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Antiquities Codexes

Author: 
Lady N

The Antiquities system was introduced to Elder Scrolls Online with the Greymoor chapter in 2020. When a player excavates an antiquity, they recieve a codex entry with a bit of information, each delivered by a different member of the Antiquarian Circle. Successive excavations can yield further texts. Some objects (the crafting motifs, mythic items, music box, and mount) consist of multiple Fragments, which must be excavated individually before they can be assembled into the final item.

In addition to these Codexes, I've also documented the location that each object may be found, as well as the inventory descriptions for them (where available).

This article is currently based on information from the Public Test Server, and may change before Greymoor's final release.
All spelling mistakes in this article are present in the in-game versions of the text.

Most of the images for this article were graciously provided by AzureAlay and KwarcPL.


Ancestral Elf Style


Ancestral Elf: Axes

This book has some kind of material spread on it. It's almost waxy in apperance. It must have been some kind of resin to preserve the pages ... and it seems to have done the job! —Amalien

Location: Khenarthi's Roost

Ancestral Elf: Belts

I love the sass in this entry! I don't think it was necessarily meant to be funny, but the "needlessly large buckle" part made me laugh out loud! —Amalien

Location: Khenarthi's Roost

Ancestral Elf: Boots

The leather on the binding of this book is hard as stone! I nearly dropped it and was terrified it would shatter into a thousand pieces! We should take extra care with this one. —Amalien

Location: Grahtwood

Ancestral Elf: Bows

This is an interesting read! It's as much a comment on the history of the time as well as an insight into what these Elves valued in their weaponry. —Amalien

Location: Auridon

Ancestral Elf: Chest Pieces

This book has a strange, golden hue to it. Or maybe I'm imagining things? There's a lot of golden imagery in this book, it made my heart all ... fluttery! I may have stared at this for a bit too long. —Amalien

Location: Auridon

Ancestral Elf: Daggers

It makes me sad to see the state of this one. The pages are all torn up, the binding came unraveled and some of the ink is in danger of fading. —Amalien

Location: Greenshade

Ancestral Elf: Gloves

I would give anything to hear about the favored killing moves of the Elves that wore these gloves. How fascinating! —Amalien

Location: Malabal Tor

Ancestral Elf: Helmets

It must have been so beautiful to see the sun gleaming off the eagle-like helms of this army. While reading this, I could picture it with such clarity! I wonder what that means ... —Amalien

Location: Khenarthi's Roost

Ancestral Elf: Leg Greaves

I think some heavy restoration went into this book. The binding certainly isn't the original material. Not that I'm complaining! At least the text is authentic, that's really the part that matters. —Amalien

Location: Reaper's March

Ancestral Elf: Maces

I think someone with a mace beat this book thoroughly before it came into our hands. This poor thing is so mangled its barely legible! —Amalien

Location: Grahtwood

Ancestral Elf: Shields

The author writes about felling enemies with such beautiful language. It practically reads like poetry! It must have been inspiring for the warriors reading it. —Amalien

Location: Reaper's March

Ancestral Elf: Shoulders

This book looks like it will crumble to dust at the slightest provocation. We should be extremely careful when handling it, if we need to handle it at all! —Amalien

Location: Greenshade

Ancestral Elf: Staves

I like to imagine myself as a smith during this time, following these directions. It must have been terrifying to try and make something to these grand specifications. The pressure is unimaginable! —Amalien

Location: Khenarthi's Roost

Ancestral Elf: Swords

The ink in this book is remarkably well preserved. It almost looks as though someone just penned it moments ago! I wonder how it remained so well preserved. —Amalien

Location: Malabal Tor


Ancestral Nord Style

Ancestral Nord: Axes

Despite Harald's desire for a uniform army in Skyrim, sagas from this period still revolve around grandiose warriors with storied weapons. Either exceptions were made for those who could provide their own equipment, or the skald took creative liberties. —Reginus Buca

Location: Bleakrock

Ancestral Nord: Belts

The author omits the fact that insignias had to be approved by the king himself and were withheld from those who were in Harald's poor graces. Though this occasionally resulted in exacerbating feuds, the social pressure brought many rivals in line. —Reginus Buca

Location: Bal Foyen

Ancestral Nord: Boots

There are quite a few comedic works featuring a blustery, madcap brawler named Korm No-Toes. This is the first historic mention I've seen of him. Makes me wonder if some of his unlikely feats and misfortunes are based on true events. —Reginus Buca

Location: Deshaan

Ancestral Nord: Bows

Many of Skyrim's pre-Imperial forts were built during this period since the lack of infighting allowed for more substantial construction to proceed unmolested. Blocks were chiseled from catapult stone as they were whittling palisades down to arrows. —Reginus Buca

Location: Stonefalls

Ancestral Nord: Chest Pieces

While minting the royal insignia in steel might appear to be a needless extravagance during a period of material shortages, Urgon assures me that the placement of the medallion is one of the most commonly struck locations on the body during in a melee. —Reginus Buca

Location: Stonefalls

Ancestral Nord: Daggers

Perhaps it's due to their stature, but historically Nords do possess a predilection for enormity, whether it be for mugs, cheese wheels, mounts, daggers, or anything really. Not a people fond of half-measures. I can respect that. —Reginus Buca

Location: Shadowfen

Ancestral Nord: Gloves

I am told that some Nords also swore by using troll spit to enhance their grip in battle. I can't confirm this, but judging by the smell it might have been involved in binding of this book. —Reginus Buca

Location: The Rift

Ancestral Nord: Helmets

Nord helmets in theatrical productions tend to be woefully inaccurate representations of their traditional designs, much to the chagrin of the Bards College. —Reginus Buca

Location: Bleakrock

Ancestral Nord: Leg Greaves

Thankfully, Harald emphasized practicality, thus sparing the Nords from the same dark period of preposterously proportioned cod pieces found in High Rock around this time. —Reginus Buca

Location: Eastmarch

Ancestral Nord: Maces

This movement toward common fittings didn't entirely carry on in the weaponsmithing trade, but was embraced by blacksmiths for the manufacture of common tools and hardware.

Location: Deshaan

Ancestral Nord: Shields

Eschewing the need for buoyancy made Nord heavy infantry second to none in their resilience, except arguably the Orcs. One account claimed that one of these shields could crumple an Elven cuirass with a full speed charge. —Reginus Buca

Location: Eastmarch

Ancestral Nord: Shoulders

Imposing features are common in armor design. Imperial cuirasses have, at times, been molded into the shape of a powerful physique. Both the Aylieds and the Akaviri employed Daedra-like masks to inspire fear, with the former going so far as to wear wings. —Reginus Buca

Location: Shadowfen

Ancestral Nord: Staves

It's unclear how commonly Nords employed magic in war. Clever Men and Women likely assumed advisory roles to rulers far more often than they were seen on the battlefield, but this does present evidence that such things occurred. —Reginus Buca

Location: Bal Foyen

Ancestral Nord: Swords

Swords are some of the most commonly found weapons from this period of Nord history, but it's unclear if that is due to their popularity or a large surplus that never saw battle in favor of some other instruments of death. —Reginus Buca

Location: The Rift


Ancestral Orc Style

Ancestral Orc: Axes

Time nearly disintegrated this book. I'm surprised the contents are still legible. We should handle this with care, the binding won't last much longer unless we take precautions. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Stros M'Kai

Ancestral Orc: Belts

Orcs of the past depicted historical figures in their armor. It's a practice we're only just now rediscovering. I'm sure the origins go back even farther, too. This was just the first one produced with some kind of consistency. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Betnikh

Ancestral Orc: Boots

This book smells like some Orc stuffed it in his boot and kept it there for the last few centuries. Still, a good read. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Stormhaven

Ancestral Orc: Bows

If stories are to be believed, Torug gro-Igron loved bows and became proficient while hunting game. Most of the time he's depicted weilding dual axes, but that might be artistic interpretation. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Glenumbra

Ancestral Orc: Chest Pieces

Orcs are just rediscovering these kind of precise metalwork techniques. They were lost to us during the fall of Orsinium in 1E 980, and it is only by historical accounts such as these that we're able to reclaim them. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Glenumbra

Ancestral Orc: Daggers

This book looks like it went through the jaws of a Sabre cat and then came out the other end. A few of the words were hard to make out, but with a little effort you can parse it out. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Rivenspire

Ancestral Orc: Gloves

There's an old folktale about a warrior named Urzatash the Bloody who picked a bar fight with the wrong Orc and got his face punched in. In the story, he has to live with a concave face for the rest of his life. Maybe it was based on some truth. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Alik'r

Ancestral Orc: Helmets

This is in great condition. Someone took great efforts to preserve this book. It looks as though there was a bit of restoration done to the inside binding but otherwise, this has all the original material. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Stros M'Kai

Ancestral Orc: Leg Greaves

The leather binding on this book is odd. It's soft, but hasn't completely disintegrated over time. Someone might have replaced it early on, or tried to pretty it up to make it part of a display. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Bankorai

Ancestral Orc: Maces

Maces are an Orc favorite, always have been. The ones addressed in this book seem particularly brutal. Maces with pointed heads are an entirely different breed of weapon. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Stormhaven

Ancestral Orc: Shields

It's rare to find descriptions of Orc craftsmanship that include the word beautiful. The author seems to have great reverance for the detail found in the shields they describe. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Bankorai

Ancestral Orc: Shoulders

This book looks ... flat. The text is still legible, but it looks like a mammoth stepped on it. The binding is crushed, the pages thinned, and the cover is almost comically stretched out. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Rivenspire

Ancestral Orc: Staves

I've never known an Orc to carry a staff that didn't look like it could double as a bludgeoning weapon if push came to shove. Even though many of these practices were lost to history, it seems as though instinct carried this one through to present day. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Betnikh

Ancestral Orc: Swords

A good read. The author posits some theories that I've not heard debated, but perhaps they were at the time it was written. I don't think it matters nearly as much as the design itself. Note that Turog is featured once again here. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Alik'r


Bloodlord's Embrace

Location: Khenarthi's Roost, Glenumbra, Rivenspire, Shadowfen, Coldharbour

Item Description: A long-forgotten vampiric smith forged this vile cuirass centuries ago. Though the location of his profane forge remains a mystery, this fell armor is an enduring reminder of the vampire's dark power.

Fanged Cuirass

Unusual design. The spine and chest are heavily reinforced from the front and rear, but the flanks and abdomen are completely exposed. The benefit to mobility would hardly outweigh the sacrifice in protection. Thick spikes appear entirely aesthetic. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Tested the metal where the enamel paint was flaking. Daedric. The rare material might explain the minimal coverage, but why use so much of it on superfluous spikes then? An armorer this skilled creating something so impractical ... it must be ceremonial. —Ugron gro-Thumog

I don't think so, Ugron. There are some powerful magic worked into this metal. Enough so that I question whether the material was chosen for its resilience, or because it takes especially well to enchantment. It's frightening, honestly. —Gabrielle Benele

Goblet Gorget

Typically, a gorget would sit closer to the throat and fully encompass the neck. This wide scoop would offer limited protection from anything other than arrows deflected upward after striking the carapace. It would provide ample room for a bulky helmet. —Ugron gro-Thumog

It's not my area of expertise, I know, but it seems that there is a deliberate gap between the plating and where it would sit on the collar. Honestly, it reminds me of a drain basin. What purpose would that serve? —Reginus Buca

I just cleaned some rust out of that channel, Reginus, and it turned out to be dried blood. Finding it on bits of used armor isn't unusual, but what if it really is a drain? If the owner was a vampire, feeding in battle would be messy business, I think. —Amalien

Hecatomb Tassets

This is a strange, hybrid design. Normally an encompassing piece like this would strap under the ribcage to protect the abdomen and extend down past the legs. This does neither, offering coverage to the kidneys, hips, pelvis, and little else. —Ugron gro-Thumog

There are a series of holes spanning the entire circumference of the waist, presumably for fastening. It's excessive in my opinion. This many points of contact wouldn't improve stability much and be more prone to buckling. I can't see another function. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Maybe it was stitched in place? They seem about the right span for stringing a leather cord through. What about bolts or screws? We are only seeing a small piece of a bigger picture. I'm sure it'll all make sense when put together! —Amalien

Sanguine Doublet

I don't recognize the style of this doublet. Probably a bespoke piece commissioned by a wealthy patron. The suppleness of the leather is beyond exquisite. It doesn't creak when stretching and snaps back elastically. Wearing it is like a warm hug. —Reginus Buca

Touching this dredged up an unpleasant memory I'd hoped never to relive. It reminded me of the work of a Bosmer tanner I met in Valenwood who was a devoted practitioner of the Green Pact. The lifelike feeling makes my skin crawl. —Amalien

Amalien's suspicions are correct. I've, unfortunately, had enough experience with evil necromancers to know what Elf leather feels like. This skin isn't technically alive, but it still acts like it. It even seems to heal cuts and abrasions. —Gabrielle Benele

Thirsting Girdle

At first blush, there was nothing exceptional about this plain, leather belt, but its appearance is deceiving. There are hollow channels beneath the surface that I can only describe as veiny and the inside of the loop is studded with teeth! —Reginus Buca

I pricked my finger on one of those pointy teeth. It felt like something was sucking at the wound as I pulled away! If I was going to make a bloodsucking belt, why would I put the teeth on the inside of the band? Maybe this was an instrument of torture? —Amalien

So, it definitely drinks blood. You can feel it pulse when doing so, and this seems to empower its enchantments. Unless someone volunteers to try it on, that's as much as I can discern. If I wanted a garment to drain the life out of me, I'd buy a corset. —Gabrielle Benele


Malacath's Band of Brutality

Location: Reaper's March, Betnikh, Stormhaven, Bal Foyen, Orsinium

Item Description: Hands that bear this heavy, iron ring instinctively curl into fists. The sound of distant drums and crashing steel fills the ears of the wearer, imbuing them with all the bitterness of Orckind and all the strength of Malacath.

Malacath's Brutal Might Loop

Look, a piece of Malacath's Brutal Band! This is obviously from a ring that belonged to a prominent member of Malacath's Brutal Breed, a cult that rose from the ashes of Orsinium around 1E 1000. A fascinating group! —Verita Numida

Fascinating? My research refers to them as Malacath fanatics intent on wiping out the Bretons and Redguards for every real and imagined slight perpetrated by them against the Orcs. Those rings represent vengeance, nothing more. —Amalien

What do you know of slights and vengeance, my esteemed colleague? Some Orcs believe the Brutal Breed had the right idea and were saddened when they were wiped out. Not me, mind you, but some among my kind. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Malacath's Brutal Ritual Dust

A pouch of ritual dust associated with the cult known as Malacath's Brutal Breed. A wonder it survived. It truly is well preserved. Must have something to do with how the leather was treated. Or maybe it really contains dust from the Ashpit? —Reginus Buca

That's what the legends tell us. Another gift from Malacath to his most-devoted followers. Of course, they were also quite mad. Violent fanatics who swore to die for what they believed in. And they did, too. A brutal and relatively short existence. —Gabrielle Benele

They would place their Brutal Bands in the dust while they slept, thinking that would charge them with energy from Malacath's domain. I wonder if the Mages Guild could devise a test to determine if the dust actually originated in Oblivion? —Ugron gro-Thumog

Malacath's Brutal Ritual Oil

This ritual urn bears the mark of the Brutal Breed. An Orc named Borug gro-Bashnarz founded the cult and served as its head supplicant. Legends attribute him as the one who received the Brutal Bands from Malacath himself. Hard to believe, even for an Orc. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Right. I remember that story. From the Orsinimum Codex. Malacath appeared before him and gifted him with a ring for every member of the cult--after they sacrificed an entire village of Bretons to the Ashpit. Ghastly. —Gabrielle Benele

And you're certain this urn contains the ritual oil used to annoint the Brutal Bands? It is believed that every cultist carried the oil to apply to their rings as a sort of prayer or request for perserverance in the face of endless adversity. —Reginus Buca

Malacath's Brutal Rune Core

Another amazing find! This can only be the core of one of Malacath's Brutal Bands. Notice the intricate carving, the runework. The cult claimed the rings were forged in the Ashpit and presented to them by Malacath himself. —Verita Numida

As with every legend, I am sure there is a kernel of truth to the story. I've seen forgeries over the years, but only a limited number of the true rings were known to exist. This is definitely one of them. An Orc can always tell. —Ugron gro-Thumog

I concur. Moreover, I would go so far as to say this is the core to the head supplicant's band itself! See that symbol? With the slash and the angle? That's a portion of Malacath's true name! I've seen it before, trust me! —Amalien

Malacath's Brutal Scourge Hoop

An outstanding find! See the intracacy of the twisted knots? This is clearly the upper hoop of one of Malacath's Brutal Bands! With the hoop, the core, and the loop, it forms a perfect ring. —Ugron gro-Thumog

From the Malacath cult that rose to prominence after the sack of the first Orsinium? Are you sure? As I understand it, only a handful of those ever existed. And aren't they cursed as well? Perhaps we should put it back .... —Gabrielle Benele

Nonsense! If scholars such as us balked every time a curse was mentioned, we'd never accomplish anything! This upper hoop represents Malacath's blessing of the scourge, by the way. A defense for the wearer. —Reginus Buca


Snow Treaders

Location: Bleakrock, Eastmarch, The Rift, Western Skyrim, Coldharbour

Item description: These fur-lined boots combine the rugged practicality of northern footwear with the grace and precision of Elven smithing. Magic swirls in the polished metal, defending the wearer from any attempts to slow their advance.

Auri-El Metal Carvings

These carvings appear to venerate Aur-El. My research indicates he occupied a place of special significance for Snow Elves. This metal is quite flexible, too. I'm not sure what the original purpose of this was. —Reginus Buca

Many worshipped Auri-El at the time, and still do! Not just the Snow Elves. We know so little of their history, even that may be a matter of debate. Though I will concede the area that this was found supports the theory. —Verita Numida

Since this is so flexible, even after all this time, I wonder if it was some kind of wearable display of worship. Something emblazoned on diffferent surfaces, either on armor or someone's shield. They could have even worn it over their regular clothes! —Amalien

Glacial Metal Rivets

These are incredibly small. The detail is astounding! I can't even begin to speculate what these might have held together. To be honest, we rarely see such fasteners in Elven apparel. They appear almost Dwarven in their construction. —Reginus Buca

Is that really so odd? Snow Elves and Dwarves coexisted for untold centuries in what is now Skyrim. These rivets might be evidence of cross-cultural collaboration, right? Both civilizations had so much to teach each other! —Amalien

Whatever their origin, they're masterfully smithed. I doubt even a modern Elven clothier could craft something so tiny. It requires a jeweler's focus. This would help create a sturdy object without sacrificing aesthetics. That's the Elven way, after all. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Magicka-Imbued Metal Plates

These are inert now, but I see evidence of magicka smelted into the metal itself. The scorch marks suggest it was fire magic, or at least a very mild form of it. These marks are from use, not from a singular blast of heat. —Gabrielle Benele

The shape is a little vague, but these almost seem like the soles of shoes to me. They would be the right length for an Altmer foot, if we're going with the theory that this is Snow Elf in origin. I suppose it could just as easily be cooking untensil. —Reginus Buca

Oh! Maybe the Snow Elves figured out a way to make traversing the snow easier. Metal soles that melt the snow while you walk! Or for recreation? How fun would it be to glide along freshly melted tracks of snow? —Amalien

Petrified Snow-Cedar

Snow-cedar is incredibly durable. The Snow Elves apparently bred them to be able to withstand intense cold and lack of nutrients, but I've never seen parts of one separated from the living tree before! —Reginus Buca

There are some alchemical practices that can petrify wood in a matter of hours. It makes for a strong, nearly indestructible material that can be used in a lot of different ways, though it's hard to tell what it was used for here. —Gabrielle Benele

I'm sure the Snow Elves made this! They would have certainly found a way to solidify the wood and make use of it. Maybe they even made armor out of it, it's tough enough. And there are marks on this piece that look deep enough to be from a sword! —Amalien

Snowy Sabre Cat Fur Strip

Over the years, many artists have imagined Snow Elf attire as being made of fashionable furs from head to toe. Long fur capes, decorative hats, fluffy boots ... The stitching on the sides suggests these were made for clothes. —Amalien

Snowy sabre cats would have been abundant in the areas Snow Elves nobles inhabitated, especially at the time. It's not out of the question to say they could have been the main source of material for clothes and a variety of other resources. —Reginus Buca

I'm no tailor, but I do have an eye for style. These are cut in such a way that they would be the inner lining of either a hat or possibly even gloves. You can clearly see where the outer layer was pulled away from the stitching. —Verita Numida


Thrassian Stranglers

Location: Auridon, Stros M'Kai, Artaeum, Summerset, Eyevea

Item Description: These gloves pulse and writhe with the grotesque power of the Sload. Sliding one's hands into these pelagic horrors imbues the wearer with arcane might. But like all Thrassian magic, this power comes at a price.

Bouyant Steel

Was there any metal in Thras? If not, I'm curious how this metal came into their possession. It's not as if they had a flourishing trade relationship with the peoples of Tamriel. —Reginus Buca

They likely gathered it from the bottom of the sea--from shipwrecks and the like. Maormer that strayed too close. Maybe even Yokudans or Lefthanded Elves. Even so, this metal feels lighter than most. Bouyant even. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Ha! I've got it! Frog-Metal! Syrabane discovered an alchemical alloy in the mid-First Era to provide armor for early Elven marines. It prevented them from sinking to the bottom if they fell overboard. The Sload would take a keen interest in such a thing! —Amalien

Coral Plating

I've read that dense corals provided the entire foundation of Thras. They probably mined it in much the same way we mine iron and stone, right? —Gabrielle Benele

Undoubtedly. The Sload used the tangled nest of coral formations to get around, but they must have developed a way to harvest it as well. I can't even begin to imagine how. This coral feels hard as stone, and I can't imagine a Sload swinging a pick! —Verita Numida

Take a hard look at the plates. Subtle variations in the color and the pattern of hollows. Different corals probably provided different advantages in battle. Lightness, durability, etc. Best part: it won't sink you to the bottom of the sea. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Inert Anemone Inlay

I'm not exactly an expert on the Sload, or anenomes for that matter, but I know swamp anemonies tend to grow in brackish areas. Much like the swampy region in the center of the Thrassian Archipelago, where I imagine these are from. —Reginus Buca

Do you think the Sload could have used these for necromantic purposes? Perhaps the unique slimy properties of the anemone aided in their particular magic, and that's why their skill with it is so refined! —Amalien

I have heard some truly unsettling accounts of the Sload's process of ... maturing. Some anemones have similar reproductive behaviors. I am not suggesting there's a direct connection, but consider it if you must! I'd rather not, personally. —Verita Numida

Nautilus Shell Guards

The Sea of Pearls is known for the myriad shells that wash up on its islands' shores. Many of them have whorls consistent with nautilus shells, which tend to be lightweight but incredibly durable. —Reginus Buca

The Sload didn't have much use for shells in general. Way I hear it, they eschewed most tools. Slippery grip, you see? But they did use armor occasionally (if All Flags logs can be believed). Their flabby bodies couldn't boast much natural protection. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Apparently the nautiluses surrounding the island of Agonio are particularly large. Since it was the largest island in the archipelago, maybe it had more abundant resources which allowed them to grow larger than normal. —Gabrielle Benele

Sticky Integument Leather

Do you think this was made out of Sload themselves? I think it could be harvested without killing the creature, but I imagine it would painful. Like flaying. —Reginus Buca

Perhaps they shed the stuff! Many seaborn creatures shed their skins to grow, right? Crabs and that sort of thing. I can almost imagine some pink, smelly thing climbing out of a leathery shell! —Amalien

Thank you for that vivid description, Amalien. Yes, it may well be a matural waste product. Or perhaps harvested from their young. What little scholarship exists on the subject implies that the Sload do not treat their children well. —Verita Numida


Torc of Tonal Constancy

Location: Alik'r, Bankorai, Deshaan, Stonefalls, Craglorn

Item Description: Legends state that those who don this tightly-wound Dwarven necklace gain near-divine perspectiv—cold, logical precision of thought that brings all the world's flaws into stark focus.

Torc Strand of Lore

Unusual--this metal band is about the size of a neck-ring, but I have a sense that it's incomplete. Dwarven work, for sure; the geometric design is quite common in Dwemer artifice. If it's a torc, where's the rest of it? —Reginus Buca

The torc seems incomplete because it is incomplete. Dwarves probably forged jewelry like this from several different strands braided together. Makes sense. Metallurgists tell me the Dwemer combined different metals to make their eponymous alloy. —Gabrielle Benele

But what magic does is possess? These tiny notches in the strand are undoubtedly aligned with Dwemeris script. I believe they stand for knowledge; this strand shapes and binds the magic of the torc with Dwemer lore. Knowledge is the foundation, you see. —Amalien

Torc Strand of Power

A twisted strand of Dwarven metal, marked with Dwemer notches signifying power. By itself, the piece has no purpose. But joined with other pieces--braided together into a neck-ring, perhaps--this strand would vastly boost the strength of the whole. —Ugron gro-Thumog

The Dwarves probably fashioned neck-rings (or torcs, to be precise) for many different purposes. Necklaces often harness powerful enchantments, so I'm not surprised to find a piece of a torc that boosts the strength of the object's magic. —Reginus Buca

Be careful with these markings. Even the simplest Dwarven bauble, crafted for diversion and little else, can be lethal if mishandled! When the pieces of the torc are joined together, we'll find out which this device was intended to be. —Verita Numida

Torc Strand of Song

These clean notches--I recognize them. They're Dwemer symbols for sound or song. As many of you know, sound played an essential role in Dwarven life and magical praxis. I often wonder if that included singing. —Amalien

Singing? Not in any fashion that a High Elf would take pleasure in, I wager. Dwarves prized cold logic over beauty, and I can't think of anything less logical than singing. They likely let their instruments do the talking. —Ugron gro-Thumog

A metallurgist once told me that metals in an alloy are like tones in harmony. An apt metaphor, yes? I doubt the Dwarves recognized any distinction between song and sound, to be honest. Tonal magic and ancient song both lead to wisdom of a sort. —Verita Numida

Torc Throat Guards

Strange; I've never encountered a Dwemer torc equipped with these shield-like extensions. Designed to amplify the voice, perhaps? Or to protect the wearer's throat from harm? To what purpose? An armored gorget would seem more practical. —Verita Numida

Ah, I've got it! This torc was created to harness tonal architecture--the Dwarven craft of using sound to shape reality itself. It was a powerful form of magic . . . or machinery. Although I'm not sure the Dwarves differentiated between the two. —Gabrielle Benele

Tonal architecture! I've seen the things the Dwarves made with it, of course, but I never imagined I'd actually see a device used by tonal architects in the course of their work. Why, who knows what Dwemer wonders were shaped by this torc? —Amalien

Torc Tonal Focus

Quartz, common, shaped with no great skill or design. Considering the workmanship of the other pieces that make up this magical torc, I must wonder if the original focusing stone was replaced with an inferior one by some lesser artisan.—Ugron gro-Thumog

Common quartz, yes, but not in the context of this magical torc. Quartz is a crystal, and crystals possess many unusual qualities regarding the transmission of sound. To carve or shape this stone might have ruined its natural resonance. Or so I guess. —Reginus Buca

My dear colleague Reginus is, as usual, more right than he lets himself admit. Different crystals naturally conferred different tonal properties. Every piece of this torc was exactingly shaped to focus the specific resonance of this crystal. Perfect! —Gabrielle Benele


Ring of the Wild Hunt

Location: Grahtwood, Greenshade, Malabal Tor, Glenumbra, Murkmire

Item Description: Hewn from ancient stone and banded with crude metals, this Wood Elf ring harkens back to a crueler time. Frightful images of hunter and prey plague the wearer's dreams, but the swiftness of Y'ffre is well worth the restless nights.

Band of Water

Too small to be a ring. It almost looks like a ring's ring, as odd as that sounds. It seems like it's made from the same material as the other charms from the area. Does this have anything to do with the Wild Hunt? —Gabrielle Benele

Wood Elves caught up in a Wild Hunt ritual supposedly change into strange animals, but some say turning into water is also one of their capabilities. This might be a depiction of a Bosmer that has become ... liquified. —Verita Numida

Yes! I've heard of Bosmer changing into fearsome waves of blood instead of animals! Wouldn't that be amazing to see? I mean ... horrifying, yes. But still, what a sight! —Amalien

Charm of the Shapeless

I'll be honest ... I don't really know what I'm looking at here. I suppose it could be a face? If you squint? Given the bizarre shape and the greenish hue of the metal, I'd say this is a relic of the Wild Hunt. —Verita Numida

If I'm not mistaken, shapeless beings often appear in the hunt. According to this tome of Bosmeri history, Wood Elves transformed by the ritual sometimes take on the aspect of "great writhing tongues, unfettered by lips or teeth." Gross. —Gabrielle Benele

Can you even imagine seeing a giant tongue chasing after you? It's realy too bad that the Wild Hunt leaves no survivors--not even those who willingy take part. I guess we'll have to wait until the Wood Elves feel agrieved enough to summon up another! —Amalien

Face of the Serpent

Some folk might look at this monstrous thing and think Maormer, but it's Wild Hunt imagery, to be sure. Apparently, Wood Elves can shift into all manner of hideous beast during a Wild Hunt. This one seems part snake, part fish? —Ugron gro-Thumog

You don't often see serpent imagery in Wood Elf crafts, but yes, I'd agree with Ugron. Creatures summoned up by the Wild Hunt defy all attempts to identify them. They might appear like snakes one moment, then fish the next. Ghastly. —Verita Numida

I've read stories about a monster created from the Wild Hunt--one that had the body of a serpent and jaws like a shark. It's said to still exist in shallow waters around Valenwood. Maybe it used to be a Wood Elf! —Amalien

Face of the Wolf Beast

A small carving, but nonetheless haunting. This thing is pretty monsterous, but I'm not even sure what kind of monster you'd qualify it as. Too creepy not to be related to the Wild Hunt, right? —Gabrielle Benele

Careful with this charm. It's old, but the fangs on that thing are still sharp enough to cut. The Wild Hunt is said to strip the flesh from bone in the blink of an eye ... this might be a reminder. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Don't wolves feel a bit too obvious to you? Creatures of the Wild Hunt take on multiple traits--all of them horrifying. This could be a depiction of King Dead Wolf-Deer! He's half-wolf, half-crocodile, or something. And some say he still prowls Valenwood! —Amalien

Symbol of Y'ffre

The charm itself is small, but it certainly resemples other depictions of Y'ffre--the Forest god of the Wood Elves. Given these hollows on either side of his head, I'd say this is part of a series of charms. —Reginus Buca

This looks like Y'ffre, I agree. But his aspect seems far less distant than normal. He appears to be howling, or snarling behind a matted wreath of leaves. That's more than a little unsettling.—Verita Numida

Perhaps he's unleashing the power of a Wood Elf Wild Hunt! Y'ffre demanded that the Wood Elves keep their shape as part of the Green Pact, but ironically, he allows them to change it again in times of great need. Gods are strange that way. —Amalien


Antique Maps


Antique Map of Alik'r

An Alik'r nomad tribe's map with a sparse frame of reference and no borders to speak of. Sentinel appears to be the only significant settlement of note. Instead, there is a focus on landmarks and hazards. A giant serpent's body is woven throughout. —Verita Numida

Not unlike the sea serpents scrawled in naval charts, eh? This must be Satakal, the Yokudan serpent god. They believed we all dwell upon the serpent, so it's safe to assume that this is a symbolic representation. —Reginus Buca

I've spoken at length with nomad tribal chieftains. Most claim that the dunerippers we see now are a fraction of the size of those the first Ra Gada encountered. Could be a correlation, but any evidence has long been weathered away by shifting sands. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: This map maker's aesthetic depicts the vast desert of Alik'r in gentle flowing lines, representing dunes that have long since shifted.

Location: Alik'r

Antique Map of Auridon

Oh! Clearly this is one of the Summerset Isles! Auridon, in fact. Nine Prows Landing is marked on it, too, which makes me think it's an early map. —Amalien

Or perhaps someone chose to note that location on this map since it is culturally significant, Amalien. Haven't I seen you do that yourself when you're sketching out your own maps? —Reginus Buca

Hmmm ... you're right. I definitely do that. And I see that there's a note about potential locations for the Mages Guild, which puts this at around 2E 230, so much later than I had hoped! —Amalien

Item Description: One of the Summerset Isles, Auridon is painstakingly rendered on this map to the exacting standard of the College of Sapiarchs.

Location: Auridon

Antique Map of Bangkorai

I'd date this around the early to mid First Era. The kingdom of Ojwambu occupies the southern half of Bankorai. It was sacked by the warlord Mahgzoor Rockhand, likely in retribution for driving the Goblins from their lands in Hammerfell. —Reginus Buca

Attacks like these were used to justify the sacking of Orsinium, despite the fact that Goblins did not occupy the city. According to oral histories, the Orc clans and Goblin tribes maintained a truce within the Dragontail Mountains, but did not mingle. —Ugron gro-Thumog

If it was prior to the Siege of Orsinium, it was probably after the exodus of Orcs and Goblins in 1E 874. That narrows the fall of Ojwambu and establishment of Hallin's Stand to the seventy-four years between! We're close! —Reginus Buca

Item Description: The entire region of Bangkorai is shown on this antique map, though much of the detail is focused on the daunting Bangkorai pass.

Location: Bankorai

Antique Map of Deshaan

From the dark shading in the northern region of this map, it seems likely this maps dates to soon after the first eruption of Red Mountain. Sometime very soon after 1E 668. Deshaan experienced significant climate disruption during this period. —Reginus Buca

Ah yes. The Sun's Death! I see several roads leading away from the darkened areas. Perhaps these were Dunmer escape routes, showing the way to new settlements?—Amalien

The idea that a cartographer managed to create a map in these conditions defies credulity. Red Mountain's eruption, the end of the First Council's war, the curse of Azura .... An artist probably rendered this as a historical map a hundred years later. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: The fertile plain of Deshaan stretches out on this artful map.

Location: Deshaan

Antique Map of Eastmarch

Skyrim, the Old Holds. Eastmarch, specifically--the former heartland of the Nord Empire. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Windhelm in particular is the oldest human settlement in all of Tamriel. One wonders what stories and treasures have been forgotten in this ancient land.—Verita Numida

I'm reminded of one: There's an old Nordic legend about how the hero Wuundig fought a mighty Daedra here and melted it with a flaming hammer. The hot springs of Eastmarch are what's left of the monster. —Reginus Buca

Item Description: A master cartographer lent their skills to the crafting of this map of Eastmarch untold years ago.

Location: Eastmarch

Antique Map of Glenumbra

Map of the Direnni Hegemony, circa 1E 484. I note some discrepancies in the topography. There are some, shall we say, natural borders that don't align with the current lay of the land, or maps drawn a mere twenty years after. —Reginus Buca

I concur. These irregularities are taking great liberties with the region. This map from the same year omits Camlorn entirely. This hardly seems like a mere oversight. I believe this was a deliberate attempt to obfuscate their shrinking territories.—Verita Numida

The Direnni had some of the most powerful mages in the world at the height of their reign. Maybe they weren't just changing the maps? What if their Camlorn really did disappear? Like the Dwemer? Or Artaeum? Maybe we'll find it! Wouldn't that be something? —Amalien

Item Description: This detailed map highlights the complex topography of Glenumbra thanks to the artistry of the cartographer who crafted it.

Location: Glenumbra

Antique Map of the Gold Coast

I think it's fairly obvious that this is a depiction of the Gold Coast. A beautifully rendered one at that. —Reginus Buca

It's interesting to think about maps drawn before and after the construction of Varen's Wall. Each tell quite a different story about the land and it's people! —Amalien

I'd be curious to see a map of this area from the First Era, if such a thing could ever be found. All that remains of the great Ayleid settlements is broken marble and subterranean dangers. A fitting end for such a terrible people. —Verita Numida

Item Description: Though this antique map doesn't note it, the Gold Coast was once called the Strident Coast.

Location: Gold Coast

Antique Map of Grahtwood

Hmm, this is difficult to read, but I believe it's a map of the southeast Valenwood. This region is known as the Grahtwood, after the graht-oaks that are found in great numbers there. —Verita Numida

Curious--Falinesti is marked on the map. I know that the city hasn't been seen in many years, but even in the days when it was accessible, I thought that the Walking City's location was uncertain. —Reginus Buca

Uncertain? No, although I can understand why you might think so. Falinesti moved with the seasons, traveling to different parts of the Valenwood. From year to year, it took root in the same spot during each season--this map marks its winter site. —Amalien

Item Description: Careful attention was paid to marking the well-trod footpaths through the old growth of Grahtwood.

Location: Grahtwood

Antique Map of Greenshade

This looks like southwestern Valenwood to me. Yes, this must be Greenshade. —Gabrielle Benele

Yes, this seems quite old. Modern maps of the region evince High Elf influence. Remember, the Dominion has tried to influence Greenshade both culturally and architecturally. This map seems to predate their concerted attempts to do so. —Reginus Buca

Yes, the Bosmer only barely tolerate my people. Hard to blame them. Travelers don't know the true layout of the area because they stick to the cities for trade and travel. This is detailed enough that it might be from the Wood Elves themselves! —Amalien

Item Description: Nearly a work of art in itself, this map of Greenshade provides some insight into what the region might have looked like in an earlier time.

Location: Greenshade

Antique Map of Malabal Tor

An old depiction of Malabal Tor, the Bosmeri heartland. See, here's Silvenar, and over here is Falinesti--the summer site, I believe. Of course, no one's seen it in a very long time. —Gabrielle Benele

Interesting. Several Ayleid holds and cities are marked on the map: Abamath, Belarata, Ilayas. This map must have been made early in the First Era, shortly after the Ayleids withdrew to the Valenwood. Some of these sites were lost for centuries. —Reginus Buca

More likely the map was created by a cartographer working from older source material--mapmakers often incorporate the work of their predecessors into new maps, correcting and improving it. This parchment is old, but it's not three thousand years old. —Verita Numida

Item Description: The cartographer paid special attention to the coast and waterways of Malabal Tor when rendering this map.

Location: Malabal Tor

Antique Map of Murkmire

Difficult to say with certainty since its shores change so often, but I'm fairly confident this map depicts southern Black Marsh. Specifically the Murkmire region. —Verita Numida

You're right, Verita. And you certainly weren't exaggerating when you spoke about the shores and terrain shifting. Just look where the cartographer placed Blackrose Prison and Lilmoth. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Black Marsh is virtually impossible to map effectively. Just ask any Imperial cartographer who's tried it. Very few make it back out of that gods-forsaken place alive, and those that do are always disappointed. —Reginus Buca

Item Description: The surveyor who succeeded in mapping the impenetrable marshlands of Murkmire made certain to note the migration of swamp leviathans.

Location: Murkmire

Antique Map of Northern Elswey

Ah! Hard to mistake this map, given the recent troubles in the region. It's Anequina sure enough. Northern Elsweyr, I mean. —Gabrielle Benele

Hmm. It's clearly quite old, but the cartographer didn't include the boundaries of Elsweyr's sixteen kingdoms. I suppose the artist rendered it shortly after the northern half of the province consolidated under the Anequine banner. —Verita Numida

Yes, this clearly depicts the region just after the Thrassian Flu. It's quite odd to see a fully rendered map of the province. Travel in Elsweyr leans heavily upon word of mouth--mostly to keep Baandari caravaners employed. —Reginus Buca

Item Description: The lands of Anequina and its majestic aqueduct are the subject of this skillfully illustrated map.

Location: Elsweyr (Northern)

Antique Map of Reaper's March

A map of the March. This land I know well. Bosmer, Khajiit, Colovians, and Imperials have fought over this place for centuries uncounted. The battles I could tell you of! —Ugron gro-Thumog

The region's history of conflict no doubt shaped the warrior cultures of the nomadic Khajiit tribes. The rest of Tamriel knows the Khajiit as traveling merchants, but Anequina--the northern Khajiit realm--has always been a martial kingdom. —Verita Numida

Despite the name, the Reaper's March is more than just a battlefield. It's a melting pot of cultures. Yes, the Khajiit fought bloody wars here, but they also traded with other peoples and prospered in peaceful times. —Reginus Buca

Item Description: Skillful strokes create the boundaries and landmarks of Reaper's March on this map.

Location: Reaper's March

Antique Map of The Rift

Oh, this seems to be a map of the Rift! It's hard to miss Lake Honrich and the Treva River. A much more temperate climate than the rest of Skyrim, really. —Gabrielle Benele

And Giant territory, too! I wonder if any Giant burial grounds are marked on this map? I've heard that Giants seek out their ancestral burial grounds when they feel death drawing near. —Amalien

Giant burial grounds are less interesting than you might think. They take few belongings to the grave, and their kin do not tend the place where they are laid. You'll find little more than large bones and scraps of mammoth leather. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: Despite its name, the sweeping temperate zone called the Rift is a hospitable place for Nords to come together, and this map points the way.

Location: Rift

Antique Map of Rivenspire

An annotated draft of the political map of the kingdom of Rivenspire once belonging to the royal cartographer of Shornhelm. The lines have been redrawn numerous times in varying colors of ink. It seems the nobility was quite divided on the matter. —Reginus Buca

If they were anything like their descendants, then I'd say that's an understatement. The three major houses are constantly vying for control. It's a miracle that the kingdom isn't in a constant state of civil war, especially without a king on the throne. —Gabrielle Benele

The stewardship of these assorted baronies and counties was at the pleasure of the king. Holdings of the nobility would have shifted constantly as individuals gained or fell out of favor. These drafts may be as close to final as was possible. —Reginus Buca

Item Description: Somehow the cartographer behind this map accurately rendered Rivenspire in great detail through all its gloom and fog.

Location: Rivenspire

Antique Map of Shadowfen

This is a treat! An Ayleid map of the Shadowfen region from very early in the First Era. The rendering of Stormhold looks almost aspirational. Several marks on here imply they had planned several locations for settlment. —Amalien

These marks don 't necessarily imply settlement locations. I suggest they could be warnings. The Argonian population would not take kindly to encroachment in this era. They were much more isolated then. —Ugron gro-Thumog

You may be right. There are stories of an enormous battle between local Argonians and the Barsaebic Ayleids for control of the land where they'd construct Silyanorn. A shame that they could not live together in peace. —Amalien

Item Description: On this aged map, someone took great pains to depict the common paths and hazardous areas of the mire called Shadowfen.

Location: Shadowfen

Antique Map of Stormhaven

This is an Orcish map. Hard to believe it's real. Hardly anything from the time of first Orsinium survived the war that broke it. This map outlines the territory claimed around the Bjoulsae River. There's a settlement marked: Golkarr. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Wasn't that the name of the Orc king from the thirty-year siege? I'd read that he invaded Stormhaven and blockaded Wayrest's trade lanes. There wasn't any mention of an Orc settlement. Was Golkarr an early casualty of the war? —Gabrielle Benele

It may never have been built. I doubt a treacherous ruler like Jolie would have tolerated Orcs for neighbors even if Golkarr was established peacefully. The justification for the razing of Orsinium was likely just the first of Jolie's many betrayals. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: Even early maps of Stormhaven like this one show population centers, making the map a window into the past.

Location: Stormhaven

Antique Map of Stonefalls

Stonefall's early history is replete with tales of struggle and invasion. The borders shifted a lot during the Merethic and First Eras. This map displays a fleetiong moment in time when ancient borders resembled those of the present day. —Amalien

Indeed. Only a cartographer in service to the First Empire of the Nords would draft such a map. I'd date this to around the year 400 in the First Era. —Ugron gro-Thumog

If that's true, then pity the poor cartographer who needed to redraw this map only a few years later. Morrowind pushed hard to expel the Nords. Empires based on brutality rarely last long. —Verita Numida

Item Description: Though the ashfall may obscure the features of Stonefalls, the clear lines of this map are an able guide.

Location: Stonefalls

Antique Map of Summerset

I'd recognize this map anywhere. Home. Summerset Isle. This map is old, but it's not too old. I've seen maps drafted by the Aldmer, and honestly, the landmarks are barely recognizable. —Amalien

Amalien has the right of it. This map seems more utilitarian than strictly decorative. Something belonging to a ship's captain or a trader perhaps. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Odd that it doesn't include Auridon or Artaeum. I guess the cartographer wanted to express Summerset's primacy in the region. —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: While one wouldn't want to use this map for navigation, given its age, it makes for excellent wall art.

Location: Summerset

Antique Map of Vvardenfell

Vvardenfell's unique, volcanic geography make Vvardenfell one of the most difficult places in Tamriel to map. The island's silhouette, however, is unmistakable. —Reginus Buca

Ha! Tribunal priests are the true impediments to cartography in the region. I can scarcely believe how often the island is locked away, reopened, and so on. Travel to the island is quite simple nowadays, but you'll find many doors closed to outsiders. —Verita Numida

As you well know, few maps are original works. I'd wager this is a composite of several different maps -- perhaps even Dwemer ones! —Amalien

Item Description: The vastness of Red Mountain is truly apparent in this scale map of Vvardenfell.

Location: Vvardenfell

Antique Map of Wrothgar

An aged depiction of Wrothgar if my eyes aren't mistaken. —Reginus Buca

I don's see any references to the original thirteen strongholds. Of course, Imperial cartographers never spent much time digging into the details of Orcish stronghold-law. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Not Imperial, Ugron. I detect a Breton influence on this. It seems overwrought to me--almost florid. A High Rock artist likely designed this as a commemoration of the first sack of Orsinium. —Verita Numida

Item Description: The treacherous mountains of Wrothgar are expertly depicted on this map, though safe passage through them is anyone's guess.

Location: Wrothgar


The Aldmeri Symphonium

Location: Auridon, Grahtwood, Greenshade, Summerset

Aldmeri Golden Embellishments

Much of the imagery from the Aldmer carried over into the descending cultures, like the High Elves. Amalien knows how fond her people are of aquiline imagery. That might explain the bird figurine. The Magnus connection is a bit puzzling, though. —Reginus Buca

I assume you're talking about the sun marking? I've seen it in some of the mosaics in Firsthold. Particularly around Torinaan's ruin. It looks more like heraldry than religion iconography to me. Maybe Torinaan's calan-sigil. —Gabrielle Benele

Could this be a symbol from Aldmeris itself? We High Elves like to pretend we know everything about our place of origin, but what little we do know feels like wild conjecture to me. What if this is what they saw in their sky? A sun unlike any other! —Amalien

Lacquered Wooden Tone-Box

You can tell from the grain pattern here, the person who made this repurposed wood from another object. These minor warps make it no less beautiful. Hard to believe, given its finish, but I think this box used to be part of a ship. —Reginus Buca

Some of the oldest wooden relics on Summerset have a similar appearance. If they managed to turn something utilitarian like a boat into a magnificent object like this ... well, I would hate to be a woodworker looking at this. —Gabrielle Benele

Maybe they took it from High Lord Torinaan's flag-swan! A lesser-known prophesy foretold that the lost children of Aldmeris would "make of their branches a new home on distant shores." The branches bit never made sense. Maybe they meant wooden ships! —Amalien

Preserved Music Box Mechanism

Despite the object's age, the miniscule aspects of this music box seem to be in perfect working order. We should take care when handling it, though. Amalien, please resist the urge to take it apart. —Reginus Buca

Legends speak of Aldmeri music that could ease the mind and ward off grief entirely. A valuable property for such a long-lived race. Obviously, this mechanism isn't capable of such things, but hearing an Aldmeri melody would likely bring joy to any Elf. —Verita Numida

I'm not so sure. This sounds like a mourning song. The sting of death was far more accute for my ancient kin since it reminded them of their mortal curse. I reminds me of traditional High Elf requiems. —Amalien


Alinor Allemande

An ancient dance, eh? Judging by the spacing and the painstaking notation, it's definitely a High Elf creation. Ugh. We're so stuffy! Remind me to show you some real dancing once I grease the rear axle of my chair! —Amalien

Location: Summerset


Dwarven Ebon Wolf Mount

Location: Alik'r, Bankorai, Stormhaven, Stros M'Kai, Deshaan, Eastmarch, Stonefalls, The Rift, Western Skyrim, Coldharbour, Craglorn

Aetherquartz Tonal Resonator

This translucent stone makes a sound when properly placed in its setting. I can feel a bit of a zing when I touch it, so it has residual charge left. Extraordinary! I wonder what this relic empowers! —Amalien

Aligned Dwarven Plates

A series of connected ebony plates and Dwarf-metal accents? It almost resembles the structure of a snake. I've heard tales of similar creatures in the Clockwork City. By Auri-El, if I ever make it to that place, I'll faint on the spot! —Amalien

Cracked Dwarven Gear Shafts

These shafts connect to a frame. Is the Dwemeris inscription supposed to be instructions? They clearly socket into another segment of a larger machine. Something with multiple limbs by the looks of it. —Gabrielle Benele

Dwarven Articulated Paws

These are vamidium dog or wolf paws, which makes me wonder if Dwarves saw these creatures the same way Solitude's Nords see their silver wolves. Probably not. Of all the races of Tamriel, the Dwarves were the least sentimental. —Gabrielle Benele

Dwarven Breastguard

This plate clearly connects to a spinal and neck structure that holds inner workings of a vamidium's shoulder-machinery. It lacks some sort of stone, though. Perhaps a resonator sockets in there somehow. —Gabrielle Benele

Dwarven Horngrip

This handle clearly belongs to some sort of vamidium, but the ebony styling is unlike any I've seen before. I can scarcely imagine watching someone take that grip in hand and swing their leg astride a hissing steed! —Amalien

Dwarven Leather Saddle Seat

Aha! This clearly belongs to a vamidium. I would say a quadruped. Perhaps a horse? The Dwemeris inscription appears much fiercer than the ones I've seen on other mechanical mounts. Could this object be a weapon of war? —Gabrielle Benele

Dwarven Rib-Frame

These metal strips all curve inward from edges that clearly must attach to another component. Resembles a rib cage, I'd say. Probably built to protect vulnerable components while allowing access to talented architects. —Gabrielle Benele

Dwarven Spine-Coupling

Amazing! The craftsmanship of this metal spine allows it to move almost as well as an animal's spine. But, which animal? Pretty remarkable that a race that constantly recoiled from messy mortality used natural structures in their designs! —Gabrielle Benele

Dwarven Steam Conduit

Such a small conduit! It makes me think this belongs to an automata of some sort. Perhaps a vamidium? The metal features several reinforcing clamps. The Dwarves clearly designed this to withstand tremendous pressure. —Amalien

Ebon Dwarven Wolf Head

Ah. A wolf's head shaped in metal. For all their brooding and reclusiveness, it seems even Dwarves weren't immune to the dog's inherent charm! Everyone loves a loyal dog, right? Given the scale, this wolf almost certainly wants for a rider. —Gabrielle Benele

Ebony-forged Dwarven Limbs

Four limbs! Four! A quadruped! The shapes indicate a large dog or wolf, perhaps. Oh, but I shouldn't get my hopes up. Knowing my luck, they'll wind up belonging to some ugly, four-legged crab. —Amalien

Inclined Dwarven Paneling

Judging by the minor scrapes I see, these metal plates overlay each other, forming what might be a neck? Odd, considering Dwarves prided themselves on precision. Someone must have attempted to reassemble it, only to fail. —Amalien

Large Aetherium Lenses

Ah, precious aetherium! These gems might provide some form of vision, perhaps serving as lenses in a farseeing device? Certainly not meant for a person of Dwarven scale. These probably belonged to a vamidium or other large animunculus. —Amalien

Sloped Dwarven Guards

Hmm. Amalien can correct me if I'm wrong, but I definitely get the sense that these plates were meant to protect and reinforce a limb or other potential load-bearing element. They look quite sleek by Dwarven standards! —Gabrielle Benele

Weathered Dwarven Cogs

Interesting. Traces of ebony make me think this cog was set within that type of metal. So, black and bronze? Someone was building for drama! You don't often see that kind of alloying in Dwarven work.—Gabrielle Benele

Worn Dwarven Gears

Given the size, these gears belong to something smaller than a Dwarven Centurion, but bigger than a Dwarven Sphere. How exciting! An as-yet unknown animunculus just waiting for assembly! —Amalien


Adornments

(Note: This is a category of objects, rather than one object with multiple fragment pieces to collect)

Companion's Coronet

When Ysgramor set sail from Atmora to avenge the Night of Tears, he sent out a call for warriors to join him. Those who answered his call won everlasting renown as the Five Hundred Companions. One of those mighty heroes likely wore this very headpiece! —Verita Numida

Location: Western Skyrim

Dwemer Body Marking

I love the Dwarves dearly, but the word narcissistic hardly captures the brazen vanity of their culture. They adorned practically everything with stylized faces that presumably match their own. This vivid tattoo follows that theme brilliantly. —Amalien

Note: This body marking is named "Dwemer Gold" in the Collections menu.

Location: Western Skyrim

Dwemer Crown

An excellent example of Dwemer craftsmanship. The geometic etchings likely symbolize wisdom and authority; the white stones, nobility. This crown would have been worn by a Dwarven architect or other high ranking artisan. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Western Skyrim

Dwemer Face Marking

A simple design, but one imbued with great symbolic importance. We rarely find a Dwarven pillar, forge, or animunculus that lacks a bearded face. I think we can safely infer that such facial ornamentation conveyed a sense of skill, wisdom, or authority. —Verita Numida

Location: Western Skyrim

Ysgramor's Chosen Body Marking

The skalds say that Ysgramor and his companions were the first to wear the blue war-paint so many Nords still favor today. Supposedly Ysgramor slew so many frost giants that he was covered in their blue blood. The rest of his foes fled the field! —Amalien

Note: This body marking is named "Atmoran Body Marking" in the Collections menu.

Location: Western Skyrim

Ysgramor's Chosen Face Marking

An important discovery! No one remembered what markings Ysgramor and his Five Hundred Companions wore on their faces. The spiral designs are symbols of death. The Atmorans wore them to show that they sought a glorious end in battle! —Ugron gro-Thumog

Note: This item is called "Atmoran Face Markings" in the Collections menu.

Location: Western Skyrim


Treasures

(Note: This is a category of antiquities, rather than one piece with multiple Fragments)

Akaviri Lord's Banner

Now here's something I didn't expect to find in Skyrim: a lord's banner from distant Akavir. Leaders in Akaviri armies fastened these banners to the back of their armor so their soldiers could easily identify them in the thick of the fight. —Reginus Buca

Not so surprising--Akaviri armies fought their way across Morrowind and Skyrim during the First Akaviri Invasion, 1E 2703. The invaders conquered huge parts of both realms before Reman stopped them at the Pale Pass. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Ah, the origin of the Dragonguard. The Akaviri recognized Reman I as the Dragonborn and swore allegiance to him. This lord may have been one of the last Akaviri to raise sword against the future Emperor--or one of the first to bend the knee to him. —Verita Numida

Location: The Rift

Al-Esh Ascension Coin

This may be the rarest coin ever minted by Tamrielic hands. Shortly after Akatosh's final Alessian visitation, a renowned Ayleid smith named Lirulorne struck a handful of masterwork coins for the fallen empress's consort, Morihaus. Some interpreted the gesture as reparations for humanity's long enslavement, others considered it simple tribute. Whatever the case, the peerless craftsmanship and extravagant composition proves that even the conquered recognized the divine legitimacy of Alessia's rule. —Reginus Buca

Location: Western Skyrim

Ancient Dragonguard Lure

By Syrabane's ring, this is magnificent! I never thought an iron sphere could look so beautiful. There's something about it that's just so ... intriguing. I can almost hear it whispering to me. Even now, my hands tremble with the thought of letting go! These symbols here—unlike any I've seen. Akaviri? Or even Dovah? No. that's not possible. Seems the charming magic imbued into this iron is still quite potent. Meant to lure a beast to its doom, no doubt! Someone take this thing away from me! —Amalien

Location: Southern Elsweyr

Ancient Fertility Totem

This looks Ayleid, and given the area it was found, it makes sense. Though, there are a few Bosmer touches to the design that make me think this was some kind of collaboration. —Gabrielle Benele

As I understand it, these totems in Ayleid culture were only used as a last resort. It wasn't common practice to have one unless a couple was truly having trouble conceiving. —Reginus Buca

There's a theory that Ayleid culture died out in this area because they became unable to reproduce with one another, and mated with the local Bosmer instead. I wonder if this was a gradual shift that was met with resistance? —Amalien

Location: Greenshade

Ancient Fishing Rod

Despite it's age, this design doesn't look too different from modern day fishing rods. The embellishments are certainly unique, though. A lot of Khenarthi specific imagery. I doubt the additional weight made it any easier to fish. —Reginus Buca

Keep in mind, the Khajiit of this area were renowned fishermen. Their innovations vastly exceeded others of the time, and they took it very seriously. These embellishments were likely a token of respect and revereance rather than functionality. —Verita Numida

There are stories of a famous fisherman around this time named Fazjum. In one of them, he caught a Desert Sucker the size of a horse that was terrorizing the waters. He was said to have a fishing rod exactly like this! —Amalien

Location: Khenarthi's Roost

Apostle's Scourge

Some kind of religious scourge. Used for self-flagellation no doubt. Mauloch's jawbone, this tool is ancient. The Daedric script here--see how it gives way to these more geometric runes? What were these Dark Elves punishing themselves for?—Ugron gro-Thumog

I know precious little about Sotha Sil's followers, but a mad mage I spoke to insisted that Sotha Sil's followers--the Clockwork Apostles--worship Sotha Sil, obviously, but they've also turned their back on Daedra-worship entirely! Can you imagine? —Amalien

I can't. No matter who they worship now, the Dark Elves are still children of the Velothi tradition. Then again, if a living god tells you to abandon a belief, who would refuse? Present day apostles probably can't even remember the Good Daedra's names. —Reginus Buca

Location: Clockwork City

Apraxic Decanter

Can't say as I've ever seen an object like this in Summerset. Everything there is so pristine. This vessel appears misshapen and cheap. Even so, the glass appears almost iridescent. Why would someone use such beautiful materials for something so hideous? —Gabrielle Benele

Yeah, looks like aetherquartz to me. High Elf aldarchs use it in their scred chalices, and the like. I doubt this started as a shoddy decanter. Someone melted an object down and reshaped it into this. —Ugron gro-Thumog

It was a calian--one of the precious spheres we High Elves receive as youths. If we commit a grave offense, an ascendent curate smashes it and demands we repair it. Seems an apraxic mer chose to make a decanter of it instead. It's ... disheartening. —Amalien

Location: Summerset

Aquiline Calian Sphere

I can't overstate the magnitude of this discovery. An aetherquartz sphere like this--also known as a calian--is the physical embodiment of a High Elf's honor and status in the High Elf community. I keep mine in a small willow wood box, but it's a fraction of the size and it's completely transparent. Whoever created this one managed to embed a translucent eagle in the rose-colored glass! This had to belong to a Grand Athelan or similarly important religious figure. Marvelous! —Amalien

Location: Auridon

Armless Stone Effigy

The face is worn off which makes it difficult to determine who the artist was attempting to depict. Given that it came from Wrothgar, it might be some totem or figure from the first Orcs? Ugron can shed some light on it this, I'm sure. —Reginus Buca

The size and weight seem wrong. Orcish effigies are heavier--more roughly hewn. Judging by the figure's attire, it could be a tiny depiction of King Thagore. Though even that feels like a stretch. One of the arms is missing. I wonder what it carried. —Verita Numida

Looks like a little Diagna to me. Redguard sword-god. Apparently, fighters from the Order of Diagna kept totems like this for luck during the siege of Orsinium. It probably fell from the purse of a Redguard warrior as an Orcish warrior struck them down. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Orsinium

Augur's Bones

The runes marked on these small bones can predict the future, if you know how to read them. The augur shakes them up in a bag, then pours them out on the ground, looking for alignments and connections. Casting the runes is a rare talent! —Amalien

Is the talent in the bones, or in the caster? I suspect that more than a few augurs put on a good show of pouring out the bones before telling their visitors what their visitors want to hear. Still, this set is old and well-preserved. —Verita Numida

Casting-bones are passed from teacher to student down through the generations; they get their power from the skill and renown of their previous owners. Each new augur adds a bone and its rune to the collection--and this is a large set indeed. —Gabrielle Benele

Location: The Rift

Ayleid Statuette

Interesting. This gold statuette appears to be a representation of the Daedric Prince Meridia--the personification of the element of light, at least to the Ayleids. A small sculpture such as this probably resided in a noble's house shrine.

The figure lacks the cowl and wings often seen in Meridia's depictions. That would seem to date it to the waning days of the Ayleid Empire, when Elves like the Barsaebics distanced themselves from their Heartland kin who served darker masters.

Many Ayleid clans fled to the Valenwood in the aftermath of the Alessian Rebellion. I believe this to be a Bawn or Anutwyll heirloom carried away from one of those fallen strongholds around 1E 243. That means it could date back to the Merethic Era!

Location: Grahtwood

Ayleid Tendrilled Eye

This spherical stone eye has numerous winding tendrils curving out from its surface. I've counted them eight times and gotten eight different results. It does faintly emit a Daedric energy, but there's no enchantment that would alter its shape. —Gabrielle Benele

Given the Ayleid's enthusiastic veneration of Daedra, this eye probably represents Hermaeus Mora, Daedric Prince of knowledge. He's not often idolized. Maybe because he's reclusive compared to so many of the Princes ... or because he's hard to depict. —Amalien

Third time's a charm! And a pattern! The Ayleids here must have considered Hermaeus Mora their patron. If they held knowledge in such high regard, some of these ruins may have been part of a college. I can practically hear the library calling! Can you? —Amalien

Location: Betnikh

Basalt Table-Game Set

A traditional Dematah gaming set, eh? Incomplete, but still lovely. Basalt is a rather heavy and coarse stone for delicate work such as this, but the carver chose a deliberately abstract style for the pieces. Not uncommon in early Dunmer craftsmanship. —Verita Numida

The pieces look so oddly proportioned! I suppose these smaller tokens represent slave races? Argonians have complained about Dematah's troubling themes for centuries. I'd say this vindicates those claims! Is it just me, or is this board larger than usual? —Amalien

Each side has an extra token because this set is a variation known as Traitor's Dematah. A very popular variant among Dunmer nobles in the middle of the First Era. You could replace an opponent's "slave" with one of your own—"turning a traitor," you see? —Reginus Buca

Location: Bal Foyen

Bleeding Beetle Door Lock

Tribunal priests and religious enforcers make it very difficult to learn much about the mysterious Sixth House. From what little information we can find, this noble house played a major role in the War of the First Council between the Chimer and the Dwarves. Always a secretive group, House Dagoth deployed these strange, beetle-shaped locks on their doors to taste the blood of those who sought entry--a valuable precaution in wartime, and consistent with the Dark Elves' inherent wariness. —Reginus Buca

Location: Vvardenfell

Book of Dark Rites

We've stumbled upon something truly dangerous here. The cover should serve as your first clue; black leather that seems to shiver into goosebumps at the slightest touch. And the contents are no better. Page after blood-stained page depicting murders of every variety. What I find most disturbing is this "Rite of Penance." It's not like the Black Sacrament. The sigils and physical components feel consistent with a summoning ritual. But what could an assassin summon that's worse than himself? —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Gold Coast

Bosmer Hunting Horn

Wood elf work, this. The horn is made from the end of a timber-mammoth tusk, and the mouth-piece is carved bone. The inscribed image depicts a hunting scene, of course. Likely the owner sounded it to mark the start of the chase. —Ugron gro-Thumog

A hunting scene, or a scene of the Wild Hunt? It seems to me that the monstrous figures are chasing the human-shaped figures, not the other way around. The Bosmer rarely depict their ancient ritual--this is an unusual find! —Amalien

Sounding a horn to commence a hunt? I doubt it. The last thing a wood elf would do is announce the beginning of a hunt to the whole forest. Nor do the Bosmer use the Wild Hunt for mere decoration. No, this horn is blown to signal the end of the hunt. —Reginus Buca

Location: Grahtwood

Brittle Linen Pilgrimage Map

At first I wondered why this specific slice of Tamriel would be painted in such detail. With Gabriel's help, I discovered someone magically marked a trail on it from Summerset to Morrowind. This could be the precise path that Saint Veloth himself walked on his pilgrimage! Such fortune that some early Dunmer used linen instead of parchment or it may not have survived the centuries. We placed it in a stasis spell to prevent further degradation, which sadly means no one may touch it. —Amalien

Location: Deshaan

Bronzed War Horn

A delightful instrument. This is Nord made, probably from a mammoth tusk considering the size. The bronze bands are scuffed and without decoration, suggesting this was a practical item and not decorative. —Reginus Buca

I believe this dates to sometime early in the First Era. Stonefalls endured an invasion by the First Empire of the Nords in that time. It seems likely that this horn heralded the army's rampage upon the land. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Yes, perhaps a blast from this announced Vrage the Butcher himself. We know he enjoyed traveling to survey his conquered territory. I gave the horn a small toot and it has quite a nice tone. Sounded regal, and not terrifying as I imagined. —Reginus Buca

Location: Stonefalls

Child's Ragged Tree Doll

How adorable! The doll resembles the mysterious Hist trees found in Black marsh. Don't dolls usually look like the children they're intended for? Perhaps this is hard evidence that Argonian children start off as Hist saplings? —Amalien

An interesting idea, but we may not need to go that far. I surmise these dolls were used to imprint a connection between Argonian hatchlings and the Hist. Notice how the bark still feels tacky? Perhaps it was once covered in sap for early exposure. —Reginus Buca

Magical analysis dates the doll to sometime in the Merethic. I exposed the doll to a vial of Hist sap and the leaves grew iridescent. Perhaps if we had a Circle member more knowledgeable in Argonian history, they could help explain these mysteries. —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Shadowfen

Chimer Military Insignia

Chimer military insignia stand out as unique among Mer since their designs didn't incorporate House sigils. Nonetheless, I can determine this belonged to the legendary General Balreth by the striking flourishes of color that signify unparalleled honors. I must admit to feeling some sadness while holding these badges. Balreth sacrificed everything to protect his people from the Nede hoard. These represent the last remnants of his life before his transformation. —Amalien

Location: Stonefalls

Cloven Ritual Mask

Here's a real find! This was a Dragon Cult mask. Dragon Priests believed that they became living vessels of their dragon-gods' spirits and spoke with divine authority when they donned these masks. An oaken one like this probably belonged to lesser clergy. —Amalien

Of course it's a Dragon Cult mask--anyone can see that. Let me offer a more scholarly assessment: The mask's warlike design suggests a more aggressive posture--something that a Dragon worshipper might wear into battle. —Verita Numida

As Verita notes, this is a Dragon Faithful's war-mask. I'm no carpenter, but the way it's been hewn right down the center might indicate a sword stroke. Perhaps this fellow met his end under the blade of a rebelling Nord. —Reginus Buca

Location: Bleakrock

Coiled Serpent Lock

More snakes! Honestly, it seems like they appear in every corner of Tamriel! I don't recognize the aesthetic here. It certainly isn't Yokudan. The locking mechanism seems quite sophisticated, though. —Gabrielle Benele

Look closer. These snakes bear all the traits of early Maormer craftsmanship. In fact, I think it would be more accurate to call them sea serpents. You can tell from the shape of the snout and that distinctive head-frill. —Verita Numida

The hinterlands of Hew's Bane crawled with Maomer slavers in ther latter years of the First Era. According to local legends, one group used "snake magic" and ensorcelled locks when capturing slaves to ensure that they remained docile and compliant. —Reginus Buca

Location: Hew's Bane

Coiled Snake Candlestick

The bronze work and distinct etched patterns point to a First Era Dunmer creation. I'd guess the three prominent figures on its base almost confirm it. But its spiraling snake design is unlike any I've seen from the Dark Elves. —Reginus Buca

My apologies Reginus, but I don't think the figures represent the Tribunal. See the postures? These are the "Good Daedra" as Ashlanders call them. But why would nomads from the last era have such intricate metalwork?

Fine eye, Amalien! An Ashlander work with this snake design points to one answer: the Mabrigiash tribe. Amazing that they already occupied Deshaan so soon after the split. Perhaps they believed lit candle fixtures would placate their angry Ghost Snake. —Reginus Buca

Location: Deshaan

Cornerstone of Reman II

This lends a shred of credence to the so-called Almanac of Betony as more than florid Breton embellishment. While I've seen little evidence of an impregnable fortress carved from this island's imposing cliffs, this foundation block proves the Empire did construct fortifications here during Reman II's reign. If Skyspire Keep did exist, it was likely constructed according to conventional legion codices. I suspect most of the keep's stone was used to create Stonetooth Fortress. —Verita Numida

Location: Betnikh

Cracked Serpent Pendant

There doesn't look to be anything inherently magical about this, but this is no ordinary piece of jewelry. If I had to guess, I'd say it's Nedic. The serpent cradling the stone seems reminiscent of the ones I've seen in Craglorn's ruins. —Gabrielle Benele

Yes, a prime example of Nedic stonecraft-jewelry! A stonesmith likely created it for a Nede of high station--a queen, or a princess perhaps? You're right to point out that serpents often appear in Nedic ruins, but I've never seen one in their jewelry. —Reginus Buca

Yes, many Nedes wisely kept their reverence for the Serpent constellation at arm's length. Recent events in Craglorn make the dangers of flirting with such a powerful entity abundantly clear. —Verita Numida

Location: Craglorn

Den of the Eldest Shoes

There are a great many tales about the Eldest and the pilgrims of Valenwood. One describes a mother and her young daughter seeking refuge in the Den of the Eldest. As promised, the mother bequeaths her firstborn to the Eldest in exchange for wisdom. It is said that the daughter stays there for many years until she is a woman grown. She buries her childhood shoes in the soil in hopes they will help the Eldest grow. Could the tales be true? Are these the shoes of the girl raised by the Eldest? —Amalien

Location: Greenshade

Direnni Palatial Art

A palatial portrait of the Direnni royal family! This likely would have hung in the halls of the Adamantine Tower at the heights of their rule. I'd love to know more of who's depicted here, but there's a lack of distinguishing features. In fact, the family resemblance borders on simulacra. It's hard to believe a royal artist would be so lazy. Though, despite mingling with Nedes, only pureblooded Direnni rose to power. That would mean ... ew, no. Maybe they really did reproduce through sorcery? —Amalien

Location: Stormhaven

Dwemer Astrological Charts

I first thought all the divots on these Dwarven metal plates to be more of their typically abstract art or the result of some sort of projectile testing, but I finally figured it out! They're plots of stars in the night sky! I was thrown off by the sheer volume of points on each plate compared to what I can observe by the naked eye. Perhaps their observatory is powerful enough to peer through to Aetherius itself? Could it have guided the Dwemer there and that's why they left Tamriel behind? —Amalien

Location: Stros M'Kai

Dwemer Trade Bar

For such a far flung and advanced civilization, we know very little about Dwemer daily life. While they were notoriously reclusive, it's presumed that they engaged in some for of commerce, if only with each other. This bar of Dwarven metal if more than a simple ingot. It has a band of beautiful blue crystal through it with the name Arkngthamz-Phng inlaid and a series of Dwarven numerals. These could represent the volume, or weight, or identifier, or its harmonic resonance, or even a secret code! —Amalien

Location: Bankorai

Eligiac Vessel

Is this a pot? Or a vase? Or an urn of some kind? I've never seen such an oddly shaped vessel. It appears to be made of some strange, striated stone. Something artificial no doubt. It's almost like the craftsman built it in layers—one on top of the other. And what's inside? Roland's Tear flowers, perfectly preserved. And a note, as well? It simply says, "Forgive me." How perplexing. Nonetheless, this would likely fetch a king's ransom in a Vvardenfell auction house. Quite a find! —Reginus Buca

Location: Clockwork City

Faded Khajiit Claw

If you look close, you can tell this is a fabrication. A real claw would have faded over time. This looks made out of some kind of stone, and though the inscription is faded, there's definitely something written on it. —Reginus Buca

When Elsweyr was divided, Anequina had a reputation for being a land of warriors. But Pellentine had money, and they could hire the muscle they needed. This may have been a calling card of sorts. —Verita Numida

Could this be the famed killing claw of Vashrjo the Killer? He was a famed Pellitine assassin that was rumored to have killed high ranking officials in Anequina. Apparently he'd leave a fake claw by the body so they knew who committed the deed. —Amalien

Location: Elsweyr (Northern)

Faded Psijic Folio

Is this some kind of Psijic folio? At last! A chance to reveal their shrouded mysteries! Their hidden truths! Wait—why is it blank? Is this a joke? An unused booklet? An Elf tries not to get her hopes up.... How depressing. —Amalien

Giving up so soon? That's hardly the Amalien I know. Look closer. Just there, near the spine and along the edges. See those glypsh? Barely visible to the eye? This book may have played a role in secret Psijic correspondence. —Verita Numida

Of course! A group as powerful and secretive as the Psijic Order wouldn't just set ink to parchment like some common mage. I onlt wonder how they managed to make these markings. A magic plume, or do they simply will the glyphs into being? —Amalien

Location: Artaeum

Festival of Defiance Token

Well, this is an easy one: the token itself proclaims it to be from the Festival of Defiance, which clearly references Skywatch's celebration of freedom from the Sload. —Reginus Buca

Perhaps a favor from the very first one? In 1E 2260? I read a journal account from that very festival stating that several different favors passed around, including ribbons for those whose families served in the All Flags Navy. —Amalien

I have to disagree, Amalien. The ship portrayed on one side exhibits a later art style, as does the lettering on the other. I'd say more like early 2E given the lettering style alone. I know that disappoints you, but I do know my engraving history. —Reginus Buca

Location: Auridon

Giant Chieftain's Crown

Oh, that's immense! The sheer size of the piece makes it clear: This headdress belonged to a Giant ... and not just any Giant. Here we see unusually deft workmanship and ornamentation for a Giantish artifact. These tusk-like horns are shaped from mammoth ivory, and the prongs securing them in place are made of hammered gold. Only a Giant of great importance--a high chieftain such as the legendary Sinmur, say--would claim authority over their fellows by wearing anything like a crown! —Amalien

Location: The Rift

Goblin Steam Mill

It resembles a tiny waterwheel made from iron and the flexible bark of tropical trees. It would have crumbled to dust long ago if not for a thick grease smeared over everything. It looks just the right size to fit on the end of a Dwemer steam pipe! —Amalien

It does appear to be Goblin in make, though the markings are different from the Dogeater tribe who currently reside here. Goblins were likely the only inhabitants of these isles between the Dwemer's disappearance and the Redguard colonization. —Ugron gro-Thumog

I was skeptical, but I decided to test Amalien's theory and sure enough the wheel fit over the end of a broken steam pipe. It's a bit unstable, but the moving parts whir around at a surprising speed. This mechanism could easily power a number of tools. —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Stros M'Kai

Great House Gold Chalice

A sinister motif rendered in such a lovely medium! The chalice is exquisite, as you can see; Dunmeri work of the highest quality. But if you look closely at these figures depicted around the base, you can see the collars and chains. They're slaves. —Gabrielle Benele

Figures of Dark Elves at ease repose around the upper rim, supported in their indolence by those whom they have enslaved. Rather cynical, in its way. Likely this great cup graced the table of a high-ranked noble from one of the Dunmeri Great Houses. —Verita Numida

House Dres, I believe. They have been at the forefront of the Dunmeri slave trade since the middle of the First Era; here is the House Dres linked-chain symbol. And these slave figures appear to be laboring in a saltrice field. 1E, 26th century. —Amalien

Location: Bal Foyen

Halved Lion's Mane Wig Piece

What an incredible piece! I'm sure the lion hair was incredibly expensive, especially at the time. This probably belonged to one of the powerful merchant families of Hew's Bane. Maybe a symbol of their power passed down through generations! —Amalien

This thing is hideous. I don't think any self-respecting merchant lord would wear this, much less have it specifically made for them. There has to be something more to this. Look at the stitching! That kind of detail would take months to perfect. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Music rarely offers a true account, but one Redguard folksong describes several bizarre costuming fads that took hold in Prince Hubalajad's court. Fake beards, not wigs, were briefly in fashion. Sadly, tailors often died trying to procure the materials. —Verita Numida

Location: Hew's Bane

Hegathe Divining Rod

I'm amazed this glass rod has survived intact for thousands of years. It's light as a feather and remarkably hard, thanks to the magicka still clinging to it. It vibrates when stuck into sand. After some experimenting, I determined the intensity would rise and fall in proximity to water. Ancient Elves must have used these to travel safely across the Alik'r Desert. Well, as safely as would be possible, there would still need to be water within a half-day's travel for this to detect it. —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Alik'r

High King Sunstone

What have we here? The old sagas of the proto-Nords describe glass-like sunstones that allowed a longship captain to see the sun's location even on a cloudy day, but their secret was lost long ago. Yet here we have a stone as clear as glass--just as the legends claim. The mighty Ysgramor himself was said to have used a stone such as this in his voyages! And these runes inscribed around the stone's perimeter identify it as a gift of great favor from a Nord High King. Truly, a remarkable find! —Reginus Buca

Location: Bleakrock

House Tamrith Official Seal

It's remarkable how little the Tamrith house seal has changed over the course of centuries. It makes this hard to date, but it's real and it's old. Impressive, since these were widely counterfeited during King Ranser's war to falsify correspondence. —Gabrielle Benele

The telltale mark of authenticity here is the inscription. It's written in Aldmeris, signifying pride in their Elven heritage. Breton nobility ceased the practice around the time that High Rock joined the Alessian Empire. —Verita Numida

The inscription appears to be: "By Arkay's grace we live and die, but there is no end to the Tanith line." I'd say they were tempting fate with that creedo, but they've made good on their word thus far. —Amalien

Location: Rivenspire

Hunding Sextant

A bit rusty, but still in good condition. Late First-Era by the look of it. These appear to be modelled after the designs of the Dwemer observatory found on Stros M'kai. The Hunding name is inscribed, but this device is far younger than that bloodline. —Reginus Buca

Frandar Hunding was a master navigator. He'd have to be to guide a fleet the size of the first Ra Gada to undiscovered lands without losing any ships. It may bear his name in honor of his legacy, even if he had nothing to do with its creation. —Ugron gro-Thumog

I wouldn't be too quick to rule out Frandar's influence. The Yokudans were advanced enough to have their own navigational devices prior to encountering the observatory. It's entirely possible that Frandar was the first to adopt this design. —Verita Numida

Location: Stros M'Kai

Hunt-Lord's Djerid

A Khajiiti djerid, 1E, twelfth or thirteen century. It's a hunting dart--more of a small javelin, really. This one is noteworthy for the exceptional decorative carving of the shaft and the colorful streamers affixed just behind the barbed head. —Verita Numida

This djerid belonged to a very important Khajiit; the streamers are a badge of high rank. I believe this was the weapon of a hunt-lord, leader of one of the March's nomadic tribes. Naturally, skill in the hunt was a vital test of fitness to lead. —Reginus Buca

Hunt-lords were skilled hunters, but the nomadic tribes saw war as a hunt, too. A great hunt-lord was a warrior of high renown as well as a provider for the people--leader of a fierce army and master of wide lands. A king, in other words. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Reaper's March

Inert Daedric Manacles

Strange. These are magically inert and without mechanical locks, leading me to believe they were ensorceled shackles. They're also quite fashionable, don't you think? If I had to be imprisoned I wouldn't be too unhappy about these. Any thoughts? —Gabrielle Benele

Given where this was found, I wonder if we should consider the possibility of this being from the Lightless Oubliette. The blue crystal residue might be a clue! There were no white or gold colored crystals allowed inside the prison. —Amalien

While I agree these are from Coldharbour itself, I'm hesitant to jump to conclusions based on mere residue. The Lightless Oubliette was a detention facility for servants of Meridia. Manacles seem too kind a punishment for what goes on in that place. —Verita Numida

Location: Coldharbour

Inert Daedric Spellstone

I've read about objects like this, but I've never actually seen one. The great mage, Shalidor, apparently traveled to several planes of Oblivion, gathering crystals from at least five different realms. Using an exceedingly dangerous transmutation spell, he managed to merge these crystals into an alloyed spell-focus like this. Centuries of neglect have left this one inert, but you're not likely to find a denser agglomeration of Padomaic matter. —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Eyevea

Jeweled Ayleid Scabbard

This is no Bosmeri work. See, the scabbard is made of thin wood staves beneath the fine leather, and the gemstones are precisely faceted in a style commonly found in Ayleid jewelry. Not very practical for a weapon of war. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Many Ayleid clans fled to the Valenwood during the collapse of their empire, but the style is representative of the height of their civilization: ME 850 or 900, I think. Most likely this was a noble's treasure carried away into exile. —Verita Numida

Perhaps, but some Ayleid ruins in these lands predate the collapse of their empire. This storm-cloud emblem, here, belongs to the lords of Ilayas, a stronghold founded centuries before the empire's decline. This scabbard has been here a long time! —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Malabal Tor

Jurisreeve's Eye

This appears to be an ancient badge of office. And what's this symbol? A great eye with three ebony pupils floating in a viridian iris. I suppose it could be literal. What creature in Summerset has three eyes? —Verita Numida

It's not literal. High Elf jurisreeves—inspectors of a sort—travel in groups of three, just as they have since the Aldmer first arrived on Summerset Isle. One member of a qurom is called the admanen, or "listening eye." I've never seen one wear a badge.—Amalien

I beg your pardon, Amalien, but I don't think this belonged to a jurisreeve. At least not a jurisreeve as we currently understand the term. This looks like a religious talisman of some kind. Perhaps the jurisreeve tradition began as a religious order? —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Summerset

Khajiit Plague Mask

Interesting design here, it's made for a Khajiit face certainly but it doesn't look all that well constructed. There are inadequacies there that can't be attributed to just time. —Reginus Buca

The Thrassian Plague came down along trade routes in Elsweyr. It's likely they didn't have any means to combat it, and even once they started, by then it was already too late. This may have been an early attempt at protection. —Ugron gro-Thumog

In the earliest days of the Thrassian Plague, Khajiit healers started with simple masks like these to prevent the spread of infection. It quickly became evident that they were not sufficient, however, so they were abandoned and never iterated on. —Verita Numida

Location: Elsweyr (Northern)

Khajiit Prayer Cloth

While I'm sure this would be a controversial opinion, I feel in my gut that this cloth belonged to Queen Anequina Sharp-Tongue. It's widely agreed upon that the queen spent time meditating in the temple of Jode's Light during her time. Many times her story is overshadowed by Khunzar-ri, but she was an equal force, one that is awe-inspiring even today! If the stories are to be believed, this cloth holds the tears of the queen, when she returned to her temple after Khunzar-ri's death. —Amalien

Location: Elsweyr (Northern)

Khenarthi Skooma Pipe

A beautiful piece. Someone very meticuously carved this to resemble a winged-cat, but still took the time to make it a functioning pipe, though it's thicker than most modern ones. —Reginus Buca

This has to be Khenarthi, right? I wonder if all pipes made around this time were modeled after her. Or if they started as idols and then turned into pipes along the way? It looks like this one is holding something in its claws. —Amalien

Upon closer inspection, I wonder if these were made ironically. Khenarthi is said to carry the souls to the Sands Behind the Stars. Perhaps she's carrying the soul of someone who indulged a bit too much. —Reginus Buca

Location: Khenarthi's Roost

King's Belt Plate

The belt or girdle of a Nord king is nearly as important as his crown. It symbolizes strength, vitality, martial prowess, and of course wealth. The sheer magnificence of this huge gold buckle indicates that it was part of a king's regalia in the early decades of the First Nordic Empire. Look, here, you can see the depiction of victory over the Dragon Cult, and here you can see the very first Moot of the Nords, which King Harald summoned to his mead-hall sometime around 1E 184. Extraordinary! —Verita Numida

Location: Western Skyrim

Kinlord's Tree of Aldmeris

I can scarcely believe it. This is a genuine kinlord's tree! This grand document details the bloodline of a High Elf calan, all the way back to the first Aldmer ancestor who stepped foot on Tamriel's shores! Notice the Jephrine motifs and twisting branches? Very few High Elves can trace their lineage back this far. The resources that went into creating a chart like this ... let's just say it would take far more gold than I'm likely to see in this lifetime. And we High Elves live a long time! —Amalien

Location: Summerset

Mane's Frayed Crown

Incredible! This is the ceremonial headdress of an ancient Mane of the Khajiit. Each single braids comes from a highly honored Khajiit warrior or clan-mother; when the Mane put on this crown, he figuratively donned the strength and wisdom of an entire people. Pity that some of the hair is lost, and the silver clasps haved dulled somewhat. Still, it's astonishingly well preserved! A rare find, indeed! —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Reaper's March

Manmer Coupled Idol

How odd. This figure of an Elven woman bears hallmarks of Aldmeri depictions of Mara, but it's too rudimentary. Was it the work of a child? Maybe it was unfinished. —Amalien

That's Nedic sculpting, actually. Devotional idols were common, though I've never seen one depicting an Elven Divine before. Her pose suggests she's in a lover's embrace. It's clear that there's another piece to this figure. —Gabrielle Benele

You were right! This new figure fits snugly with the Mara, but I never expected her lover to be a Man! Is he meant to be Lorkhan? I don't think I've ever seen evidence of Aldmeri culture being welcomed with such open ... arms. —Amalien

Location: Glenumbra

Massive Ash-herder Grapnel

Not really sure what I'm looking at here. Seems like some kind of rough-forged grappling hook, but judging by the size, it could probably bear a mammoth's weight. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Crabs, Ugron! Chimer used these to guide the movements of truly massive creatures. Sure, places like Ald'ruhn make it seem like Ashlanders simply killed giant crabs like Skar, but who's to say these creatures weren't used for transportation as well? —Amalien

Dark Elves do have a long (and disturbing) tradition of bizarre animal husbandry. My question would be, where's the evidence of similar creatures? Ald'ruhn proves the crabs' remains last a long time. I've never seen any remains that approach that size. —Verita Numida

Location: Vvardenfell

Meteoric-Iron Pavise

Well, this shield is certainly ... tall. Lugging this around would have taken a considerable amount of effort. But the thickness makes it almost impenetrable. And what is this ironwork? It's unlike any I've seen. —Gabrielle Benele

Oh, sweet Gabrielle, that's because the material is extremely rare. Meteoric-Iron was used to construct this monstrosity of war. The question is why? Over compensation at its finest. Perhaps its gaudy nature is meant to be ornamental. —Verita Numida

No soldier would strap this to their arm like a tower shield. More likely, they planted it in the ground like a pavise. Meteoric-Iron is resistant most elements, so if you wanted to avoid getting burnt to a crisp fighting Dragons, this would help. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Southern Elsweyr

Naga Skull-Trap

Some kind of trap. Difficult to say if it's for animals or people. Knowing Nagas, it's the latter. Looks like they repurposed a crocodile's skull so it latches onto the torso of any who trigger it. Look at the size of it. Never seen a crocodile that size. —Ugron gro-Thumog

A member of an extinct species, if memory serves. Helstrom crocodiles died out during the Second Empire's march on Black Marsh and the subsequent environmental disaster called the "Great Burn" in 1E 2828. Good riddance. Today's crocodiles are big enough! —Verita Numida

Pretty remarkable that it's lasted this long! I believe it's the work of the Dead-Water Tribe. No tribe in Black Marsh comes close when it comes to carcass dressing and taxidermy. —Amalien

Location: Murkmire

Na-Totambu Two-Finger Gauntlet

What exquisite steel. Dark whorls of gray flow through a sea of silver like the Ra Gada themselves. I've seen the stylistic elements etched in this metal worn by members of the Crowns in Sentinal, but this nominal gauntlet is clearly ceremonial. —Reginus Buca

Not necessarily. Stories of the Firehide Clan's battles with the Yokudans in Alik'r persist in the oral tradition. They describe warriors for whom war was a dance and could turn aside a blade with two fingers. —Ugron gro-Thumog

This steel is nearly as strong as orichalcum, but it still wouldn't survive the full force of a blow. If there's truth to the stories of Yokudan's catching swords with their fingers, it wasn't due to the strength of their armor. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Alik'r

Nedic Hex Totem

This wooden figure appears to be an Orc, but its features are greatly exaggerated to appear menacing. Based on the deliberate defacement and hostile appearance, I believe the Nedes did not have a friendly relationship with local Orc clans. —Verita Numida

It depends on the clan. There's ample evidence of harmony between Nedes and Orcs in Craglorn. But you're right--clans in Stormhaven tended to take a more offensive posture againt non-Orc neighbors and each other. We hadn't learned the value of unity yet. —Ugron gro-Thumog

I believe the metal objects protruding from this effigy was stabbed into the figure with ritual intent, for cursing, if you will, but I've found no evidence of spellcraft. It might have been used in prayers to Daedra though, or simply just cathartic. —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Stormhaven

Nedic Wineskin

While certainly brittle from lack of care over the centuries, I'm impressed by how well the skin held together. The Nedes were accomplished leatherworkers, perhaps due to a nomadic nature. Though I'm curious about the quality of their wine. —Verita Numida

Note the shape of the neck and design of the strap. This is a warrior's wineskin. The owner may have raided Stonefalls during Nedic the campaign against the Chimer in this area. Such brutal work would require easy access to intoxicants. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Yes, brutal indeed. These faded symbols on the sides are marks of the Rontha, the largest of the tribes to invade Stonefalls. Uniquely vicious, they branded items or people captured from battle. I suspect they were not this skin's original crafters. —Verita Numida

Location: Stonefalls

Nord Copper Shield Boss

A decorative shield boss, Nordic, mid-4th century First Era. Nord shields grew larger over time in the later years of the Nordic Empire, and accomplished warriors began to adorn the center boss with scrollwork and natural designs. —Verita Numida

Lovely! The stylized leaves in the design appear to represent ash trees, renowned for the strength and durability of their wood. Perhaps the owner held a special reverence for the Kynesgrove and sought the Keepers' blessing? —Amalien

This belonged to a fighter, not a priest. The ash-leaves are also emblems of Shor's hall that lies in a distant grove of Sovngarde, guarded by god-touched heroes; the bearer of this shield meant to find death in battle and join their ranks. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Eastmarch

Nord Scrimshaw Pendant

A handsome piece! Horker-tusk ivory, if I'm not mistaken. Nord ivory-hunters waiting for the sea-ice to thaw often passed the time by carving small toys and trinkets for their sweethearts. The weathered runes probably commemorate a loved one. —Gabrielle Benele

The small figures depicted in the design have bared weapons, so I doubt that this was some lonely hunter's love-token. More likely, the runes were meant as a charm or prayer for protection in battle. A shame they are too worn to make out clearly. —Ugron gro-Thumog

You're half-right, Ugron. The bared weapons in the design tell us that this pendant depicts a scene of conflict. But no self-respecting Nord warrior would seek magical advantage in battle. No, this image commemorates an old warrior's victories. —Reginus Buca

Location: Western Skyrim

Northpoint Founding Coin

Now these are quite hard to come by. Yric Flowdys had these gold coins specially minted to commemorate the completion of Northpoint's construction in c.1E 900. Only a few hundred were stamped and most remain in private collections. —Reginus Buca

Incorrect. Those figures were a deliberate attempt by unscrupulous archeologists to inflate their value. My own research suggests Flowdys circulated these coins through all Northpoint's trade to spread word of his new trade port. —Verita Numida

The archeologist weren't the only ones. These coins are a little on the light side. The difference in gold weight wouldn't have been noticeable without finer instruments than were commonly employed by traders in the middle-First Era. —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Rivenspire

Onyx Shadowscale Scroll Case

A most curious scroll case. One single piece of carved onyx with no apparent way of opening the cylinder to remove its contents. Sigils etched in silver suggest some connection to ancient Argonian royalty. The few texts we have about Shadowscale mention a protection compact for the old rulers. Such an ornate case could indeed carry such a document. I won't destroy such a unique case, but I see no other way of getting inside. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Shadowfen

Orcish Siege Gear

Sapping tools from the Seamount Clan's conquest of Betnikh, formerly Betony. Contrary to claims by the current chief, Stonetooth Fortress was likely built on the bones of Breton defenses. This chisel could split a keystone if properly applied. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Heavy, oricalc screws with a ring for attaching rope or chain. These would have been driven into wood gates and palisades under cover of darkness to allow the Orcs to pull down barricades from a safe distance prior to an attack. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Whale-bridle, from the clan's seafaring days. Their stories claim their ancestors tamed killer whales in the Abecean Sea and trained them for war. Riders could harpoon ships and steer them using the whales' strength. Evidence of a long-lost tradition. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Betnikh

Ornate Nose Ring

Here's a pretty thing. This resembles the rings one might find in the nose of an unruly bull. Far more ornate, though. Much larger, too. This is an odd discovery. The rocky terrain around Kvatch is better suited for goats than cattle. —Reginus Buca

Let's not sidestep the obvious, Reginus. This clearly hung from the snout of an ancient minotaur. It displays a level of craftsmanship we don't typically see in Minotaur attire, though. And what are these etchings. Clasped hands? —Verita Numida

Not clasped, Verita. The hands seem to be struggling over the same object--trying to steal it from one another. Is it the Amulet of Kings? Might this imply some discontent about Imperial governance? Or even stand as a call to rebellion? —Amalien

Location: Gold Coast

Orsinium Cracked Iron Bell

Much of the archeological evidence of the first Orsinium vanished during the thirty-year siege, but this looks like a relic of Chieftain Torug gro-Igron to me. Torug died long before the siege began, but I've read numerous accounts describing a bell he erected in the gathering-place of that first modest village that eventually became Orsinium. The chief rang this bell to gather the clan for for fellowship at first. Later, they rang it to gather the clan for war. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Orsinium

Phynastic Scroll Case

Direnni scholars have long held the belief that Prince Aiden's brilliance as a strategist was what carried the day for his vastly outnumbered forces, but a controversial theory speculates that the Direnni army's movements on the battlefield bordered on prophetic and attributes their success to superior methods of communication. The enchantments on this case suggest it is an anchor for some form of teleportation. If only I had another to test the idea. —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Glenumbra

Pilazjo's Training Blade

Pilazjo was a legendary Khenarthian Rawlith Khaj master who trained from an early age on the Isle of Three Temples. A jealous king traded him to Ne Quin-al as part of a pact of friendship between their two kingdoms. Common practice at the time, but very difficult for Pilazjo himself. The warrior left a collection of blunted training swords in his home adeptiorium as a reminder to the hadaliit he left behind. These swords became precious heirlooms--locked away in adeptoriums throughout Elsweyr. —Reginus Buca

Location: Khenarthi's Roost

Portrait of Lady Vadaya

You may have discovered the spoils of the fledgling Theives Guild's first heist in Abah's Landing! Few families could match the power of the Vadaya family during the high days of merchant rule. Lady Vadaya comissioned an elaborate portrait of herself, only have it stolen out from under her nose and replaced with a fake. Unwilling to lose face, the Vadayas accused the rival Mizh family of orchestrating the theft, pitting the two houses against one anotherto this very day.—Reginus Buca

Location: Hew's Bane

Protective Tar Warding Sigil

I've never seen a Bosmer sigil like this. It seems like a mark of protection made with graht-oak, but it looks sinister in nature, as though whatever it was protecting the wearer from was a great evil. This would have been worn with serious intent. —Reginus Buca

The talisman itself is made out of tar. We might be looking at something from the tar-pit burial sites in Ouze where the Bosmer who were rejected from the Green Pact were buried. Some say alive. —Ugron gro-Thumog

It's said the spirits of Ouze were restless ... maybe that means they haunted the surrounding area? These could have been talismans the locals wore to ward off ghosts! Or to keep the spirits from crawling back out of those creepy tar-pits. —Amalien

Location: Greenshade

Refitted Dwarven Rod

This definitely seems Dwemeric in origin, but it's not something I recognize. As you all know, discerning the function of Dwarven machines is thirsty work. It looks like someone repurposed it, though. Some ancient scavenger, perhaps.

I think this used to be a Dwarven rod of some kind; a device used to direct animunculi, or inscribe their strange maths on hard surfaces. These modifications don't appear to incorporate any of the devices complex machinery, though. —Amalien

Chimer fell into a real rut in the latter days of the Merethic. You don't often see Chimer-modified tools like this, but my best guess is that some opportunistic herder repurposed the rod's shaft as a simple nix-prod. Probably blasphemous, but effective. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Vvardenfell

Resdayni Signet Ring

A rare find. The ring bears two emblems: one Dwemeri, one Chimeri. This, then, is a token of high office from the short-lived peace of Resdayn, in the days of the First Council. The Dark Elf Nerevar and the Dwarf-King Dumac ruled jointly and wisely . . . for a time. Soon enough Dwemer and Chimer turned against each other in a bitter war, to no one's surprise. Ah, well. The size of this signet and the royal flourishes show that this ring belonged to a high councilor of the realm. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Bal Foyen

Rislav Tryptic Panel

I'm intrigued by the religious overtones in this depiction of Rislav smiting his brother Dorald. I'd always assumed the appellation "Rislav the Righteous" was ascribed to him by historians, but this panel dates to the time of his rule. —Reginus Buca

Your penchant for assumption is intolerable, Reginus. Dorald was a priest of the Alessian Order who attempted to impose a theocracy on the Colovians. Rislav's defiance of the Empire was seen as the rebuke of a tyrannical cult. —Verita Numida

So Dorald's hirsute appearance is symbolic, as a stand in for Marukh. I suppose Rislav's unlikely victory over Emperor Gorieus's legions were viewed as divine favor. Did you notice Queen Belene's resemblance to Gabreille in the coronation panel? —Reginus Buca

Location: Glenumbra

Ritemaster's Slate

I've never seen one of these! A famed Ritemaster's Slate. According to Psijic tomes, Ritemasters like Iachesis used these unassuming objects to write theorums and spells, then store them in a harmless demi-plane for later use. A journal unlike any other! I only wish I could travel to the strange realm these theorums reside in. Do the thoughts move, or talk? Are they reduced to ash, then reasembled? I fear we'll never know. —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Artaeum

Royal Ivory Hilt

No common warrior could afford a sword-hilt of mammoth ivory. The dragon-head motif also marks this as the heirloom of a royal line. The metal here is bronze, not gold--a weapon of war, not a lord's decoration. This, then, is what's left of a battle-sword belonging to a Nord king or prince from the time of the Ysgramor Dynasty. I wish I could have seen the blade itself. It must have been marvelous. By Nord standards, at least. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Eastmarch

Rune-carved Steering Oar

A longship's steering oar, early 2E 1st century. This one belonged to a successful raiding captain, I think. The runes are boasts about the plunder they took during each of the captain's voyages. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Curious that a wooden artifact of this age is in such good condition. These are no common runes--an ancient enchantment clings to the oar. Perhaps the oar's owner followed the Old Ways of the Nord and sought the blessing of their animal gods? —Gabrielle Benele

Nord captains of the time often took their steering oar from ship to ship. A carved oar was the emblem of an experienced navigator, something that showed other Nord warriors that they could trust the captain's ability to find a way across the seas. —Verita Numida

Location: Bleakrock

Sacrificed Weapon of the Four

Mamireh, Akamon, Roshadon, and Rok'dun the Flame, referred to as the Four, were among the most prominent Yokudan warriors of the first invasion of the Nedic homelands. They were first Ansei, of course, and before undergoing initiation they were required to give up their most treasured weapons. Supposedly, Akamon's sandal-bearer carried the shards of his master's first dagger as a daily reminder of his sacrifice.—Verita Numida

Location: Craglorn

Satakal Skinrazer

The tip of this spade-shaped tool forks like the tongue of a serpent, but the only sharpened edge sits along a slot at the base, facing the handle. I can't help but liken it to the cheese servers of Wayrest, but religious engravings suggest otherwise. —Reginus Buca

It's safe to say that the serpent imagery throughout this piece represents the First Serpent, Satakal, in Redguard mythology, best known for devouring itself. Modern devotees are said to shed their skin in gruesome rituals with winding daggers. —Reginus Buca

Testing on a moist—but firm—cheddar, showed that even this long-dull edge can slice a layer thin enough for light to pass through, suggesting that the flensing rituals of Satakal were more restrained in earlier eras. Self-consumption remains unconfirmed. —Reginus Buca

Location: Alik'r

Scale-Etched Slither Pipe

The scales on this snake pipe possess so much detail, but who would want to press their lips to it, unless... Maormer? That explains the shape—a snake—but what kind? The blue and green bands shift into each other hypnotically. Does it charm people? —Amalien

Charm people? Hardly. That feeling you have is natural reaction to peerless craftsmanship. And the presence of a snake does not always mean Maormer were involved. I could see a Mer crafting this elegant item simply because they like snakes! —Reginus Buca

Don't be dense! Look at the contours of the face, and this salt-glazing technique! You're just being contrary. The residue inside looks green and flaky--perhaps the ashy remains of some seaweed they find particularly aromatic. I bet it smelled terrible! —Amalien

Location: Auridon

Secession Stamp Block

Unfinished wood block, stained black with ink. Circa 2300 of the First Era. Took a rubbing of the carved face. It is a diatribe calling citizens of Wayrest to demand secession from the Alessian Empire, citing prejudice against Elven heritage. —Ugron gro-Thumog

An expert, if dry, assessment, Ugron. This sort of vague, incendiary language smacks of propaganda meant to weaponize the populace for private interest. It strains credulity that Wayrest endured a thousand years of oppression before revolting. —Verita Numida

Then you might find Lost Orsinium and The Pig Children enlightening. You'd be surprised the number of indignities people are willing to suffer. The emphasis on increasing Imperial tithes does support your assertion money was behind this movement. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Stormhaven

Series Two Animo Core

For once in my august career, I am at a loss. This object clearly performs some vital function in Sotha Sil's secret lair. Beyond that, I have no idea. I hope you won't try to regale me with tales of his fanciful "clockwork kingdom." It's preposterous. —Verita Numida

Don't be so quick to dismiss such things, Verita. The Clockwork City is a very real place. I think. In any case, this looks like some sort of ancient vessel. I see a crystaline residue inside. Residual accumulation from some kind of alchemical solution? —Gabrielle Benele

Just so, Gabrielle! Sotha Sil borrowed all manner of ideas from the dwarves. This vessel is his answer to the Dwemeric dynamo core. If you conducted a test on that residue, I think you'll find it shares many of the same propertiers as soul gems! —Amalien

Location: Clockwork City

Shattered Camoran Antler Crown

Don't be deceived by the common materials of this headpiece—it's a wood elf treasure. This is a crown of the Camoran Dynasty, rulers of the "walking city" of Falinesti. From season to season the great Elden Tree moves to different sites within the Valenwood, although no one seems to have seen it in some time. Naturally, the wood elf monarchs had a different crown for each of Falinesti's seasons. This is a winter crown, which would have been worn when Falinesti took its rest in Grahtwood.

Location: Grahtwood

Shattered Iron Maiden

Torture devices recovered from Coldharbour aren't unexpected. To find one so well preserved, however, is exciting. But that's not the most astounding part about this piece. It's what's inside that really boggles the mind. (Nothing greusome, don't worry, Amalien). It seems to be a scrap of regalia, one that would only be found on the uniforms of commanding officers aboard the All Flags Navy. Perhaps one of the captains that was brought into Coldharbour was tortured in this device. Gruesome.—Gabrielle Benele

Location: Coldharbour

Sheogorath Madness Cube

Even a paradise holds danger--especially one that once resided in a Daedric realm. Notice the six equal sides, each marked with a different symbol. Disturbing, yes? And don't roll it! That way lies madness. Literally. We should lock this away immediately. —Ugron gro-Thumog

A Sheogorath relic? Maybe, but it may relate to the Altmer. This could be a meditation hexahedron. They considered the numbers 3, 5, and 8 to be sacred. Hmm. In retrospect, they used meditation octagons. Very well. A Madness Cube it is. —Amalien

You and your fancies. This is made of bone. From a sea animal. And the age places it in the First Era, when the Altmer ruled the island. It's a chance cube, used in the ancient Altmer practice of creating stories in a group. Harmless, but entertaining.

Location: Eyevea

Silvenar's Scepter

Throughout the centuries, the Silvenars of the Bosmer have worn no special badge of office; every Wood Elf of the Valenwood knows the Silvenar on sight. But from time to time, Silvenars find it useful to carry some token of authority that outsiders can easily recognize. The extravagant carving of this bone scepter shows that a Wood Elf artisan crafted this to impress foreigners. The leaves in the scrollwork are actually stranglers--a subtle warning, it would seem. A truly unique find. —Amalien

Location: Malabal Tor

Silver Wish Medallion

At first glance, I thought this was an oversized coin. Clavicus Vile's unmistakable image often appears on early currency intended as an offering to the Daedra. But the hinged clasp shows it was meant to be worn. What is this other figure here? —Amalien

Based on the region, the posture of supplication to Vile, and the obvious lack of any clothing, I believe the figure to be Kothringi. This must date to before their shift to worship of Z'en. Or belong to a lone cult that held on to the old ways. —Verita Numida

Analysis shows that the medallion is extremely old—early Merethic era or even perhaps before. But that makes no sense so perhaps my ritual was faulty. Also, despite appearances this isn't silver. It's some other metal I haven't seen before. Strange. —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Shadowfen

Silvered Nord Drinking Horn

The silver filigree clearly show that this horn belonged to an important thane. I don't recognize this ivory, though. A horn from a supernatural beast such as a dragon might confer magical strength or good fortune on any who imbibe from it! —Amalien

Dragon-horn is too rare a commodity to serve as some Nord's lucky mead-cup. Still, the silver chasing on this piece is exceptional. In my estimation, this is an early 1E 22nd-century funerary piece commissioned for a jarl's burial. —Verita Numida

Could this horn have belonged to Jarl Vundarr Openhand of Hjaalmarch? The skalds of his day composed songs about his wealth and generosity. He was said to have been buried with a king's ransom in barrow-treasure. —Reginus Buca

Location: Western Skyrim

Spiked Scalebreaker Bolt

What a unique and fascinating weapon! It's spear-like in shape, but massive in size. Only a giant could properly wield such a tool! A Pahmar-Raht, maybe? No, it's still too big. —Amalien

That's because it's not a traditional weapon. The spiked shaft here is meant to penetrate heavy scale and not let go, but only if loosed at great velocity. From a ballista or similar weapon, I wager. —Ugron gro-Thumog

I defer to Ugron on matters military, of course. It's the cutural motifs I find most interesting! The Dragonguard were the children of two worlds: Imperial and Akaviri. This bolt reflects those merging aesthetics. —Reginus Buca

Location: Southern Elsweyr

Spinner's Singing Bone

Wood elf priests have venerated Y'ffre through song and story since time immemorial. The images inscribed on this bone illustrate an ancient Bosmer tale--and the hollowed-out bone can be played like an instrument, a traditional accompaniment. —Gabrielle Benele

Gryphon or harpy bone, perhaps? It resembles a large bird's femur, but it's much too big for any ordinary avian. I suspect that the creature whose bone this was may have played an important part in the story inscribed here. —Amalien

You're close, Amalien. It's the femur of a terror bird, more commonly found in the plains east of the Valenwood. I recognize the story: It's the account of a bold chief's raid against the khajiit of Anequina, 6th century 1E. —Reginus Buca

Location: Malabal Tor

Spire of Erokii Frieze

It's so rare to find Ayleid architectural art still intact! The Alessian Order took a special glee in wiping out Elven culture. I think the only reason there's any left at all was because they were more interested in wiping out the Elves themselves. This beautiful relief pictures the legendary Spire of Erokii while it still stood. Now the inglorious ruins are simple known as Doomcrag. One day I'll convince someone to carry me to the summit to study the spire's remains. —Amalien

Location: Rivenspire

Stone-Chief's Xul-Vaat

What a beautiful stone-carving! Argonians don't often dwell on death, but they do like to commemorate it with one of these grave stakes (or xul-vaat's in the lizard's native tongue). When an Argonian dies, their kin plant this stake as a memorial. —Reginus Buca

Try again, Reginus. Argonians use their grave stakes to pin down their dead so they don't rise again as bog blights. But that's not all that noteworthy. What is interesting is the material. Argonians rarely work in stone. This xul-vaat is clearly ancient. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Yes, Argonians abandoned stonework milleniae ago, making this stake a true oddity. Apparently, ancient and modern Argonians exercised similar burial traditions. It's really too bad that the Argonians will react to this insight with a collective shrug. —Verita Numida

Location: Murkmire

St. Pelin's Clod

What could rightly be confused for an ugly, ruddy gemstone appears to be a lacquered clod of reddish-brown dirt. The insignia of the Knights of St. Pelin is pressed into the surface. This could be a relic of the late Pelin's martyrdom. —Verita Numida

I think the symbolism is clear, but my research indicates that these were carried by the entire Bankorai Garrison in the decades following his self-sacrifice. Given their penchant for bloodletting rites, these were likely created by the knightly order. —Reginus Buca

I can confirm that the dirt within the lacquer is from Bankorai and that the blood soaked into it came from the same person, but I can't identify who that would have been. Unfortunately, this new information could support either theory. —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Bankorai

Tormentors Roller

This is incredible! Dark and horrible, of course, but still incredible! Given the markings, this could have been part of a torture rack within Heart's Grief itself. —Amalien

I don't like the look of this. While I agree with Amalien on it being part of a rack, I think it's more likely it came from the Vile Laboratory. The material on the ends mimics Dwarven metal - but it's colder and lighter or something. Daedric simulacra? —Gabrielle Benele

Oh, you're right! How did I not see that? It's so obvious when you look closely. That mechanism is incredibly sophisticated. In that case, perhaps it belonged to a Xivilai torturer. How exciting! —Amalien

Location: Coldharbour

Torn Netch-leather Mask

Such a grotesque visage. The sharp features resemble a Mer, and the crude leather-wrapped wood construction suggest Ashlander work. I don't recognize the syntax of the Daedric script on the forehead. Clearly, this is more than a simple war mask. —Verita Numida

These aren't full Daedric sentences; they're more like words of power. An attempt to infuse the mask with healing hedge magic. Seems this was a shamanic medicine mask. However, words like "stasis", "wither", and "barren" confuse me. —Gabrielle Benele

Daedric meanings often shift over time. Given the context, these words hew closer to "return", "deflate", and "dry out". Could be references to the Thrassian Plague? We know it reached this far east, so I'd guess tribes used the mask to heal victims. —Amalien

Location: Deshaan

Two Moons Censer

Khajiiti work, for certain--brass, with silver filigree. This is a temple censer, used to burn aromatic incense pleasing to the divinity or spirit being honored. The figures in the decorative scrollwork appear to be priests greeting the moons. —Amalien

Priests? No, these figures are warrior-monks, not priests. I think this censer comes from one of the temples of the Two-Moons Dance. The prominence of the moons in the design and the martial poses of the Khajiit would seem to make that pretty clear. —Gabrielle Benele

I believe this censer hung in the temple at Rawl'kha--the very place where Rid-Thar-ri'Datta revealed his epiphany. You can tell by the alignment of Jone and Jode in the scrollwork. Could it have been hanging in the sacred hall at that very hour? —Reginus Buca

Location: Reaper's March

Vakka Bok Sun Bowl

By Auri-El, look at this crystal bowl! Difficult, given those shimmering facets in the glass. It seems to gather up sunlight, doesn't it? I can barely look at it without squinting! Legends tell of a tribe of Argonians who could wield the power of Magnus with precious stones. The sheer radiance of this crystal makes me think those stories are true. I just can't believe they fashioned it into a bowl. Not a weapon or jewelry, or armor. A bowl. It must have contained something truly marvelous. —Amalien

Location: Murkmire

Warped Scrying Dipper

Appears to be some kind of wand. Beech or Hickory, I think. So plain in appearance that some might use it in a game of fetch with the family dog. But I'd advise against that. There's a powerful magic at its core. —Gabrielle Benele

Old Elves and their crazy magic. It reminds me of a pestle of some kind. For dipping, stirring, or crushing. I hear the Psijics can read water. Some kind of powerful augury based on watching ripples. Maybe they make the ripples with this? —Ugron gro-Thumog

You may be right, Ugron. The tip of the wand seems darker and more gnarled than the rest. I suspect the Order's scriers tap the surface of their basins with this ensorcelled tool to get a better view of the world, and perhaps even the future! —Amalien

Location: Artaeum

Watcher's Ritual Stole

Looks Nedic to me. The stitching makes it irrefutable. The design suggests whoever wore this was important, in a position of power or worship. Maybe it belonged to a member of the Perena's clergy? —Reginus Buca

I'd defer to your and Verita on matters Nedic, but this cloth seems saturated in arcane residue. I've seen the work of hedge mages trying to master "soul magic." This bears all the telltale signs. Did any of the Nedes meddle with anima? —Gabrielle Benele

Meddle? I suppose. Based on my research, a sect of Nedic mages called the Eternal Watchers, used their souls as a means to lock away a lich called Virmaril the Betrayer. This could belong to one of them. —Verita Numida

Location: Craglorn

Water-worn Anvil Bust

According to Imperial histories, Anvil enjoyed a rich statuary tradition in the early years of the First Empire--before the Alessian Order made such artistic expression more difficult. This face appears very eroded, though. —Verita Numida

Look at the position of the neck. It seems to be looking up, to me. Fishermen in Anvil swear that broken statues rest at the bottom of the pond under the famous mermaid. Could something or someone be looking up at her? I'd check, but I can't swim! —Amalien

We don't have nearly enough evidence to be able to associate this disembodied head with the Mermaid of Anvil. I'll grant you, the stone appears similar in composition, but the face looks like statues of regency council lords in nearby Kvatch to me. —Reginus Buca

Location: Gold Coast

Wolf-head Brooch

This is unusual. One might attribute it to Haafingar heraldry, but I think it's far older than Solitude's standard. In the Old Way of the Nords, the She-Wolf embodied commitment and fertility; I suspect this brooch belonged to ancient sword maiden. —Reginus Buca

Sorry, but that animal's face does not say "commitment and fertility" to me. The snarling expression reminds me of carved doorposts I've seen near the River Yorgrim. I think this brooch is a warlike thane's house-emblem. —Gabrielle Benele

Warlike? No, cursed! The connection is clear: The brooch is the emblem of a family whose lords are werewolves. The Jurgalds ruled Lower Yorgrim for centuries, and they embraced Hircine's curse. Could this be the cloak-clasp of a Jurgald thane? —Amalien

Location: Eastmarch

Worn Orcish Cauldron

Judging by rugged styling and extreme aging, I'd pin this as early First Era. Definitely Orcish, but I'm not sure if any of it is distinctive enough to determine which area it's from, or which clan. It is quite large, even by Orc standards. —Reginus Buca

Yes, definitely Orcish make. The material looks like coal-hardened potash. According to Thugbo gro-Thutt's "History of the 13 Clans" map, clan Nazhag was closest to reported deposits at the time. It must be from them. —Verita Numida

More likely, it's from clan Barzanakh. According to the stronghold tales, the entire Barzanakh clan ate out of a single bowl. The tradition supposedly ensured that everyone took their share, and no more. Always assumed that was metaphorical. Fascinating. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Orsinium

Wyrd Root Figure

This tree root has been shaped, by unconventional means, into the appearance of a woman with stag horns and cloven feet. The wood is unmarred by tool marks and the bark remains intact. This was likely a work of magic by a local wyrd. —Verita Numida

This root is similar to the one Verita studied, though it depicts a scaled woman similar to a Lamia, but retaining more human qualities than any of the beastfolk I've seen. I can't tell if these figures are different aspects of one woman or several. —Gabrielle Benele

Another figure, another animal. This one is a wolf woman with six breasts. My theory was that these figures were representations of Hircine, but this latest one casts doubt on that. Perhaps these are totemic Divines, like the Atmorans worshiped? —Amalien

Location:Bankorai

Yellowed Grummite Pearl

Ha! Do you know what this is? It's no treasure from a clam, I can tell you that. This is a genuine grummite pearl! According to Divayth Fyr's tome of oddities, these creatures lurk in bogs all over Sheogorath's realm, the Shivering Isles. —Amalien

The works of Divayth Fyr aren't exactly the most reliable books on the subject, Amalien. Even so, this doesn't resemble any pearl I've seen before. Was it always this yellow? Is that a unique property of grummite pearls? —Gabrielle Benele

I read about some mage from High Rock who tried to transport grummites to Tamriel so he could harvest them for pearls. Locals razed his tower to the ground, with him inside. Good thing too. Can you imagine creatures like that making it into our waterways? —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Eyevea


Furniture


Altar of Celestial Convergence

Nedic architecture--my specialty! This shrine conforms to the Nedic architectural aesthetics we found in Craglorn, with a few notable exceptions. The central element strongly resembles a Mundus Stone, but I don't recognize the constellation. —Verita Numida

For once, we agree! Culturally distinct constellations do exist, but the Nedes' conception of the stars mirrors our own in more ways than I can count. Perhaps they meant to re-write the stars in some way? To merge traditional archetypes into new wholes? —Reginus Buca

Seems pretty hubristic for the Nedes, don't you think? In any event, I don't detect any significant magical potency here. If they were trying to channel aetherial energy through this altar, it's all but faded now. Still a beautiful piece, though! —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: What occurs when the stars align to match the constellation at the heart of this ominous altar remains a mystery, but the sinister serpents on display conjure only catastrophe in the imagination.

Location: Craglorn

Anvil of Old Orsinium

This is a beauty. Most of the free-standing anvils in Old Orsinium melted into slag or still gather dust in Redguard treasure vaults. To see one in such great condition ... it melts this tusker's heart! —Ugron gro-Thumog

Just look at those hammer-strike indentations. It seems like 1E Orcish smiths wielded tools even larger than those used by Orcs today. I've never lifted hammer or tong personally, but I don't see how tools that size would allow for finer touches. —Reginus Buca

Orcs of the First Era knew orichalc better than Argonians know mud. If they used larger tools, they definitely had a reason. In any event, I wager an anvil this big found more use in siegecraft fabrication than armorsmithing. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: Add a touch of Old Orsinium to your home with this well-crafted anvil and cinder-dousing bearskin rug.

Location: Orsinium

Ashen Infernace Gate

I've seen markings like this before, on the walls of Yasammidan. These etchings appear inert, but I'd still mind how you speak around it. Ensorceled gates--even long abandoned ones--aren't something to tinker with. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Ugron, always the worrier! As you said, any magic this gate might have harnessed dissapated centuries ago! The structure doesn't conform to any Chimeric aesthetic I'm aware of. It almost seems like something conceived in Oblivion itself! —Amalien

The inscription reads, Infernace. A command word, perhaps? Or simply the name of the realm it led to? With the appropriate ritual, an ancient Chimer have been able to coax an atronach out of this thing. Fascinating. —Verita Numida

Item Description: Foreboding and grim, this gate literally radiates danger and gloom. Are you fearless or foolish enough to welcome whatever might pass through it into your home?

Location: Stonefalls

Ayleid Lightwell

Ah, an Ayleid sconce of some variety. I can't imagine it's a lightwell. Far too small for Aetherial conduction. And this glass fragment at the center--is it a broken Welkynd Stone? It certainly does resemble a lightwell. Curious. —Reginus Buca

I've seen something like this before in a Barsaebic ruin down south. You're right about the size, Reginus. I think the Ayleids used that stone in conjunction with the meteoric iron to help it function at reduced size. I'm no mage, though. —Ugron gro-Thumog

It's certainly a lightwell, but our focus should be the crystal. The magicka it's radiating feels less manufactured than a Welkynd Stone. This is a raw Aetherial Fragment. Untamed. The way it resonates with the iron ... let's not jostle it too hard. —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: Ayleids believed that four elements composed Nirn: light, earth, water, and air. Light, when used in lightwells, allowed mages to restore their energy, though this one is primarily a showpiece.

Location: Grahtwood

Beacon of Tower Zero

What's this? The White-Gold Tower rendered in miniature? Odd that it doesn't include the city itself. Doubly odd that it's giving off such a strong magical aura. What function did this serve? And what's this light radiating from the top?—Gabrielle Benele

This isn't the White-Gold Tower. It's the Direnni Tower. Surely you can recognize the differences between the two? The light is a puzzle, though. Judging by the weight, this stone might house a metal core, just like the genuine article. —Verita Numida

Well, it's not a simple lamp to read by, I can tell you that! It seems like a beacon of some kind--something to be seen at a great distance. The Direnni might have used it as a geographic marker to guage the distance of objects from the Adamantine Tower! —Amalien

Item Description: Long removed from the Direnni Tower, give the holy light of Ada-mantia a place to shine forth from your abode.

Location: Stormhaven

Blessed Dais of Mother Morrowind

What a spectacular example of early-Tribunal sacerdotal architecture! Few races take their religious designs more seriously than the Dark Elves. The Hand of the Tribunal decorates the central dais, but this clearly honors one over the other two. —Verita Numida

Yes, the Mournhold aesthetic is difficult to miss. And as you all know, Almalexia serves as that city's patron deity. While all the Tribunes are the subjects of religious adoration, Almalexia-worship cleaves closest to Tamrielic norms, stylistically. —Reginus Buca

By "Tamrielic norms," I assume you mean worship of the Eight Divines? You might consider Orc and Argonian religious practice before swinging the word "norm" around. Anyway, it's a remarkable altar—especially considering it's all in one piece. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: Elegant. Grand. Pointed. Much like Almalexia herself. Woe unto those who would let this blessed dais fall into dust and disuse.

Location: Deshaan

Branch of Falinesti

Difficult to say with certainty where this throne came from, but I think we can safely assume Wood Elves created it. Even a master carpenter couldn't achieve results like the draping under the seat with conventional tools and methods. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Too right, Ugron. I spent some time in Elden Root recently, and I saw all manner of Green-wrought marvels there. Only thing that puzzles me is the shade and the grain. It doesn't resemble any of the furniture I saw in Grahtwood. —Gabrielle Benele

I can explain that easily enough. This seat didn't come from Elden Root. It came from Falinesti--the walking city, and true home of the Wood Elves! Trust me on this one. Once you run your hand over the wide grain of Falinesti, you never forget it. —Amalien

Item Description: Formed by the Bosmer tree shapers of the Walking City, this throne subtlely conforms to whomever sits upon it, providing strangely comfortable seating from this ancient hardwood.

Location: Greenshade

Brazier of Frozen Flame

What a find! I'd have to take a closer look, but the body of the brazier looks like stalhrim! Can you imagine? Ice infused with divine power, making it hard as steel! I've only ever seen it employed in arms, armor, and burial rituals. —Amalien

I assume you're citing old Skaal stories, Amalien? Personally, I've never seen any compelling evidence of a godly connection to this material. The world is full of naturally occurring substances with fantastical origin stories. Stalhrim is no different. —Reginus Buca

Stalhrim is undeniably mortal-made. Focus on the brazier. I don't recognize any of these markings as burial motifs, but stalhrim was traditionally used in funerary rituals. I know Nords abhor spellcraft, but this looks like an arcane focus to me. —Verita Numida

Item Description: With its dazzling mix of sapphire and silver hues, this brazier lights up dramatically with an icy blaze.

Location: Bleakrock

Carved Whale Totem

A whale totem, eh? The Nord god, Stuhn, still has totemic roots. Never seen something like this hewn from opal, though. You typically only see this kind of stone in Elsweyr. Can't imagine the Atmorans traded with the Khajiit prior to the Dragon War. —Ugron gro-Thumog

I recognize the Stuhn connection, but this statue feels less devotional than other Stuhn-precursor carvings I've seen. It feels like a purely aesthetic exercise. See the whorls supporting the whale? Do they look like clouds to anyone else? —Amalien

Amalien, these rumors of flying whales are patently absurd. Nord warriors "cross the whalebone bridge" to reach Sovngarde. Flying whales are just a cultural metaphor for the transition from Nirn to Aetherius. In any case, they look like waves to me. —Reginus Buca

Item Description: Crafted from opal, this whale totem expresses a sense of simple joy to some. Others, however, believe it to hold more spiritual significance.

Location: Eastmarch

Cat's Eye Prism

From the design of the plinth, I'd date this back to early First Era--at least a millennia before the Thrassian illness laid Elsweyr low. I doubt any of the sixteen kingdom outside Pellitine would have had the resources to craft something like this. —Reginus Buca

Odd to find it in Khenarthi's Roost, unless Khenarthia was a client state of Pa'alatiin by that point. As for the crystal itself, I've never seen the like. I've found similar opal spheres used in Magrus worship. Perhaps a meteoric ritual object?—Verita Numida

The hue seems too dark for meteoric glass. This metallic banding is curious too. It's almost like they were trying to keep something contained in the sphere. Seers might have used it as a scrying stone. It follows, given the Magrus connection. Curious. —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: The strange stone on this pedestal appears to catch light as easily as it catches the eye, but how it does this remains a mystery.

Location: Khenarthi's Roost

Coil of Satakal

A Na-Totambu ceremonial gong! I've only ever seen the disc--never the frame. Looks like they fashioned it to resemble their everything-deity: Satakal. According to myth, the snake devours itself in a never-ending cycle of rebirth. Brilliant, eh? —Amalien

Yeah, a handful of Crowns in Bergama tried to bring me into the fold. Just trust me on this: nothing good ever comes from snake worship. People bound to this idea of death and rebirth always wind up as wild-eyed cultists. Just the way of the world. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Honestly, Ugron. Satakal is not a sinister deity. It's the personification of a timeless theme. What I find most astounding is the scale. Many Tamrielic religions profess belief in reincarnation. But reincarnation of Mundus itself? That's truly something. —Verita Numida

Item Description: Call guests to dinner with this stunning ceremonial gong. Just don't be surprised if your guests aim to consume more than what you prepared.

Location: Alik'r

Daedric Pillar of Torment

Don't know if we can call this an antiquity. Age doesn't mean anything in Oblivion, and this is definitely Daedric Prince-craft. A display piece of some kind. Or a warning to keep the servants in line. —Ugron gro-Thumog

This has all the hallmarks of Molag Bal. Torture, exhibitionism, the sharp-edged aesthetic, and so on. I doubt he uses it to motivate by fear. His whole realm of Coldharbour is a manifestation of fear and exploitation. This is something else. —Verita Numida

It may be hard to believe, but this is what passes for art in Coldharbour. Some people insist that lesser Daedra are incapable of creative expression and appreciation for art, but I can definitely imagine a Dremora Kynreeve staring at this for hours. —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: Piece of art? Or torture device? Maybe both, depending on how you choose to view it.

Location: Coldharbour

The Dutiful Guar

I've got to say, the realism of this guar statue is positively uncanny! Sculpting busts of famous saints is one thing, but sculpting a beast like this in such vivid detail is pretty remarkable for ancient Dark Elf statuary. —Gabrielle Benele

There's a reason for that, Gabrielle. This isn't a sculpture at all. I'm surprised that you--a mage--haven't considered the possibility that this is a real guar magically transformed into metal. Probably the work of some Telvanni apprentice!—Amalien

There's a far more plausible--albeit less palatable--explanation for this. I've found several bronzed beetles in Dunmeri ancestral tombs. This beast likely suffered a similar fate. We can only hope it wasn't still breathing when they sealed it in metal. —Verita Numida

Item Description: This guar looks so real it could draw breath, leading some to suggest the subject of this piece lies beneath the bronze.

Location: Bal Foyen

Dwarven Puzzle Box

What a fascinating bauble! Dwarven-make, obviously. But what does it do? Those circular elements at the center of each facet might fit into some secondary device. I've never see a Dwarven key that actually looks like a key! —Reginus Buca

No. Look at the seams and gears. This thing comes apart somehow, guaranteed. I'd bet my left tusk that it's a coffer of some kind. No idea what we might find inside, though. Maybe a specialized dynamo? A gem of some kind? —Ugron gro-Thumog

A coffer? Come on! The Dwarves would never use a device like this for something so prosaic! This is a testing device--a puzzle. And judging by the number of pinions, cylinders, and junction-points, I'd say it's a test none of us are likely to pass. —Amalien

Item Description: Is it a toy? A vault? A piece of an even more elaborate puzzle? No one will know until someone opens it.

Location: Stros M'Kai

Dwemer Star Chart

A Dwarven star chart! Marvelous! I think Guildmaster Vanus has one like this in his private study, but I doubt he has any clear idea of what it actually depicts. The key constellations appear on one of the discs, obviously. Beyond that? I'm not sure. —Gabrielle Benele

Open your eyes, Gabrielle! This is a treasure trove of Dwarven astronomical scholarship! The three orbiting spheres could be guardian equation-bodies, but we should at least consider the possibility that they are Dwemeric Aetherbell beacons. Right? —Amalien

Aetherbells? You mean Dwarven vessels that "dive" through the realms of Aetherius and Oblivion? Honestly, Amalien, do you have even a shred of evidence to support the idea that those even exist? These are clearly constellation markers. Nothing more. —Reginus Buca

Item Description: Show off your love of Dwarven astronomical knowledge by placing this wondrous star chart in your home.

Location: Stros M'Kai

Ebony Fox Totem

This is a remarkable find. We don't see many fox totems in Skyrim. The style is unique as well. Atmoran totemic art typically features harder edges and more abstract shapes. I'm honestly not sure who made this. —Reginus Buca

Well, as you know, the Atmorans associated foxes with Shor--the totemic analogue for Lorkhan. No Elf would ever depict Lorkhan in such a flattering shape. But the smooth contours and sharp features feel merish to me. Consider me stumped! —Gabrielle Benele

You know, Atmorans did learn a few things from the Elves prior to the fall of Saarthal. Honestly, I'm surprised we don't find more cultural crossover in art from that period. Ysgramor's heirs must have gone to great lengths to destroy items like this. —Verita Numida

Item Description: The mischievous fox of this totem calls to kindred spirits. Watch closely anyone drawn to it, then judge accordingly.

Location: The Rift

Echoes of Aldmeris

What a gorgeous triptych. Someone clearly placed a fixative spell on the frame. The painting itself is probably far older than it looks. I have no idea what place it's meant to depict, though. —Gabrielle Benele

I do. Home. Aldmeris. The beginning place for all the mer of Tamriel. I doubt the real Aldmeris looked anything like this. But just looking at it stirs up a feeling in me ... like entering my father's house after a long journey abroad. —Amalien

It pains me to admit that I don't recognize this school of painting. It's so vague, yet evocative. Proud spires, floating obelisks, wispy, concentric clouds .... The artist really made an effort to capture Elven majesty there. —Verita Numida

Item Description: This triptych may stir ancestral memories in Mer—a longing of the soul for home. Or so the antiquarian claimed.

Location: Auridon

Eight-Star Chandelier

You don't see many of these. An Ayleid light fixture like this probably shed light over the banquet hall of some cruel sorcerer king. That's definitely meteoric iron, and the welkynd stones are in fine condition. On the whole, a worthy discovery. —Verita Numida

Take note of the number of sconces in the chandelier--eight welkynd stones in all to honor the Eight Divines. This lends credence to my theory that Elven numerology played a role in Ayleid civilization, just as it does in modern High Elf culture. —Reginus Buca

You give the Ayleids too much credit, Reginus. The Heartland Elves turned to Daedra-worship long before Ayleid ironsmiths crafted this chandelier. If anything, it should feature sixteen stones to honor their cursed Daedric pantheon! —Verita Numida

Item Description: Brighten up a large space with this welkynd-stone chandelier dedicated to the blessed Eight.

Location: Grahtwood

Font of Auri-El

This architecture looks Elven, certainly, but the silhouette and the stone clearly differ from that of the Ayleids, Dwarves, Chimer and other mainland mer. Given the location, it's almost certainly Snow Elf architecture. —Reginus Buca

Unquestionably. That leads us to puzzle over what purpose it served. Based on its shape, one might mistake it for a wayshrine. But it can't be that. Look inside. The metallic shrine indicates a religious function.

Auri-El, but the looks of it. Seems a little abstract, honestly. Elves make a point of including an Elven likenesses in their shrines to reinforce their familial connections to the Divines. This probably rested near a statue of the Chief Divine himself. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: Nestled inside this massive stone edifice shines a glowing symbol of Auri-El, King of the Aldmer.

Location: Western Skyrim

Golden Idol of Morihaus

Gilded, Imperial bust depicting a winged bull? It's got to be Morihaus, the bull-faced lover of Alessia. The questions with Morihaus is always, "how literal is too literal?" and "Is this literal enough?" I'm sure Reginus and Amalien have opinions....—Ugron gro-Thumog

The sculptor clearly did not intend for the viewer to take this as a literal depiction. The vacant, bovine affect on the subject's face reveals no heroic personality, and the wings are far too small. This is a symbolic representation of the subject. —Reginus Buca

Obviously, the bust is symbolic. But that does nothing to prove Morihaus looked like you, Reginus! Surely, the existence of minotaurs is proof enough that chimeric creatures exist. A demigod exhibiting those traits is well within the realm of possibility! —Amalien

Item Description: Winged. Golden. Arresting, as the demi-god himself. Kneel before this idol and pray for a fraction of his might!

Location: Gold Coast

Greensong Gathering Circle

A Wood Elf ritual cauldron, eh? I find Bosmer magic absolutely fascinating! This is the first Wood Elf spell-focus I've seen, though. I was under the impression they could weave their magic with singing alone. What did they put in this bowl? —Gabrielle Benele

I've traveled with enough Wood Elves to know you should never ask what they put in their pots. If I had to guess, I'd say they probably filled it with bones and viscera. Blood to please Hircine, and bones to honor Y'ffre. —Ugron gro-Thumog

I'm not so sure, Ugron. I've seen etchings like this in Wood Elf wildpatches and sapling-chapels. I think they refer to growth and abundance. They may have filled it with soil and summoned Green Pact relics out of it. —Amalien

Item Description: With this cauldron, you can gather companions to honor the Green or simply display it as an interesting Wood Elf creation.

Location: Greenshade

The Heartland

What a stirring landscape! It resembles the work of Reman II's court painter, Emilia Polus. She revolutionized the art of landscape painting--serving as a bridge between dreamy Alessian scenery-painting and the stark realism of early Potentate works. —Reginus Buca

It might be an early Laenius. I'm no artist, but as far as I'm concerned, Gavros Laenius doesn't get anywhere near the credit he deserves. No one renders water like him. The Niben seems to wash across the canvass! Gorgeous! —Gabrielle Benele

I find this work puzzling. The Alessians placed severe restrictions on artists prior to their decline which grew into cultural taboos. Imperial painters didn't resume painting the Imperial City in its entirety until well into the thirtieth century. Odd. —Verita Numida

Item Description: Bask in the beauty and grandeur of Cyrodiil and the Imperial City, unmarred by the Three Banners War.

Location: Alik'r

Hollowbone Wind Chimes

Well, this is unmistakably Wood Elf craft. Granted, I haven't spent as much time around the Bosmer as Ugron and Amalien, but I'm fairly certain you can find chimes like this in present day settlements. Still ... I sense something peculiar here. —Verita Numida

It's the teeth, Verita! I've never seen fangs like that on a Wood Elf chime. Did you notice those brass rings? Why use metal to hang something when gut and sinew would do? I wager those teeth belong to rare quarry. A long extinct beast, perhaps! —Amalien

Yeah, I'm no naturalist, but those teeth look closer to swamp leviathan fangs than sabre cat cuspids. We might have proof of an Oddoak--ugly shape-shifting beasts that Y'ffre charged the Wood Elves with slaying back in the Merethic. Good find. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: This mix of bone, metal, and sinew provides a strangely soothing and meditative sound.

Location: Malabal Tor

Jeweled Skull of Ayleid Kings

Well, this is quite a discovery! Ayleid, by the looks of it. Sorcerer kings ruled the Tamrielic heartlands for centuries, but I've never seen one of their crowns. It seems fixed onto the skull, but I don't see any rivets. —Reginus Buca

I doubt any amount of strength could yank that crown off, Reginus. It's spell-locked. Tight. It probably has to do with all this meteoric glass. Do you see the inset stones? They're exerting force on the iron.—Gabrielle Benele

No great surprise there. The Saliache were a proud and possessive people. Reign rarely passed to heirs without some kind of arcane intrigue. Perhaps this king suffered a devious, over-ambitious son and sealed the crown onto his head as a final insult. —Verita Numida

Item Description: If skulls feature prominantly in your decor, this jeweled skull can become the crowning piece of your collection.

Location: Glenumbra

Kingmaker's Trove

King Emeric has a trove quite similar to this. Most people never get to see it, of course. But you'd be surprised how far a well-placed invisibility spell can get you in Wayrest Castle! —Gabrielle Benele

Judging by the filigrees, I'd date it back to the 1E 2200's. I've seen paintings of Bretonic All-Flags warships with similar patterning around the prow. This coffer may have contained a bounty for a captain who participated in the attack on Thras. —Ugron gro-Thumog

I've seen the paintings you're referring to Ugron. I agree, the patterning is similar. But this tree-shaped relief gives me pause. I wonder if this contained a bribe for nobles who helped Merchant-Lord Etien Lenac claim the throne of Wayrest in 1E 1270. —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: Eye-catching, is it not? This gorgeous chest requires more than a second look to take in all its masterful filigree and accents.

Location: Glenumbra

Maormeri Serpent Shrine

We don't often see renderings of sea serpents. Fascinating! It's a bit difficult to determine the age given the corrosion, but we can deduce its origin easily enough: Pyandonea. The Sea Elves do love their snakes! —Reginus Buca

Excellent deduction, Reginus! You might be missing something, though. As you know, tapestries featuring the Sea Elf king, Orgnum, often depict him with three hands. You see? Three hands--three coils. This might be a sculpture of Orgnum himself! —Amalien

I guess that's plausible if we're just speaking metaphorically. I've tried to turn myself into a horse more than once and never met with much success. For a mage--even an immortal one--to turn himself into a gigantic sea monster? That's a stretch. —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: The Maomer are said to tame the great serpents of the sea, but while such magnificent creatures may be out of reach, this winding statue is the next best thing.

Location: Auridon

Meridian Sconce

To the untrained eye, this sconce might appear to portray Kynareth, but it depicts nothing of the sort. This is a votive chandelier to the Daedric Prince, Meridia, guaranteed. Hardly the sort of thing you'd want lighting your dining room table. —Verita Numida

As Daedric Princes go, she's not all that bad. What interests me is the craftsmanship. Someone built a shrine to her in Skyrim, granted. But this hardly seems Nord-inspired. Those curled arms feel Nibenese to me. Odd to find it in Colovia. —Gabrielle Benele

If there's a difference between Nibenese and Colovians, you would barely notice. In any case, I'd date this back to 1E 1900's. Some Daedra-worshiper probably took it to the coast to escape the Alessian Order's inquisitors. Guess it didn't work out. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: It's said that the light of Meridia is boundless and eternal. Sadly, the candles in this majestic sconce are neither, but the impression this installation creates is long lasting.

Location: Gold Coast

Mnemonic Star-Sphere

I've seen a little bit of everything, and I can say with total certainty, I have never seen anything like this. I haven't the foggiest idea how it operates, what it's made of, or what it does. You have my deepest apologies. —Reginus Buca

That's your problem, Reginus. You have no imagination! This came from the Clockwork City—a world of arcane wonders where anything is possible! Based on these "exodromal notes" we received, it seems this is some sort of remembering-device. I guess? —Amalien

Exactly right! I have it on good authority that Sotha Sil (one of the Dark Elf gods) keeps his memories stored away in a great orrery full of stars. Another name for manufactured memory stones, I suppose. Who knows what memories this contains! —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: Experts continue to deduce the purpose of this device, but for now it serves as a memorable decoration.

Location: Clockwork City

Moonlight Mirror

A Khajiiti ornamental mirror. Interesting. You've expect to find an object like this in one of the grand palaces of Anequina or Pellitine. The fact that it survived in such a war-torn region speaks to its quality, I think. —Verita Numida

The image is really something, eh? Masser and Secunda--or Jone and Jode--swimming in wispy clouds .... It's sort of romantic, I think. I could weave a glamour like this for a moment or two, but to set an image in glass permanently? That's rare spellcraft.—Gabrielle Benele

Am I the only one who noticed the third moon in the background? Enduring magical images are all well and good, but a genuine artistic expression of the Dark Moon? That makes me think this mirror might be a little more sinister than it looks. —Amalien

Item Description: Framed gorgeously, the moons dominate this mirror, making it more for gazing at than into.

Location: Reaper's March

Moons-Blessed Ceremonial Pool

A brilliant stone basin of some variety, eh? Obviously, this served as some devotional object to the Khajiiti moon-gods, Jone and Jode. The smaller pools depict various lunar phases. Difficult to say what Khajiit actually used it for, though. —Reginus Buca

Not just any lunar phases. These seventeen arrangments correspond to the seventeen distinct furstocks of the Khajiit. The question is, what significance would a pool of water have? Perhaps new Khajiit were annointed in sacred water from Moonlit Cove? —Verita Numida

Possibly. It doesn't explain the larger pools, though. Maybe the Twilight Cantors played a role? Priestesses of that order often sing at religious ceremonies and enjoy a rich bathing culture. I can definitely see one of them annointing ja'khajiit in this. —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: Khajiiti legends claim that moon sugar comes from the light of the Two Moons trapped in the blessed waters of their homeland. The wondrous twinkling of this moonpool would lead you to believe it.

Location: Southern Elsweyr

Morwha's Blessing

it's rare to find a Yokudan statue that isn't wielding a sword. Well done. This looks like a depiction of Morwha--the fertility goddess. Based on the items she's holding, I'd say this statue came from Yokuda itself. —Ugron gro-Thumog

A fair observation, Ugron. Ra Gada-era sculptors rarely took the time to render softer details like those flowers. Bloody conquest took priority. The lack of orichalc does give me pause, though. Yokudan statuary normally features a metallic element. —Reginus Buca

Look at the stone. This Morwha's rendered in gypsum alabaster--a favored material of the Yokudans' hated enemies, the Sinistral Mer. The sculptor probably acquired the stone during the early days of the Ra Gada, thus explaining the lack of orichalc. —Verita Numida

Item Description: The four-armed Yokudan fertility goddess Morwha stands enshrined and flanked by her winged guardians, promising prosperity to all who stand before her.

Location: Hew's Bane

Moth Priest's Cleansing Bowl

I've seen one of these before. In the stacks, back in the Imperial City. The Moth Priests used it for ritual washing, or something. I assume clean hands are preferred when handling an Elder Scroll! —Gabrielle Benele

Yes, I met several Moth Priests during my years in university. The older priests made a point of washing their hands before, after, and sometimes during a reading. This residue in the bowl is interesting. Some kind of cleaning agent, perhaps? —Verita Numida

Sure, keeping the scrolls clean makes sense. But have you considered the possibility that they were scrubbing off something from the scrolls? Some aetherial residue that could deaden their fingers like the scrolls deaden the eyes? Think about it! —Amalien

Item Description: Don't mistake this humble bowl as a simple object of sanitation! This cleansing bowl is believed to have removed impurities from the fingers of Moth Priests before they went about reading the Elder Scrolls.

Location: Elsweyr (Northern)

Nest of Shadows

There's old magic clinging to this statue. No great surprise there. Ancient Argonian statuary always seems to carry some vaguely malignant power. Not an out-and-out curse, mind you! But something on that creepy spectrum. —Gabrielle Benele

A result of the lizard-people's close ties to Sithis, no doubt. What I find odd is the more realistic aesthetic. Most Argonian stone-carvings appear blockier. More abstract. And what of this polished stone? It lacks the texture of an Argonian egg. —Verita Numida

Cultural exchange with the Kothringi, maybe? But that would set the origins of Kothringi culture farther back than we thought. As for the egg, it's metaphorical. Eggs represent beginnings. So, a depiction of Sithis consuming some origin? Tough to say. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: Deadly and dramatic, this metal serpent encircles, and some say threatens, the lavender-hued egg nestled in its coils.

Location: Shadowfen

Nisswo's Soul Tender

I find Argonian relics endlessly fascinating—particularly those from their "stone nest" period. This appears to be some sort of basin. Best not to assume, where Argonians are involved, but it stands to reason they'd use this for Hist sap rituals. —Reginus Buca

Look again. I've seen enough executioners' axes to know old blood when I see it. The Argonians worship Sithis. They used to have a whole school of priests dedicated to the dark. Nisswos they were called. This looks like their handiwork. —Ugron gro-Thumog

I assume you haven't visited Black Marsh recently. The Nothing-Speaker tradition is still very much alive in the southern and central regions of the province. I've even met one. He seemed cheerful enough ... but I wouldn't put blood rituals past him. —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: This pedestal is considered sacred to the "nothing speakers" of Sithis, but it is believed to play a part in the eternal cycle of creation and destruction.

Location: Murkmire

Noble Knight's Rest

Ah, a relic from the homeland! It's clearly a sarcophagus. The question is, who's buried inside? Judging by the state of the stone, I'd say late first Era. A servant of one of the pretender-kings that took power after the Alessian secession, perhaps? —Gabrielle Benele

Undoubtedly. The Alessian collapse struck High Rock harder than most, given the Bretons' natural stubbornness and distaste for a unified governing structure. Warring fiefs sprung up all over the peninsula in the centuries that followed. —Reginus Buca

We Bretons are a stubborn lot, it's true. I did some digging, and it looks like those seals on the side derive from House Moorcroft heraldry. This knight might have died in the Gavaudon Troubles, just before the flight from Wayrest. Fascinating! —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: Become the caretaker of this knight's sarcophagus and remains — but take your duties to heart lest you end up haunted!

Location: Stormhaven

Prismatic Sunbird Feather

I've seen a few weathered mosaics depicting a feather like this alongside strange Aldmeri triremes, but I've never seen the genuine article. Looks like some kind of meteoric substance to me, but the color's unique. Gabrielle can probably speak to that. —Ugron gro-Thumog

By all the stars ... it's a Sun Bird relic! Back in the Merethic, an order of Aldmeri explorers managed to pierce the veil between Mundus and Aetherius using raw magic of the Ehlnofey. Or something. This might have been a focus--an orienteering tool! —Amalien

Yeah, I've read about them. I even traveled to Alinor to investigate. I'm sorry, Amalien, but I didn't find any proof of a successful journey to Aetherius. It makes sense for the Aldmer to have tried, but we need more proof than a beautiful glass feather. —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: Gloriously stunning doesn't even begin to describe this unusual feather. Allow it to light up a dark nook or perhaps place it front and center in your personal collection of eye-catching objects.

Location: Summerset

Remnant of the False Tower

You found this in Rivenspire? Hardly a surprise there. That region attracts unsettling relics like a sweet roll attracts children. The crystal clearly has Ayleid origins, but I've never seen a Varla or Welkynd stone with such an angry hue. —Verita Numida

I met a band of explorers in Shornhelm a few years back. They swore up and down that a red crystal lies at the heart of the Doomcrag. I did some digging in Erokii afterward. Found a broken fresco depicting the creation of a crystal, but nothing else. —Ugron gro-Thumog

It's definitely Ayleid-make, but I doubt they meant for it to look like this. Something corrupted its Aetherial resonance. This band ... it almost feels diagnostic in design. Perhaps this was their attempt to understand the red crystal. To fix it even? —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: Rich rose-hued colors delight the eye when gazing upon this unusual stone remnant.

Location: Rivenspire

Riven King's Throne

No great mystery who this belonged to. Every Breton knows those motifs! It's a throne of House Spenard. Good riddance to poor sovereigns! Rivenspire's suffered more than its fair share of despots, but the Spenards put the others to shame. —Gabrielle Benele

Yes, prior to its dissolution by House Dorell, House Spenard's territory was in a perpetual state of famine. Frestrien Spenard I to Frestrien Spenard VI maintained an era of misrule that lasted for one-hundred eighty-six years. —Verita Numida

That's because all six rulers were the same person! I've found a wealth of documents that describe the rulers' appearance and manner as identical. "The line of Frestrien bore stern features that appeared wrought from pale marble...." He was a vampire! —Amalien

Item Description: Add some elegance to your abode with this opulent throne from Rivenspire.

Location: Rivenspire

Ruby Dragon Skull

You find quite a few jeweled eyes in the dungeoneering business, but an entire skull fashioned from precious stones? That's a true prize. Shows all the signs of a Dragon Cult relic. Probably some sort of ritual focus used during sacrifices. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Not just any sacrifices. Given the scarcity of Atmoran jewelry, I have a hunch that precious stones are far less common there--or perhaps just more difficult to excavate. Ruby effigies would be reserved for extremely important services only. —Reginus Buca

But why a Dragon skull? Prior to the Dragon War, those brutes had little cause to contemplate their own mortality. Unless ... a Dragon itself suffered the sacrifice? Maybe Dragon Priests gathered to watch Alduin administer such a rite. A ghastly thought! —Verita Numida

Item Description: The size and luster of this ruby would be a magnificent addition to any Dragon's hoard, even if wasn't masterfully cut into their likeness.

Location: Bleakrock

Rune-Carved Mammoth Skull

Wood Elf villages produce the most proficient bonesmiths in Tamriel, but some Nord bone-dressers display a similar talent. While I'd never display such a macabre item in my home, there is a certain beauty to the craftsmanship. I guess. —Verita Numida

Come now, Verita, this is one of the rare Kjervilde Craniums! A product of the late First Era's most eminent taxidermist! Did you take note of the pristine condition of the bone and the brilliant gold etchings? This is an object of rare beauty! —Reginus Buca

Orcs dress bones better. Eh. Debate for another time. Apparently, Kjervilde killed each of her subjects with a single arrow to the heart. Cant's say as I've ever heard of an arrow that can fell a mammoth all at once, but few things surprise me anymore. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: The metal accents on this well-dressed mammoth skull add much to its impressive staging.

Location: The Rift

Sacred Chalice of Ysgramor

Here's a pretty cup. Sturdy, too! This predates the rise of Harald by a few centuries at least. Difficult to identify the figure on the side with certainty, but here's a good rule of thumb: if the artwork predates Harald, it's a depiction of Ysgramor. —Amalien

Can't say as I approve of such a sweeping principle, but it does tend to be correct. This certainly features Ysgramor, flanked by Atmoran runes.The Draconic silhouettes and ruby inlays clearly indicate this chalice belonged to someone of high station. —Reginus Buca

One of Ysgramor's heirs, no doubt! We identify Harald as the thirteenth in Ysgramor's line, but his forebears likely adorned their weapons, armor, even their silverware with Ysgramor's image. His face would lend legitimacy to any official act. —Verita Numida

Item Description: Whether you choose to honor the Harbinger by keeping this chalice on display or by filling it with the best mead in Skyrim, it will serve you well.

Location: Eastmarch

Seat of the Snow Prince

If I didn't know any better, I'd say this chair is of Snow Elf make. What a remarkable find! Icy stone would have been murder on the bum, but I suppose any cushioning would have disintegrated over the ages.—Amalien

It really makes one wonder how these children of the Aldmer managed the cold. The South Eltheric Ocean is hardly a frigid wasteland. In any event, this seat looks fit for royalty. A prince or high-ranking cleric perhaps? —Reginus Buca

Truth is, we know next to nothing about the Snow Elves' governmental structure, because Ysgramor and his companions wiped the slate clean during their invasion. The Atmorans weren't all that clever, but they were certainly thorough. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: The simple lines of this stone throne offer some insight into the personlity of the Snow Elf ruler who ordered its creation.

Location: Western Skyrim

Shrine of Boethra

Never seen anything like this, and I've spent many cold nights in Khajiiti tombs. The Riddle'Thar cult swept a lot of Khajiiti myths under the rug during the Elsweyr reunification. You think this is one of the spirits they scrubbed from the pantheon? —Ugron gro-Thumog

Undoubtedly! Note the sword and the figure's morphology. You can correct me if I'm wrong here, but this doesn't match any Khajiiti furstocks I'm aware of. Ohmes-raht come close, but the facial features are completely different. I think it's Boethra! —Amalien

Boethra--the Khajiiti variant of Daedric Prince, Boethiah? The presence of a katana, the cloak, and the imperious expression all fit. Ancient Khajiit honored her as a patron of warriors and rebellious exiles. That feline companion's a puzzler, though! —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: Few can resist the instinct to tuck tail and scurry from this epitome of cool, feline ferocity on display.

Location: Southern Elsweyr

Silvenari Sap-Stone

A sap relic that didn't come from Black Marsh? What a welcome surprise! I've never seen such a beautiful Wood Elf antiquity. I associate the Bosmer so much with bone, and rotmeth, and insect parts that I forget what wonders the Green Pact can produce! —Gabrielle Benele

Yes. Almost makes one wonder why the Wood Elves don't request other things, like clothes that don't smell like old mammoth cheese. I've never seen a tree in Malabal Tor leak sap like this. Could it have come from Falinesti? —Verita Numida

The graht-oak of Silvenar produces objects like this from time to time, but only at the urging of the Silvenar himself. Someone well-attuned to the Green could probably coax some Y'ffrine miracle out of it, but that's well outside our capabilities! —Amalien

Item Description: This lovely sap-stone can add both a touch of the Green and dramatic flair to any wall you choose to place it upon.

Location: Malabal Tor

Sixth House Ritual Table

It's been quite some time since I've seen such a well-preserved Chimer table. The volcanic rock seems consistent with the pre-Tribunal aesthetic. The sigil in the center is particularly noteworthy. Could this really have belonged to the Sixth House? —Verita Numida

Yes, this is definitely First Council-era craftsmanship. Note the script surrounding the seal. Dagoth written in Daedric runes. The other Houses went to great lengths to scrub House Dagoth's legacy from the history books. This is quite a discovery! —Reginus Buca

Really makes you wonder--what threat did Dagoth pose to the Tribunal? I try to avoid Dark Elf politics, personally, but to wipe all mention of the Sixth House from the record seems excessive to the point of suspicious. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: Scholars of House Dagoth would find this ornate table both beautiful and thrilling—a marvel to admire, far away from Ordinators.

Location: Vvardenfell

Sorcerer-King's Blade

An Ayleid sword, eh? Truly wondrous craftsmanship. Pity they probably used it to slaughter any of our ancestors who defied their supremacy. Odd that they would venerate this broken blade. Whoever wielded it must have commanded a great deal of respect. —Verita Numida

I still detect some residual magic swimming between the shards. Difficult to determine the nature of the enchantment after all this time, but it definitely feels tied to the illusory school ... something to do with minds and mortal will. —Gabrielle Benele

Makes sense that Ayleid sorcerer kings would wield weapons capable of bending their subjects' minds--especially during the civilizations's latter days when their appetites turned dark as coal. No race, no matter how depraved, will stand for that forever. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: Complete with its own stone display furnishing, this broken blade was once wielded by an Ayleid ruler who held mastery over great magic.

Location: Reaper's March

Spellscar Shard

This isn't particularly old, but it's still noteworthy. We don't fully understand where it came from, but that obelisk in Craglorn stirred up all sorts of arcane mischief. Looks like it even managed to bend natural law here. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Yes indeed! It's difficult to determine if this is Tamrielic matter transformed by the obelisk's impact, or some fragment of the obelisk itself. I'd like to conduct some experiments on it. Those striations seem overloaded with magicka! —Amalien

I think the magicka stored in this fragment is largely spent at this point. Removing it from the crash-site might have diminished its connection to the obelisk, resulting in a slow degradation of its potency. It's inert, yes, but still beautiful! —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: This captivating shard of the great obelisk retains just enough energy to emit a dramatic electrical show.

Location: Craglorn

Stained Glass of Lunar Phases

A fully intact stained glass window? Simply remarkable! Someone clearly packed it away with great care. One can't help but wonder why they squirreled such a masterpiece away. I've never seen a window like this in the Khajiiti temples I've visited. —Reginus Buca

That's because the Khajiit never placed this window in one of their ancestral temples. See the similarities to Imperial glasswork? Clearly, Khajiiti glass workers made this for a converted temple. Perhaps the Chapel of Zenithar in Leyawiin. —Verita Numida

Makes sense. Bruk'ra wander-kings all but annexed the city after Darloc Brae's conquests. It's possible that the Imperials finished construction on the Chapel of Zenithar by then. But if the Khajiit did convert it, Imperial histories would never admit it. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: The Khajiit describe the changing of the Two Moons as a graceful dance, and this stained glass window somehow captures their elegance, especially under the moonlight.

Location: Elsweyr (Northern)

St. Alessia, Paravant

I can scarcely believe I'm saying this, but you may have discovered a sculpture of the mother of the First Empire, Saint Alessia. You see? She still bears the shackles of Ayleid enslavement, and holds the Amulet of Kings aloft. It's her. It's Paravant. —Verita Numida

I suspect this is a Bretonic work--perhaps given to Hestra as a gift after High Rock's admission to the Empire. As you know, the Alessian Order placed tight restrictions on graven images of Alessia. We'll likely never know what she really looked like. —Reginus Buca

Mara's mercy, Reginus! For once in your life, can you just appreciate the majesty of what our friend uncovered? Obviously, the sculptor did not have the benefit of firsthand knowledge, but this is the truest depiction of Alessia we've ever seen! —Verita Numida

Item Description: Paravant, meaning "The First," is a title given to Alessia, leader of the rebellion against the Ayleids. Perhaps you'll be the first to display "The First," eh?

Location: Grahtwood

St. Nerevar, Moon-and-Star

A bust of Saint Nerevar. A worthy discovery, to be sure. You don't often find such realistic depictions of Dunmer religious figures. The sculptor may have spent some time in the Imperial City. I see similarities to Bruma School works. 1E 2800's perhaps? —Verita Numida

The shapes featured in his panoply definitely match some of the pieces in the Gwylim First Council collection. Bit more conservative than I'd expect, though. I always had the sense that Chimer armor favored form over function. More exposed skin, etc. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Speaking of skin, I wish this bust included color! Dark Elf portraiture leans toward monochromatic, abstract compositions. I'm desperate to know if they conceptualize Nerevar with gold or ashen skin. I bet it's gray. Dark Elves are master revisionists. —Amalien

Item Description: Behold the Champion of Azura, the Hero of Red Mountain, the Herald of the Triune Way, Saint Nerevar Moon-and-Star in all his glory from the comfort of your own home.

Location: Vvardenfell

Sweet Khenarthi's Song

I've always loved Khajiiti needlework. The color and texture on this tapestry are tremendous, despite its age. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I suspect that winged figure is an artist's depiction of Khenarthi--the Khajiiti goddess of the wind. —Gabrielle Benele

Yeah, it's Khenarthi. She seems to be ushering that spectral Khajiit somewhere--presumably the Sands Behind the Stars. Khajiiti and Nord theology both present Kynareth as a guide to paradise. Odd considering how remote each civilization is from the other. —Ugron gro-Thumog

It's not odd at all! Choice plays a central role in the process of death and rebirth for both Nords and Khajiit. Both have to earn their way to paradise. Kyne and Khenarthi reward courage and faithfulness respectively. A personal escort makes sense. —Reginus Buca

Item Description: The rich blues and golds of this tapestry, along with its subject matter, might just tempt you into hanging it opposite your bed, allowing it to be the first thing you see in the morning and last thing you see at night.

Location: Khenarthi's Roost

Tall Papa's Lamp

Ah, this exhibits the masterful craftsmanship one would expect from a Na-Totambu relic! These gold motifs seem consistent with Ra Gada heraldry, but the purple interior matches the hue of Ruptga prayer beads. The lack of star motifs seems odd, too.—Verita Numida

Is tethering military pomp to religious expression really that odd? For the Yokudans, warfare and religion were practically synonymous! Your comment about the stars does raise questions, though. Ruptga without stars is like Akatosh without a Dragon. —Reginus Buca

The lack of stars on the relic itself doesn't necessarily mean it didn't feature stars in another way. The oil reservoir has a layer of crystalline build-up--some kind of meteoric fuel, I bet. The light this lamp shed probably resembled starlight! —Gabrielle Benele

Item Description: The incense burned within this marvelous lamp is alleged to have guided Yokudans into transcendant experiences.

Location: Bankorai

Tri-Angled Truth Altar

Wow! Given the iconography on this pyramid, I think we can safely assume this object predates the rise of the Tribunal! See how there's no reference to Almsivi? These marks venerate the old gods: Boethiah, Mephala, and Azura. —Amalien

Exactly right, Amalien. Odd to find such a fine, polished object carved in the Chimeric tradition. Velothi asceticism and Beothian values drove them to work in unconventional materials, even during their Golden Age. This feels modern. Overly geometric. —Reginus Buca

Nerevar and Dumac's warm relationship likely led to some cultural exchange. Dwemer society was too intransigent to absorb traditions from other cultures, but even the most pious Chimer probably wanted a break from stone and chitin-carving at some point. —Verita Numida

Item Description: With markings that show veneration to old gods, this splendid altar required consummate geometric knowledge to create.

Location: Bal Foyen

Tusks of the Orc-Father

Always good to see a relic from the homeland. A tusk arrangement like this usually marks an entrance of a chief or forge-wife' longhouse. The scale of these tusks is pretty damned impressive. Haven't seen a mammoth that size in my lifetime.—Ugron gro-Thumog

Alas, I think the Bretons plundered most of these monolithic ivories after the sack of Orsinium in 1E 980. The Daggerfall ivory trade helped fuel the Bjoulsae economic expansion that catapulted High Rock to prominence in the centuries that followed. —Reginus Buca

No need to remind me. From what I hear, ivory restitution was one of Kurog's demands when Emeric invited him to join the Daggerfall Covenant. We took tusks as part of our Ranser's War spoils, too. We Orcs always get what we're owed ... eventually. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: None who see these imposing tusks from Wrothgar on your estate can doubt your bravery. Having them is one thing. Keeping them? Another entirely.

Location: Orsinium

Void-Crystal Anomaly

I've only seen something like this once--an artist's rendering we found in a Worm Cult hideout. It's radiating ... something. I can't really explain it, but I'm detecting a gap in the flow of natural magicka. —Gabrielle Benele

Fascinating! Makes one wonder how the Antiquarian's Eye managed to find it. It clearly comes from Oblivion. The question is, what part of Oblivion? The connection to Molag Bal seems clear enough, but the shapes resemble crystals from the Spiral Skein. —Amalien

Molag Bal practices all sorts of bizarre alchemy in his Vile Laboratory. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he managed to pry some facet of Mephala's realm into his own. Corrupting the essence of another Prince would be difficult, but not impossible. —Gabrielle Benele

 

Item Description: Floating serenely, these black crystals provide an unsettling focal point to any garden or room.

Location: Coldharbour

Note: In the first week of the test server, this object granted a furnishing named "Black Fragment of Lyg". Its description was identical to the current one, except with one added sentence: "Whether they actually originate from Lyg is still up for debate among scholars." It is no longer available in game.

Warcaller's Painted Drum

What a prime example of Orcish musical craftsmanship. People tend not to associate music with Orcs, but we have a deep cultural investment in percussion instruments. I can pretty much guarantee this served as a war drum. —Ugron gro-Thumog

I sense some faded magic here. Did your people enchant these drums, Ugron? It's something in the runes. there's an intention there that seems ... well, it seems very angry, to be perfectly honest. Sorry! —Gabrielle Benele

No need to apologize, Gabrielle. Orcs worship Malacath. My people's connections with Daedric ritual ran twice as deep when they stretched this drum. The runes are Malacath devotionals. Grudge-marks. When the warcaller beat this drum, battle was certain. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Item Description: No musical instrument collection is complete without this massive drum. When used, all who hear it feel its beat deep within their bones.

Location: Betnikh

Yokudan Skystone Scabbard

What a grogeous scabbard. I suspect this belonged to a high-ranking Yokudan warrior--perhaps even a sword saint! I'm especially intrigued by this array of stones. They must be aehterial fragments of some kind. —Amalien

You're likely right, Amalien. Yokudans wielded powerful magic where stones were concerned. The Redguards' distaste for magic makes discussing it a little awkward. But these stones absolutely possessed some magical potency. —Gabrielle Benele

Sort of begs the question: why did a Yokudan warrior who could call a magical sword to hand at will need a scabbard? I guess this could have been purely ornamental. Or maybe having a physical anchor made summoning the weapon easier. —Amalien

Item Description: Imagine what the sword that belonged to this stunning scabbard might have looked like! As it stands, the scabbard alone deserves all the attention it garners.

Location: Hew's Bane


Siege Weapons

Fire Lancer

This looks like some kind of shimmer-thrower--you know, like the ones the Baandari use during festivals? We haven't seen much in the way of Dwemer frivolity but if this was a kind of firelight show, that could prove everyone wrong! How exciting! —Amalien

Amalien gives the Dwarves too much credit. As usual. This looks more like a weapon to me. Some kind of complex ballista that could fling projectiles at a distance. This could change the war in Cyrodiil if someone managed to rebuild it. —Ugron gro-Thumog

I'm no metallurgist, but this metal could likely endure tremendous heat; so I agree with Amalien on that. To Ugron's point, yes, I strongly suspect this is a weapon of war. Something used to rain fire down upon one's enemies. —Reginus Buca

Location: Stonefalls

Frost Lancer

This is fascinating. You don't see a lot of frost weaponry with the Dwemer. I don't know why. Maybe it's because they hated the cold? They lived underground and relied on thermal heat from the earth to power their society. Naturally averse? —Amalien

It's possible, I suppose. They did spend quite a lot of time around volcanos and heated geysers. Even so, if anyone could learn to harness the power of the cold during wartime, it would be the Dwarves. —Verita Numida

Frost magic can do a lot of good during a siege. Freeze the enemy, glaze the gates and parapets, etc. Even so, I'd hate to see one of these deployed in the field. The last thing Cyrodiil needs right now is an arms race. —Ugron gro-Thumog

Location: Bankorai

Shock Lancer

Even after all this time, this still carries traces of magical energy. You can feel the hairs on your arm rising whenever you touch it. Can you imagine harnessing this sort of power during a siege? —Verita Numida

Yes, quintessentially Dwemer in its design and application. They were so much more technologically advanced than other races, their mastery over the arcane allowed them to fire shokcing projectiles. —Reginus Buca

If it's shock value we're going for here (and no, I won't apologize for that) I'd like to throw in the possibility of this being a component of a security system. The Dwarves were extremely talented at keeping people out of places. —Gabrielle Benele

Location: Reaper's March