that their evident lack of recorded religion, when contrasted with their complete devotion to the mechanism, instead reveals an even greater piety? Rather than sculpting effigies of their worship in inanimate stone, were their machines, used in every facet of daily existence, their icons and the means of their spiritual transference?

Perhaps. And perhaps this is the clue to why the Dwarves disappeared from the face of Nirn, not through disaster, but through attaining a goal unreachable through magic. And perhaps this was the true goal behind Tiber Septim's unquenchable thirst for all things Dwarven, and the source behind his unique achievements to conquer the whole of Tamriel beneath his throne.


**Tedders

*applause* Nicely reasoned and nicely written.


** WormGod

Did they abandon magic? The Dwemer were quite aware of magic. Not only were they aware of it, they practiced with the use of it quite often. And to further make it interesting, they experimented with it, which made many outsiders (other Dunmer) very cautious and in some instances, frightened. The mending of machine technologies and magics is probably like the thought of Zeus taking a trip into orbit via the space shuttle. There have been many cases where the Empire and Telvani have gotten their hands on numerous Dwemer artifacts that appear to be quite simple to operate with the use of steam or a static current (harnessed lightening). But, they have not found out why they will NOT operate. The key may very well be the absence of a magical strain. This magic could be in the form of a spell enchantment or even a charm of some sort (magical key item?). This much could be explained by the use of the dirigible in Redguard. I will guarentee there was more than hot air powering that thing. And that huge Iron Golem appeared to be steam driven. Ok, thats cool, but where did the intelligence come from to attack? I doubt it was an onboard processor. Perhaps a summoned Daedric entity, trapped inside that huge shell? Its possible. So are a number of other things of course.

Anyways, just keeping things interesting for ya. Afterall, the Dwemer are on my hot plate right now, and have been for about 6 months. I have been living through the missing bastages to get their goods all built and mysteriously understood. They are/were definately a crazy bunch of whackos. ;)


** Hasphat Antabolis

As usual, the ubiquitous "GT" manages to muddy the sublime with his persistent focus on the mundane. In my excavations of numerous Dwemer sites (sir, I beg of you, where do you derive your interesting, ah, theories about the Dwemer?), I have found ample evidence to support the idea of a strong anti-magick strain pervading the whole of Dwemer culture, as Mr. Sleigh so persuasively puts it.

An interesting exception to the well-known cliche about Dwemer artifacts (that "GT" trots out as if it were a revelation) are the ruins found on Stros M'kai. The several fine examples of working Dwemer technology currently held by the Imperial Museum were all removed from Stros M'kai by Lon Twembel's famous expedition. But not a single functioning artifact has been found in the much more extensive ruins found throughout Morrowind. Coincidence? If your interest has been piqued, I'm sure you will look forward to the publication of my "Steam and Spirit: The Dwemer Exodus to Stros M'kai And The Implications Thereof To Accepted Theories of Dwarven Technology."


** Fel Droon

Hasphat is, of course, begging the question he so desperately wants to answer (since 'S&S: &tc., &tc.' can now be found weighing down the handwagons of the capital book-hawkers): did the steam-driven Rourken Clan of Stros M'kai somehow stand at a technological counterpoint from the Velothi Dwemer and, if so, why?

What implications, anti-religious (in the magickal sense) or otherwise, does this hold for our modern view of Dwemeri culture? Was the exodus not only religious in nature but (for lack of a better word) technical as well? I think the Elder sleighr has already noticed that there is hardly a divergence between the two....

Fel Droon, Office of the Imperial Secondary Excavations Survey of Sub-Extant Civilizations (Tamriel)


** Michael

slighr,

You're good enough to write books for the game. Just thought you should know.

MK


sleighr

Thanks. Coming from you, that is high praise.


Allerka

I concur. I suppose most of us here are. But, it did almost seem like I was reading one of those books from the game, written by some sage/scribe. Hey, its even the right length. I still don't get why you'd pay over 700 gold for a book that's about 2 pages long... But I digress. I can almost see that little bit of literature almost being a book itself in MW or something. I dunno. Whatever you guys at Bethesda decide. I concur with my brother (who does not post here), as well, in that you guys have put forth a lot of effort to create a world so detailed. Middle-Earth and my D&D world are about the only other ones I've seen with anything close to this level of detail.


Odin Fenrir

Its simple, they were written by hand, in Medeval times, hand. Now I don't if Tamreil has magic book writing things, or not, or magic box that make cold, and heat, or ones that stop food form rotting.

And which d&d, there servel settings, and the Shannara world is pertty detailed also.


** Temple Zero

'A Type of Zero Still to Be Discovered' -- a traditional Dwemeri children's rhyme. (Maybe this will help.)

***

Wake up, khundakar, it¡¦s a new day, traditional style, and thank you for breathing.

Wake up, suchi-el, get dressed, reconsider your [science], here¡¦s an official daguerreotype.

Good morning, Ae, here¡¦s a side of the story you seldom suffer.

Good morning, Aurbis, you¡¦ve got numbers to ignore.

Look out, First Moon, wearing those are dangerous in this industry, so try to enjoy.

Look out, Second Moon, not everything is inexplicable and extortion is for [skeptics].

Nice day, khundakar, we have your table ready, the divinities are already waiting.

Nice day, suchi-el, the world-nirn cannot be mapped, so forward your dismissals to the eight givers.

Afternoon, Ae, I hope all is well in the world of modern folklore.

Afternoon, Aurbis, the reports are true, there is a type of zero still to be discovered, all [critics- ?] agree.

Good night, First Moon, stay out past [supper], return these to the [proper authorities].

Good night, Second Moon, it¡¦s time to go, love the metal all you want, three easy ways of comfort.

Bedtime, khundakar, put away your star-mobiles, [anecdotes- ?], and bone collection.

Bedtime, suchi-el, stay over, bring your astrolabe, we think there¡¦s still some ghosts.

Sleep well, my children, tomorrow I¡¦ll buy you both the sea.


** WormGod

As usual, the ubiquitous "GT" manages to muddy the sublime with his persistent focus on the mundane.

Everywhere and always. Much like the voices that that wont allow you to sleep at night. And when it comes to the Dwemer, is anything really mundane about them? Kinda makes ya wonder. ;)

In my excavations of numerous Dwemer sites (sir, I beg of you, where do you derive your interesting, ah, theories about the Dwemer?), I have found ample evidence to support the idea of a strong anti-magick strain pervading the whole of Dwemer culture, as Mr. Sleigh so persuasively puts it.

I dont doubt your thorough examinations and studies of Dwemer culture and invention. I am actually a large follower of your "findings and works". However, and I take it you have not heard, that within the Bal Ur region of Vvardenfell, an "Imperial" smuggling ring was recently broken up by Tribunal officials. Apparently, these smugglers, who claim they are NOT working for the Empire, uncovered a hidden Dwemer ruin and attempted to remove findings. Sources have said that they are INDEED agents of the Empire. Thay have since been removed from the province. The findings were examined extensively by the Tribunal before myself and several other "artisans" were allowed to view them. Just as the findings within the Stros M'kai excavation, there were several working machinations within the dwelling. Many of which were alien to the Stros M'Kai works. Steam was used, just as it appeared in the west, but this is where it gets interesting, kind sir. Among other findings, were numerous devices that appeared to be other sources of power. I cannot say for sure if they are magical, but if so, this may surely be an exciting find. It appears, that steam in conjuction with these devices, can create an extremely efficient means of power. This is simply a theory right now, but it is being worked out as I speak. I urge you, Antabolis, to come out east and see for yourself. With your knowlege and skill on such findings, you may be able to unlock this mystery. And to make it worth your time, I would be willing to present to you many more findings, even greater than this, that will surely allow you to understand the mystery. I am sorry I cannot speak of these finding here, for there are far too many Imperial snitches and spies about.

An interesting exception to the well-known cliche about Dwemer artifacts (that "GT" trots out as if it were a revelation) are the ruins found on Stros M'kai. The several fine examples of working Dwemer technology currently held by the Imperial Museum were all removed from Stros M'kai by Lon Twembel's famous expedition. But not a single functioning artifact has been found in the much more extensive ruins found throughout Morrowind. Coincidence?

Until now my friend! These are trully great times closer to home!

If your interest has been piqued, I'm sure you will look forward to the publication of my "Steam and Spirit: The Dwemer Exodus to Stros M'kai And The Implications Thereof To Accepted Theories of Dwarven Technology."

I look forward to your future writings. My interest is always focused in your direction.

The Ubiquitous GT ;)


Xanathar

So then, if the Dwemer are only technologist not a magick user, why the great Anumidum was designed with a enchanted heart inside it? Or is it just the modification made by Zurin Arctus to the already steam working anumidum?

If so perhaps this powerful artifact was using somekind of unknown fuel to operate then, and in the end this caused the head of Imperial Battlemage sacrifice his heart for it to work? I do not know the truth about this since the Underking died (eternally, eventually) in the Warp of the West. I could not interview him ;-)

But for me, these mysterious Dwemer are not *fully* abandon the magick. I just found some other reference that they were using magical artifacts during Nord War (King Wulfharth's war) and don't forget they were using Volendrung.


Dzu'Rith Dragonsbane

It's definately something for Bethesda to think about. If they actually DO need people to write histories or simply legends for the game, I'm sure that any number of us here will more than willingly submit. Not to mention the fact that many of us are more than skilled authors (I like to include myself here, though most are yet to see a great deal of evidence for this. Patience, my friends. They will come ^_~ )

All you need to do is ask. There will be a great deal of interest, I have no doubt.


The Obsidian Serpent

Perhaps the Dwemer simply did not recognize magic as a particularly special force.


sleighr

Indeed. Despite the claims of my associate to the idea that magick WAS in fact in use by the Dwemer, he has little evidence to support his theory, merely circumspection. Certainly the mechanical colossi [read: "golem"] among the Rourken findings in Stros M'kai hint at intelligence in their ability to seek out prey, as do the smaller, sword-wielding sentinels found strewn among the ruins. But this is no definite evidence of magickal infusion -at least in the popular sense. This, in fact, gives more weight to the contrary, as atronachs are created daily and easily by the Mages' Guild, without the use of mechanics. The use of both magick and mechanism to create their golems would imply unnecessary excessiveness on behalf of the Dwemer. Like lighting a candle in full daylight to read a scroll.

Examination of the fighting patterns of the Dwemeri golems have revealed patterns to their movements. If the target moves in a particular direction, the golem moves towards it; if the target moves away from the golem's facing, the golem turns in the same direction; if the target stays stationary, the golem attacks.

However, this strategy on behalf of the golem seems to work only if the target is at ground level to the golem, and if any obstacle is in its way, such as a wall, platform or pillar, the golem is effectively stumped as to strategy. Does this indicate intelligence? No. Only that it senses a nearby target.

Similar ability can be found among snakes, which sense by vibrations in the ground of approaching creatures, which it uses to determine the direction in which to strike. Liquids such as water too can show vibration, moving in the opposite direction to the source of vibration and temporaily shifting weight in the process. A pan of liquid, if properly balanced, will lean away from a source of vibration. A liquid metal -e.g. quicksilver- bound in a closed pan, could be used as a directional tool under such circumstances, setting off contacts (whether by weight or by the use of tamed lightning) that would in effect give the golem directions; centralizing the vibration telling the golem when to strike.

Of course, this is only a general description, the workings of a Dwarven golem would be be much more complex. But there, the theory of magickly imbued intelligence, refuted in an elementary lesson known to even the lowest-level alchemist.

The airships too, are not necessarily pregnant with magicka, as the basis behind their flying ability. A base system of released gasses could easily account for propulsion and steering (not to mention the air-rushing sounds they make), and also account for the suspiciously positioned holes set in the hull.

This is not to say that complete devoidance of magick use by the Dwemer is definite, just that there is little solid evidence to prove the opposite in what we know about them. The Imperial and Telvani failure in getting their artifacts to operate may be due to inability to find some possible magickal key. However, that key just may be the lack of anything magickal at all, and simply due to ignorance of Dwemeri methods and mechanisms, for which the only ones true in knowledge would be Dwemer. Unfortunately there aren't any around. Certainly it is difficult to deduce a complicated magickal formula, especially if it does not exist.


** WormGod

Antabolis and Sleighr, perhaps I can aim you in the direction of a top researcher on the Dwemer use of science AND magic. He is slightly mad, but quite a genius. You may have heard of him.... his name is Serjo Telvanni Baladas Demnevanni. Many would refer to the 2000 year old Telvani mage as Klickety Klack, for obvious reasons if you were to meet him. Baladas has ample evidence that that insists that magic "was indeed" a "tool" used by the Dwemer. If I recall what I read in one of his writings, he claims that the Dwemer may have nearly perfected their "own" form of "enchantment". This enchantment combined with their use of machinery may have been the lifeforce we find mysterious. I believe this form of "enchantment" may have been either taught or borrowed from the Daedra. That is a guess, but it is very possible. Baladas firmly believes the Dwemer to have been striving to actually build a "man", or a new "life". Thus, Anumidium. They may have been dangerously close according to current findings, and this is very well, possibly a clue to their disappearance.

I am journeying to Tel Aruhn very soon to meet with a few associates over the protection issue on smugglers invading many new-found ruins. The Telvani have taken a VERY special interest in such matters and will be dispatching several security forces to all known ruins located in Vvardenfell. Almost daily now, new ruins are being found in the province and they must be protected at all costs. I should you could join us in Tel Aruhn. It seems there are still many contradicting issues involving the Dwemer mysteries and discussing them could prove to be quite relishing.


sleighr

I would be most honored to attend, if I can acquire the proper visas (Imperial bureaucrats do love their forms, don't they?). This unique "enchantment" (life-magick?) of the Dwemer intrigues me, not only for its leads toward understanding the possible Dwarven heresy and the Rourken exodus, but it could also give some clue to the Schism that divided the Altmer in the first place.


** Western Knight of the Sandy Mane

Kier-Jo scoffs at this so-called scholarship.

"It was Science!"

"No, it was Magic!"

These kittens should be sent back to the Clan Mother's breasts. Kier-Jo hears such baby-talk from sugar addicts, yes, but rarely from alleged scholars.

How could even the Unclawed not know the twenty-four terms? The Dwemer knew. The Chimer knew. They left "heaven" with the Deceiver (a false title, of course) and the Morning-Star, Keeper of Secrets, who taught them how to make these terms real. But the Dwemer had ambition, so the Keeper of Secrets gave them exactly what they wanted. Morning-Star always protects her children and her true children.

Pools of quicksilver? Kier-Jo laughs at the Golem that follows it's own footsteps!

And what of the Dwemer artifacts that still have power? Does steam last a thousand years? Did Anumidium not dance to the Psijiic plans, with their seven goals, seven puppets, and seven false totems? Does it not dance even now? Even without the heart of what you mer and men think was Zurin Arctus? When will you smell the true power source behind this Dwarven "science?"

Golems need more than steam to creak their joints. Kittens who say otherwise have more hot air than a so-called "dirigible." The Scarab Knights aren't the only ones who know how to twist metal back into shape. Kier-Jo tells you that much.

 

 

 

 

Arkngthamz-Phng

Author: 
Anonymous

Perhaps one of the most storied, yet least understood legacies of the Dwemer is the lost city of Arkngthamz-Phng. The element most engrained into its mythos, the almost singular thing it's known for, is its demise. Very little is remembered about what it was or how it came to be. Even its name has been obscured by the colorful moniker "Fang Lair," a truncated adulteration of the original "Phng" paired with a suitably sinister descriptor for the home of its most infamous resident. You've undoubtedly heard some derivation of a legend retold over thousands of years, so it should suffice to say that the story of a Dragon taking roost in this formerly Dwarven city has sadly overshadowed the fascinating history that came before.

Thankfully, through my research, some aspects of this buried history can now be brought to light. My findings suggest that in the decades following the establishment of peace between the Chimer and Dwemer, Dwarves of Clan Kragen began to seek new holdings beyond Resdayn. Following the path laid out by the exiled Clan Rourken during their exodus, the Dwarves of Kragen reached what we now consider Skyrim and first established their presence in the region with the founding of Arkngthamz.

It's unclear precisely what appealed so much to the Kragen explorers that it was worth settling among the hostile Nords, but in spite of regular attacks by the warlike Men, their city flourished. So much so that it encouraged other clans to expand their own holdings to the west. This loose alliance of clans effectively established a pocket empire of four city-states that were considered unassailable. Not that the Nords stopped trying.

Perhaps it was this success, or the presence of so many nearby clans, that drove Clan Kragen to press on with their expansion west through the treacherous Dragon's Teeth Mountains, but I believe they sought to bridge their new empire with the their estranged cousins in Volenfell. Whatever the case, they broke stone for a sister city on the border of modern Hammerfell: Arkngthamz-Phng.

Despite the inhospitable terrain, there is some evidence to suggest that the Dwarves aggressively carved out this burgeoning settlement, which soon supplanted its predecessor as the seat of Clan Kragen's power. Though greatly devastated, the expansive vaults of Arkngthamz-Phng's main hall are still majestic in their scale. It's easy to see how such a vast, secluded space, rich with resources and life, would be an attractive home for a Dragon seeking more well-appointed accommodations than those chiseled out by Nords in the service of the Dragon Priesthood.

Sadly, my first expedition met unexpected resistance, forcing me to abandon the site before more significant revelations could be unearthed; however, I have no doubts that the interest garnered by this publication will see a second, more ambitious expedition come to fruition.

A Guide to Dwemer Mega-Structures

Author: 
Vorinara Kleeve

By Vorinara Kleeve, Dwemer Scholar

While we know a great deal about the various forms of Dwemer animunculi, many of the larger Dwemer marvels remain a mystery. Legends of Dwemer orreries and fabrication chambers abound, but direct, first-hand scholarship remains scant. I have spent my life in search of these Dwarven mega-structures. While I've met with considerable success, there is one mechanism in particular that I am keen to find: the Dwemer Tonal Resonator.

At the height of their power, the Dwemer exhibited near total mastery of tonal forces. Even now, countless centuries later, they remain peerless in this respect. Sound, not magic, facilitated their rise to power. I am continually astounded by tonal forces' wide range of uses. The Dwemer used sound in mining, medicine, architecture - even psychology. It's the latter use that I find most intriguing. According to ancient Chimeri scholarship, the Dwemer could employ tonal forces to bend weaker minds to their will - a form of complex aural hypnosis. Luckily, the Dwarves never managed to mobilize this technology on the battlefield against our august ancestors. The scale and complexity of the devices likely made transportation nearly impossible. But they still managed to employ it on a limited scale using massive devices called Tonal Resonators.

If the legends are true, these resonators were incredibly complex architectural wonders. They stood taller than the most imposing giants, and filled cavernous chambers with pipes, dials, and pistons. When enabled, the resonators released a series of powerful tones that could alter the brainwaves of lesser mer and men - inducing deep calm and profound pleasure, or even paranoia and terror. The uses for such a device are virtually limitless. Alas, I fear that I will never see one with my own eyes. If such a power could be replicated and perfected, the children of the Tribunal could very well reign supreme in Tamriel and continents beyond.

Translation of Calcelmo's Stone

Author: 
Kurt Kuhlmann

Ye sa sou meldi calne tarn va nou molagnenseli,ye trumbi nou bala.
And so it was that your people were given passage to our steam gardens, and the protections of our power. (literally “protection of our mathematics”)

Ilpen av sou meldi nagaiale as guntumnia, spantelepe-laelia arani Morae, ye sou liebali racuvane, ye nu rautane sye, ye nu hautalle nou buroi gume sou gravuloi, sa metane sye garlis.
Many of your people had perished under the roaring, snow-throated kings of Mora, and your wills were broken, and we heard you, and sent our machines against your enemies, to thereby take you under.

Frey as gandra dwemera tarcellane sou agea, ye frey as emeratis Avatheledia carelle sou anyamissi bisia silya.
Only by the grace of the Dwemer did your culture survive, and only by the fifteen-and-one tones did your new lives begin.

Nu hecta sou arcten, rias nu nemalauta ge. Nu hecta sou epegandra, rias ne nemalauta ge.
We do not desire thanks, for we do not believe in it. We do not ask for gratitude, for we do not believe in it.

Nu frey sepa sye arcta varlor denai, cullei noue staneia.
We only request you partake of the symbol of our bond, the fruit of the stones around us. [lit. “we only ask you to accept”] (literally “the fruit of our stones”)

Ye ry sou alasil auta, ry loria shanta, abagaiavoy.
And as your vision clouds, as the darkness sets in, fear not.

Malautavoy fey nou darre ye alata nou malae, asma moraga sou anyamis av sercen pado, ye gethena sou wend narilia vey emeratu sou oia bisia.
Know only our mercy and the radiance of our affection, which unbinds your bones to the earth before, and sets your final path to the music of your new eternity.

Eye of Zthenganaz

Author: 
Anonymous

The Eye of Zthenganaz, a large gemstone mounted in a gear-like wheel, was, according to legend, crafted by the Dwarves to spy on the Orc strongholds of the early First Era. Few records or oral traditions survive concerning any conflicts or animosity between the Orsimer and the Dwemer, but the legend of the Eye contains a few hints as to what may have happened to it.

One story claims that the Orc shaman, Shlug Curse-Crafter, seized the Eye in a raid and placed a curse upon it. From that point on, if anyone used the device to gaze upon distant Orc strongholds with dishonorable intent, they would instead see grotesque visions that would drive them mad.

The Eye disappeared from history when Shlug died, somewhere in the area around the ruins of Rkindaleft.

Secret Dwemer Origins

Author: 
Anonymous

Gods, I have seen the visions you have given me. I have embraced it wholly. I have followed it here to the cave of Revelations! I have given it the name Zthgnthaz. It is the Dwemeris acronym for time-wizard!

They LAUGHED at me WELL NO MORE. Now I have PROOF.

It all makes perfect sense. Everything in here is brass. Brass is the color of time. It is the same way forwards and backwards. When you transpose it into Aldmeris it's spelled zathaganathaz. ZTHGNTHAZ.

THE TRUTH WILL NOT BE DENIED.

Zthgnthaz. Brass Time Wizard. I can hear the music right now. The notes spell out the mystery. The three alliance leaders are just puppets. Molag Bal was a distraction designed to divert our attention from the TRUTH.

I just need to find some crystals!

It's all here. All the proof I need. The Dwemer were time-visitors from the future. These ruins are impenetrable because they have not been built yet. They disappeared because something happened that caused them not to be born.

But I have discovered it, and I will set time on the right course again. I will bring them back!

Crafting Motif 15: Dwemer Style

Author: 
Raynor Vanos

Kireth says I should write down what I've learned about Dwemer artisans and the styles and motifs of their lost civilization. She also says that organizing this study into an alphabetical listing of classes of relics is weird and detail-obsessive, but that's just evidence of her muddled and haphazard way of thinking.

AXES

Dwemeri axe designs reflect the wheels, gears, and cogs that are central to so many devices of the Deep Elves. The haft is surmounted by a round disk resembling the hub of a wheel, from which spokes radiate to the blade or blades, which are like portions of a wheel's outer ring. The blades maintain an edge remarkably well, considering their great age.

BELTS

Dwarven belts are typically made of overlapping metal links of a repeated geometric shape, such as squares or circles. Their length is easily adjusted by the addition or subtraction of a few links. The tensile strength of such a belt is without peer, many times that of an equivalent length of steel chain.

BOOTS

Dwarven boots are sturdy, but not as heavy as they look. Though they have accents of Dwarven metal, they are mainly constructed of a flexible material that resembles leather, but either it is some sort of manufactured imitation, or the Dwemer had beasts with incredibly smooth and homogenous hide. Knee-high Dwarven boots often incorporate built-in greaves over the shins.

BOWS

Dwarven recurved bows are powerful and can drive an arrow through an oaken board. Though they appear to made of metal, they are not; the strong yet flexible material they are made from is otherwise unknown, and cannot be duplicated by modern bowyers.

CHEST PIECES

All Dwarven chest armor consists of metal plates of various sizes affixed to a leather cuirass—thin, flexible leather with a few small plates in the case of light armor, the leather becoming thicker and the plates larger and more numerous as the armor gets heavier. The plates are typically geometric in shape and ornamentation.

DAGGERS

A Dwarven dagger typically has a broad and heavy triangular blade, as suitable for chopping as for stabbing. In fact, they resemble tools as much as they do weapons.

GLOVES

Dwarven gloves were always made of fine and flexible leather or pseudo-leather, reflecting their wearers' need for fine manipulation of their devices. Only the heaviest gauntlets sported metal ribs, typically tessellated splints protecting the back of the hands.

HELMETS

Dwarven helmets of all kinds famously cover the entire face with a face-shaped visor, curiously bisected down the center by a sort of metal keel. This keel reappears atop the helmet as a crest, which may be modest or bizarrely exaggerated. A line of Dwemer troops, all wearing helmets with identical, impassive visages, must have struck terror into the Deep Elves' enemies.

LEG GREAVES

The leg protection of the Dwemer typically consisted of geometric plates or cylinders of metal, mounted on the same thick yet flexible material used for their boots. The armor was particularly thick over the knee.

MACES

Dwarven maces have heavy and blunt geometrcal heads, without flanges, spikes, or pointed finials. The two-handed maces are outweighed only by Orcish skull-crushers, and can bend and batter plate armor as if it was foil.

SHIELDS

Dwarven shields come in many shapes, but all echo the geometric forms seen on Dwemer armor, albeit writ large. They are formed from relatively thin plates of Dwarven metal, and are much lighter and wieldier than they appear.

SHOULDERS

Dwarven shoulder pauldrons were usually made of thick and inflexible metal, mounted on cops of heavy "leather." The pauldrons of heavier armor sometimes sported metal keels echoing the crests seen atop their helmets.

STAVES

Even the most elaborate Dwarven staff has a utilitarian look about it, as if it was going to be used with a paddle to draw a loaf of bread from an oven. The haft is made of some close-grained substance that looks like wood but is not, circled with rings of Dwarven metal. The finials are circular or fan-shaped, and usually modest in size.

SWORDS

Dwarven swords look like mere extensions of their daggers, featuring the same broad, triangular blades with both point and edge. Their cross-guards are slender to almost nonexistent, which argues that Dwemer swordplay did not rely much on thrusting.

 

Re-Forging the Past Questions

Author: 
Kireth Vanos

December 19, 2014

“Do you know the reasoning for the straight line down the middle of the facial mask on Dwemer helms? Was this merely an aesthetic design or does it serve some functional purpose as well?” – Solus Lighthawke, Dwemer Scholar-in-Training

Kireth Vanos says, “Bilateral, and even multilateral, symmetry is such a common element in Dwemer design that it’s often hard to know when it’s functional, when it’s stylistic, or even both. In most cultures, dualism symbolizes the dual, Anuic/Padomaic nature of the aurbis, but as the Deep Elves were said to have rejected the Divines, that seems unlikely to be the explanation in their case. Of course, drawing a line down the middle of a mortal’s face instantly makes that face more intimidating, so the explanation could be as simple as that.”

“Is the Dwarven Ore we find on the surface in Tamriel not actually the metal used in creating Dwemer armor, but instead a ‘fool's’ Dwarven ore mistaken for the metal the Dwarves used to create their legendary un-rusting armor, weapons, and other assorted metal things?” ­– ICEbweaka9

Kireth Vanos says, “Common so-called ‘Dwarven Ore’ is, in fact, given that name because of its resemblance to the metal forged by the long-lost Dwemer. As a metallurgist I can tell you that while Dwarven Ore is a tough substance indeed, it’s not nearly as durable as actual metal harvested from actual Dwemer devices. That’s why forging in the Dwemer style requires actual Dwemer metal as material.”

“Good Vanos, I wonder—what initially drove you to the study of Dwemer armor?” – Razum’dara, Wayward Khajiit Scholar

Kireth Vanos says, “Something about the simple, geometric elegance of Dwemer design spoke to my inner need for structure and organization. The Deep Elves might have been unholy heretics, but by the Eight, they understood the importance of doing a thing right.”

Re-Forging The Past

Author: 
Kireth Vanos

I’ll never forget the first time I saw the unmistakable hallmarks of Dwemer craftsmanship. Too small to even see the traveling merchant’s wares atop his table, my father lifted me up so I could admire the strange angles, geometric engravings, and the unusual luster of a mace and shield on display. I was captivated. Though it’s likely those first pieces I laid eyes on were reproductions, they were enough to stoke my curiosity for a lifetime.

I apprenticed under my father, a well-regarded smith, and tried again and again as my skills improved to replicate the Dwemer designs that so fascinated me. One of the major difficulties, of course, was not having much in the way of example or instruction—all I had to go on for ages were my memories. My father forbade me from searching for ruins on my own, though he did humor my passion by bringing me any book he could afford on the topic of the vanished race and their creations.

It wasn’t until I was old enough to strike out alone that I made any substantial progress. I soon discovered how right it was of my father to keep me away from Dwemer ruins in my youth. They are treacherous places even for experienced adventurers, which I was certainly not the first time I charged headfirst into one. I was a bit too confident, I’ll admit, and I never expected the spider construct that burst out of an opening in the wall as I walked by. I had no idea the ruins were still active!

I was inexperienced and untried in combat, and without my skill as a smith, I doubt I would be here to tell my story today. My armor protected me from several blows I could not deflect in time with my shield as two more spiders clanked out from the darkness, and my well-balanced mace seemed to swing itself right into them, sending tiny gears and showers of sparks flying. It was over before I knew it, and I realized that I stood among piles of still-hissing metal treasure.

Cramming everything that would fit into my pack—part of the carapace, a couple engraved legs, and an assortment of gears and springs—I carefully made my way back to the surface. The Eight smiled on me that day, because it wasn’t long before I was blinking in the sunlight, little worse for the wear than a few scratches and minor burns.

Back at the forge with my prizes, I worked day and night on a new mace. I fashioned it after one in an ancient text my father had found, using my hard-won scrap to augment the smithing process. It became apparent quickly that this was what I’d been missing the whole time! The product of that sleepless week has never been recognized as a reproduction by any scholar, smith, or relic-dealer.

Forging in the Dwemer style, as you can see, is not for the dabbler. Only a committed craftsman will have what it takes to seek out rare, ancient texts and obtain their own materials from the deadly constructs that lurk to this day in the ruins of that lost civilization. If you think you’re up to the task, I hope my story has inspired you—and if you’re not, then stay well away from those ruins!