|
Name |
Vintage Necrom Votive |
|
250 |
- Reginus Buca
- Obviously a candle, probably made of yellow beeswax, set in a glass container, used as an offering to the dead. Not surprisingly given the proximity to Necrom, a city devoted to the Dark Elf ancestors.
- Gabrielle Benele
- Ah, my dear Reginus, what you miss is the etchings along the side of the glass. They're faint, but they indicate that the provenance of the item goes back to the early days of the Necrom Abbey, perhaps to Prior Durdryn himself.
- Verita Numida
- Agreed that the votive comes from an earlier age, Gabrielle, but unlikely that it dates from Prior Durdryn's time. The etchings portray a well-developed Necrom, with structures built long after its founding. Ancient still, though.
|
---|
Type |
Treasure |
---|
Difficulty |
Simple |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Ceremonial Chimer Krater |
|
1,000 |
- Amalien
- Hah! This vase was definitely used as a mixing vessel for water and wine. This figure portrays Veloth the Pilgrim, who led the Chimer out of Summerset, either in the Dawn Era or the Late Middle Merethic. Good find!
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- Indeed! It is a black-figure ceramic with a dried red clay foundation. The figures are etched into the clay and painted black before firing, with highlights of red and white pigment. Definitely Chimer origins, not the later Dunmer.
- Reginus Buca
- Note the vertical hole bored from the bowl to the base. This was likely a grave offering, a krater used by the deceased in life. On their passing, the family bored the hole in the base to provide libations in the afterlife.
|
---|
Type |
Treasure |
---|
Difficulty |
Intermediate |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Holy Velothi Chausable |
|
5,000 |
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- An excellent find! This vestment considers of a cloth undercoat covered with unique silks, reinforced with ornamental beads. Probably the ceremonial robe used by a pre-Tribunal priest. Did this belong to traveling clergy? Or, as was so common in the past, was it something robbed from a tomb and used as a trade good? Either way, a fascinating look into early Dark Elf religious iconography.
|
---|
Type |
Treasure |
---|
Difficulty |
Advanced |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Antique Map of Apocrypha |
|
N/A |
- Gabrielle Benele
- Intriguing. This map purports to be of Apocrypha, but while the major locations, like Cipher's Midden, are there, they're in different locations. Perhaps this was done by someone with second-hand information?
- Reginus Buca
- Possible. More likely Hermaeus Mora chose to do a little redecorating. He has the power to do that, you know. Still, the major landmarks are all here, but I would not use it to give someone directions.
- Amalien
- The lands of Oblivion represent the minds of the Daedric Princes, and warp and change as they themselves change and grow. In a century's time, our maps of Apocrypha will be as out of date and this one seems to be.
|
---|
Type |
Furniture (Antique Map of Apocrypha) |
---|
Difficulty |
Simple |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Antique Map of the Telvanni Peninsula |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- This is curious. Definitely First Era, maybe soon after Veloth led the Chimer here. Note that the coastlines are very well-defined, but when we get into the interior regions the mapping becomes much more sketchy.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- And the ink. That looks like squid ink. And the parchment itself has a faint aroma of salt. I'd say that this is a nautical chart, and an ancient one at that. The name Necrom isn't used here, but there was definitely a settlement already flourishing.
- Verita Numida
- Agreed. I would go so far to say that this is Akaviri in origin. It could be a set of battle plans from an early invasion, but I think it was an early portolan chart, used for early, peaceful trade between the continents.
|
---|
Type |
Furniture (Antique Map of the Telvanni Peninsula) |
---|
Difficulty |
Simple |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Apocrypha Fossil, Arch |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- The fossilization process has captured, in exquisite detail, the intricate internal structure of this mysterious creature. But, one question still nags at me. What is the original organic material? Surely bone would've been far too cumbersome.
- Reginus Buca
- I'm inclined to agree. It is likely a creature of this size and complexity would've favored a more forgiving organic material. Perhaps something like cartilage? It would be far easier to heal than bone, and certainly lighter.
- Amalien
- But cartilage often breaks down long before the fossilization process begins. I'm starting to lean towards a type of chitin. Not external like we see in crustaceans, but an internal structure not dissimilar to fungal cell walls. Much to consider.
|
---|
Type |
Furniture (Apocrypha Fossil, Arch) |
---|
Difficulty |
Simple |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Apocrypha Fossil, Bones Large |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- Immediately one must take note of the segmented nature of this fossil. I'm inclined to believe this is a tail, with the curled horns at its end acting as some sort of defensive structure. I hope to find more of this creature nearby.
- Amalien
- Note to self, while eating lunch a few yards away from the dig site, I realized that the curvature of the fossil reminded me of a standing caterpillar. Additionally, the curled horns seem similar to barb like defensive growths on larval insects.
- Amalien
- Additional note to self, we've found several more of these fossil structures without any sign of additional segments. Could these in fact be chitinous defense plating of some large, larval like creature? I can already feel Verita's unamused eyebrow.
|
---|
Type |
Furniture (Apocrypha Fossil, Bones Large) |
---|
Difficulty |
Intermediate |
---|
Lead |
- Apocrypha and Telvanni Peninsula treasure maps
|
---|
|
Name |
Apocrypha Fossil, Nautilus |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- How curious it is to find that Apocrypha is littered with these nautilus fossil structures. The creature itself is common enough in the seas west of Tamriel, but nowhere near the size we're finding in Apocrypha.
- Gabrielle Benele
- I'll preface this by saying this is far beyond my area of expertise, but is it possible that Tamrielic nautili are stray visitors from Apocrypha? Perhaps the little ones are pulled into our plane by some primordial tide?
- Reginus Buca
- Considering these fossils also resemble curled up tentacles, I'll posit an even more terrifying thought. Could nautili be severed appendages made sentient? Silly, perhaps, but there's a flittering connection that should be explored further.
|
---|
Type |
Furniture (Apocrypha Fossil, Nautilus) |
---|
Difficulty |
Intermediate |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Apocrypha Fossil, Worm |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- I wish you could've heard the scream I let out when the team uncovered this monstrous fossil. Joy and disgust in equal measure. I'm not quite sure where to begin with this specimen. Its bone breaking mandibles or its terrifying enormity.
- Verita Numida
- Yes, it is certainly a sight to behold. Its size aside, it reminds me of the crawlers that would scurry from beneath the upturned rocks of my youth. In fact, if you'll permit a bit of childish curiosity, I say we send this specimen to Ugron.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- A vile and horrible thing. A stone nightmare made all the more loathsome by the omission of its sender's names. I won't get any work done while this sits in my study and none of my assistants want to move it.
|
---|
Type |
Furniture (Apocrypha Fossil, Worm) |
---|
Difficulty |
Simple |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Cliff Strider Skeleton Stand |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- The Cliff Strider has always occupied my curiosity since I was a child. The power of a reptile made all the more deadly by its gift of flight. This exquisite specimen is the first step towards my full dive into Cliff Strider taxonomy.
- Amalien
- It is truly astounding how much character has been captured by this taxidermist. At times it really does feel like this Cliff Strider will spring to life right in the middle of my study. I'll have to keep them in mind for future projects.
- Verita Numida
- Twice now I've passed your study and stifled a scream at the sight of your Cliff Strider … friend. And once again, I must politely decline your offer to, "get to know him." I'll leave its delicate bones and leathery skin to you.
|
---|
Type |
Furniture (Cliff Strider Skeleton Stand) |
---|
Difficulty |
Intermediate |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Mushroom Classification Book |
|
N/A |
- Gabrielle Benele
- An absolutely fantastic find, and surprisingly well preserved. Some of the mushrooms detailed in this tome haven't been seen in centuries. I must fight the urge to flip through its pages on account of how delicate they are.
- Gabrielle Benele
- After some extensive alteration magic and a few sleepless nights, we've been able to strengthen the bindings of this beautifully ornate book. I daresay I have a few more sleepless nights ahead of me as I delve into the tome's contents.
- Gabrielle Benele
- I can't even begin to describe the amount of care that must've gone into this work's creation. The detailing and characterization of every included fungus is the closest fungal research has ever come to poetry. This is nothing short of a masterwork.
|
---|
Type |
Furniture (Mushroom Classification Book) |
---|
Difficulty |
Simple |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Tribunal Window, Stained Glass |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- Ugron, you should've seen how my hands trembled when I held this stunning piece of glass artistry. It is so easy to lose yourself in its deep blue hues. Perhaps they used a pigment made from Stoneflower petals and Black Anther? Remarkable.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- An impressive find, Reginus. How old do you posit this glass art to be? It's worth noting how the Tribunal is shown as being in equal balance. A clue to its origin being a place of organized worship rather than a personal or private creation.
- Reginus Buca
- On the contrary, its simplicity makes it far more likely to be a private piece. Those of means often flagrantly display their favored member of the Tribunal. This beautiful glass was likely commissioned by someone of simple means, but fierce devotion.
|
---|
Type |
Furniture (Tribunal Window, Stained Glass) |
---|
Difficulty |
Advanced |
---|
Lead |
(?) |
---|
|
Name |
Ring of Stone |
|
N/A |
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- Strange. A base fragment of larger column that broke away at some point. The most obvious curiosity is the dark liquid pool at its center. I attempted to drain away the fluid, but it filled itself up to the previous level.
- Gabrielle Benele
- Look closely at the stone enclosure and you'll see lines worn away on the exterior. They appear organically arranged. Perhaps where roots grew around it? Suggests that this existed underground for a significant period.
- Reginus Buca
- Some remote Dunmer cultures once built these rings of stone deep below ground much like a water well. It was common practice to drop sacrificial animals down the well to satiate their chosen Daedric Prince. This may be the base of such a well.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Apocryphal Well) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
(?) |
---|
|
Name |
Emergent Shadow |
|
N/A |
- Gabrielle Benele
- Adding more pieces to this artifact has awoken a swirling mass above the well's pool. I don't feel it poses a threat, but it's certainly uncomfortable to witness. Perhaps one of you could explain this effect.
- Amalien
- Unmistakably the influence of Hermeus Mora, but I agree that it poses no threat. I passed my hand through the haze and it didn't appear to acknowledge my presence. I don't think this was an actual sacrificial well, but a iconic replica.
- Reginus Buca
- I believe you are both correct. Once a well, I believe this was changed into a ritual idol for worshippers of Hermaeus Mora. So, Dunmer in origin but repurposed by others, perhaps Nords? Cults in Skyrim have gone largely unstudied.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Apocryphal Well) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Arms of Glory |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- Unlike the swirling mass, these tendrils are quite real. This well creates a small puncture in the skin between us and Oblivion. So far, the tendrils appear relatively docile. You know, for otherworldly tendrils.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- I do not often suggest caution when examining our findings, but I must insist we stay clear. These sorts of punctures are used by cultists to bring creatures into our realm. The First Era Graykeepers of Skyrim used these wells for combat often.
- Gabrielle Benele
- Your caution is well-taken, Ugron, but we are fine. This is not an invasion point, but a reverent decoration. The tendrils a like a potted plant used by Nord cultists to adorn their ritual sites. They're as dangerous as a fern.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Apocryphal Well) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Umbral Frame |
|
N/A |
- Verita Numida
- Such roiling darkness should not hold its shape like this, yet here it is. How could one even transport this piece? Based on the shadowy composition, I'd estimate an association with the Daedric Prince Namira.
- Gabrielle Benele
- Nice guess! However, the frame holds its shape using coherence energies specific to Namira or Hermaeus Mora. A minor Namira cult in Western Skyrim called the Night Knives rimmed their tables with similar shadows.
- Amalien
- This frame's composition flows from Apocrypha, no question. The additional decorations make that clear. The energy similarities you noticed could mean Mora and Namira have a closer relationship than I realized!
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Trifold Mirror of Alternatives) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Liminal Glass |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- Quite obvious that we're not dealing with typical glass! I can't determine from this fragment whether it's just an illusion, or if it provides a stable portal. Though, I think a permanent entrance into Oblivion would be quite dangerous.
- Reginus Buca
- Did you know that glass handicraft goes back into the Merethic era? Early versions used obsidian which gave it a darker hue than what we expect today. Given the inky appearance, I believe this pane to be made of that polished crystal.
- Verita Numida
- We've found trinkets made of obsidian glass in the graves of Nedic leaders. It's uncommon for that culture to make a mirror with this swirling decoration, but I know of shrines in northern Hammerfell where this would fit right in.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Trifold Mirror of Alternatives) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Runic Legs |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- The stone legs are curious. You commonly see shaped sandstone among Dwarven construction, but the runes are Daedric. Could this be evidence that some Dwemer consorted with creatures from Oblivion? What a find!
- Gabrielle Benele
- Many cultures used stone, not just the Dwarves. That said, these were constructed using ancient tools is correct. Look at the curve of each leg - they aren't exact, even if you account for age. The craftsmen did not have the tools for precision.
- Verita Numida
- If you compare the stone craftmanship to the etchings in Hositte's From Pebbles to Boulders, you'll see a perfect match with ancient Nedic work. The Daedric runes are uncommon, but not unheard of. A pleasure to see the handiwork up close.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Trifold Mirror of Alternatives) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Volcanic Sand Bath |
|
N/A |
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- This provides quick, even heating for large-batch mixtures. The sand is from Morrowind, but I would guess Saint Vorys brought this method back following his march on Elsweyr. Baandari have used sand baths to make tea and coffee since the late first era.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Telvanni Alchemy Station) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Enchanted Mixing Stones |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- A bit of a misnomer--these are made from hard metals, not stone. Rotation speed is indicated in Old Aldmeris, and the runework is like nothing I've ever seen. So delicate and precise, still working after all these years! I used one to stir my tea.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Telvanni Alchemy Station) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
- From "Runic Rock" on the east side of the bridge leading to Kemel-Ze (map)
|
---|
|
Name |
Reagent Drying Rack |
|
N/A |
- Gabrielle Benele
- The Telvanni that used this weren't the type to throw bundles of foraged reagents in, say, a craft bag or something. The dividers indicate every precaution taken to prevent cross-contamination of reagents. Very focused on high potency and yield.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Telvanni Alchemy Station) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
- From "Damaged Reagent Rack" along the rocks behind the northeastern house in Ald Isra (map)
|
---|
|
Name |
Lustrous Metal Funnel |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- My alchemist consult said the metal is practically non-reactive, but my jeweler friend reacted quite strongly upon examining it. If this funnel were any more luxurious, it'd be crusted with rubies. It's pure platinum, late first era.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Telvanni Alchemy Station) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
- From "Damaged Funneling Mechanism" on the north bank of the river above Sailenmora (map)
|
---|
|
Name |
Sturdy Crucible |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- This is an ancient Nord design from early first era, likely reclaimed when Nords were driven from present-day Morrowind. Sturdy, dependable piece. The only alteration made by subsequent users is an added spout for pouring.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Telvanni Alchemy Station) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Igneous Mortar and Pestle |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- Fascinating. This is Ashlander in origin! Only Ashlanders know how to properly season and enchant this porous rock to eliminate cross-contamination between use. Cleaning it wrong could spell disaster. Best of luck with it!
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Telvanni Alchemy Station) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Glass Desiccator |
|
N/A |
- Verita Numida
- Impurities make this easily traceable to Azura's Coast, early second era. Useful in storing and preserving certain low-humidity solvents and reagents--it keeps dry things dry. I've owned one myself for many years. It's where I keep my sense of humor.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Telvanni Alchemy Station) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Tempered Brass Retort |
|
N/A |
- Gabrielle Benele
- Incredibly common sublimation tool, similar to an alembic. I suspect this one is Dwemer in origin from the choice in brass over copper, a superior heat conductor. A tempered retort, on the other hand, is something one hears form Verita on a daily basis.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Telvanni Alchemy Station) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Malachite Burette and Stand |
|
N/A |
- Verita Numida
- Very sturdy material. No surprise how this has remained intact after all these years. It's used for precise titration of extremely potent mixtures, but unfortunately, residue trapped in the stopcock suggests that it was last used to manufacture skooma.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Telvanni Alchemy Station) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
- From "Questionable Burette" on the south bank of the river above Sailenmora (map)
|
---|
|
Name |
Vacuum Filtration Apparatus |
|
N/A |
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- Remarkably useful for filtering out alchemical impurities. I've read historical accounts of the ancient vacuum bellows being operated by lowly assistants or slaves. Better a bellows than being asked to use one's own breath, I suppose.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Telvanni Alchemy Station) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Rune-Carved Key |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- Well, this is a winding mechanism if I ever saw one. But what does it wind? I've seen something similar used for drum heads, but this one is so delicate.
- Verita Numida
- Given its wispmetal construction, I'd say be careful of what it winds up or opens since it likely originates from Apocrypha. Perhaps it's a portal key of some sort to that realm?
- Amalien
- It's so tiny. And cute. And I think built to go flush with whatever it belongs to - so that it isn't easily seen. And that makes me think this belongs to something artistic. Oh, and that rune hiding inside it? I think it means find. Interesting!
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Music Box, Glyphic Secrets) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Dark Metal Cubes |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- A giant's handful of metal cubes. All the same size. What purpose do these serve? And, yes, they're crafted from wispmetal. Are these cubes used in some sort of Apocrypha game that servitors of Mora play when not finding obscure lore?
- Gabrielle Benele
- I've run into these before in a ruined temple to Mora, neatly placed on a copy of Musica Ephemera. Sadly, a tomeshell nearby took the book after I moved the cubes off it. Maybe they're wards of some sort?
- Amalien
- I think your tomeshell didn't like being near something crafted from a dead friend, Gabrielle. I see two smaller runes on each one. I think they mean attract and oppose. So, some form of movement is involved with these, I'd say.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Music Box, Glyphic Secrets) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Dark Metal Mesh |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- This has to be the finest form of Apocryphal wispmetal I've ever seen! It's almost like a fabric. A weighty fabric. But it's such a small swatch. It must have covered something sacred.
- Reginus Buca
- If you hold it up to the light, you can see a faint arcanist's rune. I think it means "move away." Is this some sort of repelling device that only arcanists can use?
- Amalien
- Shift it a bit more in the light, Reginus, and it says attract instead. I think. Depending on the light, it can either draw something in or push something out. Oooh, I need to study arcanist runes more!
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Music Box, Glyphic Secrets) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Darklight Gemstone |
|
N/A |
- Gabrielle Benele
- Well, well - a darklight gemstone. These give off a light that makes unseen colors glow. Explorers in Apocrypha once used a special chalk to mark their way through book mazes, then used these stones to make their formerly invisible marks visible.
- Verita Numida
- It's cut into a cabochon and almost flawless. Yet, I see a rune inside it, almost as if it's floating. The artistry and magical skill needed to form this gemstone is prodigious. Could an artistic arcanist have crafted this stone?
- Reginus Buca
- That rune is the maker's mark of Adonia of the Heart's Ache - an artist from the First Era. Adonia's voice sent many an erstwhile suitor to their graves when they got too ... persistent. And anything Adonia crafted involved music in some form.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Music Box, Glyphic Secrets) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Dark Metal Springs |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- What's a mechanical device without springs? But to make them from Apocryphal wispmetal seems a bit much when normal springs would work. Seems like they sought to match metals throughout the device.
- Verita Numida
- It is a bit odd to see mechanisms using materials from Apocrypha, but there must be a purpose to it. Perhaps the device required certain similar resonances within its metal workings. So, sound-oriented?
- Amalien
- I can see an argument for the metal choice being pure aesthetics. But look more closely at the wispmetal wire holding the springs together. It's an eye. Hermaeus Mora. The device these came from must have honored the One Who Knows. I'm sure of it!
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Music Box, Glyphic Secrets) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Inkwood Box |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- If I didn't know better, I'd have said the artisan who crafted this box used a dark stain to get this unique color. But no, this is inkwood straight from Apocrypha. What did it contain, though?
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- Interesting. This container held some form of glyphic. See how the inkwood has a slight purple sheen to it? I've seen this kind of discoloration when this type of wood is exposed to a glyphic for a period of time.
- Reginus Buca
- Look closely at the lower right inside corner. See that partially obscured maker's mark? If I'm not mistaken, that's the Girvayne family's symbol. They crafted pieces for musicians in the First Era. So, this may be part of an instrument.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Music Box, Glyphic Secrets) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
- Ranked Tribute Victor's purse
|
---|
|
Name |
Rune-Etched Cylinder |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- The etchings on this cylinder indicate an arcanist prepared it. But they don't look like any I've run into before. Perhaps they indicate a form of runic magic I'm not aware of. Regardless, the dark metal acts as if imbued.
- Gabrielle Benele
- This metal most certainly is imbued! And these runeforms indicate sound manipulation of some sort. As if when matched with another rune, a sound would ring out.
- Reginus Buca
- This metal puzzles me still. This isn't wispmetal quenched in tomeshell gore, is it? Given the slight striations I'm seeing ... yes, it must be. An Oblivion rarity!
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Music Box, Glyphic Secrets) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Rune-Scribed Comb |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- The runeforms on this strange metal comb are all the same. And they all seem to set off some form of arcanist's magic. So, a triggering comb? Definitely not something for hair. And it's definitely made from wispmetal.
- Verita Numida
- I see a tiny symbol on the edge - a golden eye. Of course that points right to the Keeper of Forbidden Knowledge. What use would Mora's adherents have for this bit of metal, though? I agree it must be part of a larger item.
- Reginus Buca
- Perhaps it belongs to an arcanist's locking device, where you need to line up symbols exactly to open it. That said, the overall shape of the comb reminds me of a music box's mechanism.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Music Box, Glyphic Secrets) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Fortified Green Calcite Gears |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- Why would anyone make gears out of green calcite? It's such a soft mineral. But perhaps this rich mauve sheen strengthens it enough to make it a worthwhile material for gears. My ruby won't scratch it.
- Amalien
- The unusual coating on this gear must be from an unguent arcanists use to strengthen tome bindings. If you ever see a row of books with a strange mauve shimmer to them, chances are an arcanist bound them in Apocrypha. Oh to have such a volume!
- Reginus Buca
- A faint rune on this gear marks it as being something an arcanist crafted. My sense of it, not knowing what greater machinery it once ran, is that it means eternal. Not a bad thing to ask for when working with gears.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Music Box, Glyphic Secrets) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Intricate Winding Shaft |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- No questions about this one. It's a grooved shaft that one uses to tighten or loosen something. What would this have opened ... or closed? A tomb maybe? And it's crafted from wispmetal - a rare Apocrypha metal.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- If it has anything to do with burial chambers, whatever was buried must have been extremely tiny. In other words, I think this belongs to a mechanism of some kind. Not a tomb. And not Dwemer given the nature of the metal.
- Amalien
- Oh, you're right, Ugron! There's an arcanist's rune right on the tip, too. I think it's a rune of bonding of some sort. Adherence? Not adhesive. Maybe if we find its mechanized companions, it will magically stick to the correct piece.
|
---|
Type |
Furnishing Fragment (Music Box, Glyphic Secrets) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Rust Funnelcap Paint |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- Craftsmen in Vivec City started grinding dried funnelcap mushrooms into paste around 100 2E. The paint is deceptively simple to make for how potent it is. I'd be careful, it tends to stain.
|
---|
Type |
Body Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Body Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Beetleback Pigment |
|
N/A |
- Verita Numida
- I expected sporecrafters to rely exclusively on fungal agents, but this marking uses pigment made from beetles. Perhaps the design demanded a darker palate or perhaps the designers of this marking wanted to pay homage to decomposers.
|
---|
Type |
Body Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Body Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Dried Bloodtooth |
|
N/A |
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- I know this powder; you see that bright yellow all over battlefields after the fighting is done. Bloodtooth mushrooms feast on the carnage, but as their supply of blood withers their spores change from red to yellow.
|
---|
Type |
Body Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Body Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Milkcap Mushroom Paint Stamps |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- I read a few accounts where the sporecrafters plucked milkcaps right out of the ground to make perfectly spherical dots. They'd plant the milkcaps again. And if the mushrooms survived, then the next harvest would be a good one.
|
---|
Type |
Body Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Body Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Netch Shield Mushroom Stencil |
|
N/A |
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- The shapes used here look like they're emulating the netch shield mushroom. I don't always understand plant names. Why is a mushroom a better defense than an actual shield?
|
---|
Type |
Body Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Body Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Sporecrafter's Press |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Baro
- Sporecrafters used their fingers to paint their designs, but that made the designs less uniform. Around the end of the 1st Era, they started growing stamps and brushes out of mushrooms like this one. Pretty innovative if you ask me.
|
---|
Type |
Body Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Body Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Annotated Sporecrafter Designs |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Baro
- A disagreement between opinionated Dark Elves discussing whether it was more appropriate to use funnelcap or flapjack pigment for their body paints. I suspect that most sporecrafters likely use whichever mushroom is at their disposal.
|
---|
Type |
Body Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Body Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
- Daily Alchemist Writs rewards
|
---|
|
Name |
Dried Puspockets |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- It looks like the Sporecrafters use puspocket powder in their paints. Some folklore says these mushrooms have soporific capabilities, but that hasn't been confirmed yet. Still, not something I'd slather around my eyes.
|
---|
Type |
Face Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Face Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Setting Sap |
|
N/A |
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- I suspected the Sporecrafters used setting sap. I've never seen it made from mushrooms, but their secretions can keep paint from spreading or fading. It's valuable when you need to preserve warpaint.
|
---|
Type |
Face Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Face Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Stone Stamp |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- I can't even get the paint I put on my eyelids for special occasions to match, but the Sporecrafters solved that problem. They use these little stones to transfer the paint to their faces. It's perfectly even on both sides!
|
---|
Type |
Face Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Face Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Preserved Mushroom Sponge Wipe |
|
N/A |
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- Paint runs. It smudges and smears if your hand twitches or is anything less than perfect. These little spongecap mushrooms are more practical for wiping away access [sic] paint than cloth. Who cares if mushrooms get stained.
|
---|
Type |
Face Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Face Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Sporecrafter's Grinding Stone |
|
N/A |
- Verita Numida
- Cultures throughout Tamriel use grinding stones to crush dried plant matter to dust. Whoever used these, had them for a long time, see how smooth the rock faces are? It's likely that these were heirlooms, passed down between the generations.
|
---|
Type |
Face Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Face Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Ensorceled Drying Twine |
|
N/A |
- Gabrielle Benele
- Drying twine can either be completely innocuous or something that's imbued with strong magical properties. Sporecrafters can sometimes put spells on the twine to help leech moisture from their mushrooms and speed up the process.
|
---|
Type |
Face Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Face Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Sporecrafter's Purse |
|
N/A |
- Verita Numida
- Don't be deceived with how simple this purse appears, the stitching along the drawstring reveals a powerful inscription. It's a blessing of dirt and decay, a recognition of the end all mortals face. Macabre to be carrying around on a daily basis.
|
---|
Type |
Face Marking Fragment (Spore Savant Face Marks) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
- Necrom daily quest rewards[verification needed — any?]
|
---|
|
Name |
Ancestor Samite Undershirt |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- An extremely ornate inner garment, I've never seen this level of care and detail given to an early Tribunal era weave like this. Whoever this was made for must have played an incredibly influential role in the region.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- The Dark Elf priesthood is a mystery to me, especially prior to Tribunal-era cultural norms, but this strikes me as quite similar to some early Necrom-region vestments I've seen before. It's also one of the least ugly Dunmer garments I've seen.
- Amalien
- Aesthetic commentary aside, a beautiful piece of clothing meant to venerate an ancestor priest. The role the dead play in Dark Elf culture is hard to understand, but you need only look at the time and attention given to this piece to see it firsthand.
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Cryptcanon Vestments) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Scrib Chitin Padding |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- I've seen natural kwama materials used in thousands of different ways, and the scrib chitin shaped for these pieces was done by a master artisan. I suspect a student of the Saruse school of ashlands materials shaping.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- Incredible what the Dark Elves can do with these little bugs. This garment is obviously ceremonial, but as with all ashlands garb it's functional as some measure of protective armor. For clergy in dark places, no doubt.
- Amalien
- Easy to forget, given the Dark Elf view on undeath, that tending to ancestors can sometimes be hazardous. The original wearer of this garment no doubt looked to this padding to ensure longevity in their role.
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Cryptcanon Vestments) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Ancestor Samite Stole |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- A simple clerical stole in the Velothi style, but with a unique shape language and exquisite craftsmanship. I've seen hundreds of examples of these kinds of garments, and this is a wholly singular piece. No doubt a priest of great esteem.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- Dark Elves are so unlike my own people. Ornament where we would make things functional. The reverence for death sewn into the details of this stole screams Necrom to me, but I suppose it could be related to a lesser city of the dead somewhere else.
- Amalien
- You're exactly correct, Thumog. A garment from far-flung Necrom, the end-goal of so many pilgrimages. The finery draped around these ancestor priests no doubt helped ease the minds of many families, proof that their loved ones were in good hands.
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Cryptcanon Vestments) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Netchbeak Clasps |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- What an ingenious use of natural materials. These clasps were carved from netch beaks, each interlocking set at a time, the small toothsome ridges used to hold and keep the hooked fasteners in place. Delightful.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- I have never once looked at a netch and considered its parts fit for clothing. A lack of imagination on my part, I suppose. Micro-runes carved into these clasps seem to indicate a connection to Dark Elf death culture. Fascinating.
- Amalien
- This kind of adaptation is a hallmark of Morrowind culture, further back than we have written records. I find fascinating the duality of the fine cloth these were meant to adorn and the humble nature of the material itself. Symbology for life and death?
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Cryptcanon Vestments) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Ancestor Samite Sash |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- By far the most ostentatious sash I've ever laid eyes upon. Crafted in traditional Velothi style, but with materials and a level of care far beyond what I'd expect from a simple clergy's garb.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- No simple clergy, this, just as you say Reginus. I believe this was for an Archcanon of the Dark Elf ancestor cult. I recognize some of the micro-runes. The way that the Elves of Morrowind view death is endlessly fascinating to me.
- Amalien
- The need for Dark Elf pilgrims to connect with those who have gone before no doubt prompted this finery. Imagine this glowing in the light of a hundred candles, the peace and serenity it would bring to those gathered for a reverential ceremony.
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Cryptcanon Vestments) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
- Necrom delve / world boss daily rewards[verification needed — nymic daily?]
|
---|
|
Name |
Biome-Proof Plating |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- I understand why this came straight to my desk, clearly Dwemer in origin. Fairly standard construction, but the surface feels texturally quite different. I suggest one of my more experimental colleagues test its properties.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- Nothing I've thrown at this will dent it. Fire, ice, poison, acid, crushing, smashing, blades ... this surface has been made safe against every test I had. I understand strong armor, but why?
- Reginus Buca
- Dwemer scholars explored the length and breadth of Nirn, and well beyond. Perhaps this plating was proof against the extremes they might encounter in seeking the truths of Aetherius. Could have used this during a few rough expeditions myself.
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Esoteric Environment Greaves) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Nonreactive Cincture |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- A belt of unusual properties. An accident in one of the storage rooms destroyed a number of relics by fire. This simple loop was covered with ash but untouched otherwise. I would have put this in the ephemera file otherwise, fascinating.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- That would have been a missed opportunity. This was woven with a complex set of fibers that seemed to resist everything my students came up with to test its properties. It made for an entertaining lecture, at least.
- Amalien
- Dwemer, with post-diaspora techniques and an advanced fiberweave I've seen used in a scant few artifacts. The artisan's name has been lost to time but I recognize their split anvil maker's mark from other works of exceptional quality.
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Esoteric Environment Greaves) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Thras-Crafted Breeches |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- Exhilarating. This appears to be a set of breeches crafted with materials and techniques common to the Sload of Thras. But symbology, treatment, and context all scream Dwemer. I've never seen such clear evidence of collaboration between these cultures.
- Gabrielle Benele
- I think collaboration might be a strong word. I've found some supporting Thrassian documentation to indicate contractual workings for mages of great power in other cultures. Still, a unique find.
- Amalien
- More than we've ever been able to prove before. The Dwemer reaching out to other regions for support in their more advanced workings is a fascinating concept. Was this a common practice, or was this more like a favor repaid to a specific artisan?
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Esoteric Environment Greaves) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Tonal Pivot Joints |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- These pivot points remind me strongly of those we've seen on constructs from across traditional Dwemer regions. But they're sized for a flesh and blood wearer, perhaps part of some armor? A standout relic of their culture.
- Amalien
- While we know the Dwemer made a variety of constructs to integrate with mortal frames, it's extremely rare to find any left behind after their departure. These joints most likely helped the wearer bear up under heavy loads, or move across uneven terrain.
- Gabrielle Benele
- They're also extremely well insulated from adverse conditions, as we've seen with several other pieces recently. Just imagine what a person wearing these greaves could endure.
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Esoteric Environment Greaves) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Harvester-Scale Plating |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- I've never seen this before. Daedric scales culled and cured by what looks like Nirn techniques? What culture would cultivate a Daedra for their skin, and use them in a set of greaves?
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- I believe this is originally from a Harvester, you can see where the scales sat upon the serpent body. But I share your confusion, perhaps one of the lost cultures? Ayleid?
- Amalien
- You mock me when I contextualize everything through Dwemer culture but ... this was done by the Deep Elves. I've found minimal evidence for Dwemer cultivation of Daedra populations, however, so this represents an extreme outlier in Dwemeric practices.
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Esoteric Environment Greaves) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Ebony Crossed-Sword Chain |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- Ebony is a notoriously difficult material to work. But here the jewelsmith produced hundreds of fine links, interlocked in a martial pattern of tiny crossed swords. Ancient Dark Elf work, I think.
- Amalien
- What exquisite craftsmanship! Strong as steel, yet supple. The sword motif suggests this was a necklace or pendant belonging to a noble military commander. An ancient Hortator, surely!
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- You are both wrong. This chain dates back to the High Velothi culture. The sword-pattern honors Boethiah, Daedric patron to the ancient Chimer. The Hortators came later.
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Velothi Ur-Mage's Amulet) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Gold Mandibular Cradle |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- These curious prongs represent the mandibles of a large beetle, perhaps a shalk. It's a common design element in Dark Elf jewelry. This cradle secured a gemstone to a pendant or amulet.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- A common design element, perhaps. But the workmanship is far from common, my friend. Nor is this your typical gold. It is a rare gold alloy invented by the jewelsmiths of ancient Morrowind.
- Gabrielle Benele
- Beetle motifs in Morrowind make me think of High Velothi mages. When Veloth led the Chimer to their new home, they drew inspiration from creatures they found there. Beetles came to symbolize knowledge.
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Velothi Ur-Mage's Amulet) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Gold Shalk Clasp |
|
N/A |
- Amalien
- How lovely and clever! The mandibles of this shalk-beetle chain clasp close and lock to secure a fine chain. The shalk is rendered in a beautiful red-hued gold. Something from Morrowind, I suppose.
- Ugron gro-Thumog
- That red-hued gold is a Chimer alloy dating back to early Morrowind. It fell out of use by the War of the First Council. The stylized technique, however, reminds me of ancient Altmer work.
- Reginus Buca
- Ancient Altmer design motifs rendered with alloys found in Morrowind point to the High Velothi culture. Why, this predates the Battle of Red Mountain and Azura's Curse by hundreds of years!
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Velothi Ur-Mage's Amulet) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Ebony Shalk Mounting |
|
N/A |
- Reginus Buca
- Ah. An amulet in the form of an ebony shalk-beetle, although it's missing the gemstone and the prongs or bridge that would have secured it. Clearly Dark Elf work, but old. Very old.
- Amalien
- Beetles symbolized knowledge to the ancient Chimer. And shalks, with their sharp mandibles and fiery spit, symbolized dangerous knowledge--magic. This amulet was meant to ward off pernicious spells.
- Gabrielle Benele
- Not quite. Ancient Chimer texts refer to "those who wear the shalk." Apparently, the most powerful mages of High Veloth had amulets in the form of ebony shalks, and were granted the title "Ur-Mage."
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Velothi Ur-Mage's Amulet) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|
|
Name |
Lucent Cabochon |
|
N/A |
- Verita Numida
- A strange, luminous gemstone unlike any I have seen before. The rounded face and flat back suggest it was once mounted on something like a pendant or amulet.
- Gabrielle Benele
- I can identify the gemstone. It's a lucent, a crystal found in the planes of Oblivion. They have the curious ability to store and discharge magicka. Some Daedric devices make use of lucents.
- Amalien
- High Velothi ur-mages, the most powerful sorcerers of the ancient Chimer, wore "a light upon the breast" for protection when dealing with Daedra. This lucent might be one of those very stones!
|
---|
Type |
Mythic Item Fragment (Velothi Ur-Mage's Amulet) |
---|
Difficulty |
Master |
---|
Lead |
|
---|