Antiquity | Elder Scrolls Online Wiki

Ugron gro-Thumog

• Clearly the fossilized remains of a large creature that once lived in ancient Apocrypha. The elongated spine denotes a serpentine biology. The creature likely moved without the use of legs.

Reginus Buca

• While it is probable this creature didn't have legs as we know them, Ugron, the curvature of the ribs suggests an unusual anatomy. Perhaps this was one of the many levitating creatures of Apocrypha?

Amalein

• You're both missing a key idea: tentacles. What if these aren't ribs, but rather the hardened remains of tentacles? They could have been used to scoop prey into an oddly situated mouth at the center of the body. Apocrypha has no shortage of wonders.

Verita Numida

• Ugh, how did I get stuck with this one? Obviously this was a slug of enormous size. It probably ate anything it came across and left a disgusting slime trail behind it. Need I say more?

Ugron gro-Thumog

• Verita offers a correct, if shallow analysis. The lack of teeth in this fossil means the slug had to break down its food some other way. If its biology is anything like the creatures of Tamriel, it may have used a digestive acid to consume its food.

Amalein

• You're both right, of course. But the bone in the skull area is porous, suggesting a large nasal cavity. What other use would a slug have for such a sense unless it was a hunter that tracked its prey by smell?

Gabrielle Benele

• What a bizarre find! At one point this looks like it was part of an ancient ruin, an arcane sanctum. Mora's ancient ciphers likely used it as an entrance to a safehouse for knowledge and research, perhaps before the establishment of Cipher's Midden.

Amalien

• I'd like to point out that what appears to be preserved vines are actually fossilized tentacles. Apocrypha's ecology has very little true plant life, as most of the organisms have been infused with vast quantities of arcane energy over time.

Reginus Buca

• Amalien's point raises a question: were the tentacles beneficial to the safehouse in some way? They could have been used as a trap to stop intruders and prying eyes from stealing Mora's secrets. Do ciphers still use similar security measures today?

Gabrielle Benele

• Fascinating, this looks to be a rare instance of recognizable plant matter from Apocrypha. It is a very strange tree. It must have been grown early in the history of Apocrypha, before the ecology became so saturated with arcane energy.

Amalien

• Gabrielle, this is in fact a kind of biological node. Note the tentacular formations around the so-called trunk and the bulbous growth at the top. It could be the sensory organ of a yet-undiscovered species!

Reginus Buca

• I hate to add to the conflict, but it's not purely ecological or biological. This organism is a melding of a plant from Tamriel with the arcane forces of Apocrypha. It was nurtured in volatile arcane soil and became something else altogether.

Reginus Buca

• Ah, an arcane light source. This would have been perfect for reading in the strange atmosphere of Apocrypha and lighting up dark archives. I can't determine why it would need so many different colors, though.

Verita Numida

• Ancient followers of Hermaeus Mora may have tied their emotions to the shifting colors. Perhaps it was actually a locus for meditation, reflecting their mood or mindset externally.

Reginus Buca

• Hmm, I'm not sure that's correct, Verita. Mora's followers were more concerned with research than meditation. In fact, I believe the colored light was likely used to decode hidden messages and reveal secrets written in special ink.

Amalein

• Entry 1: On one of my personal travels, I happened to discover a small light of sorts. It seems to pulsate whenever I hover it over my books, specifically that detail Apocrypha.

Amalein

• Entry 2: After consulting Ugron and dismissing his word of caution for the sake of an Antiquarian's pursuit of knowledge, I decided to apply pressure to one of its surfaces and discovered it diffuses colored light!

Amalein

• Entry 3: I awoke in the middle of the night with a surge of inspiration. Some research later, the light now shines across formerly blank tomes and pages, revealing words and symbols my eyes have never seen. Discovery!

Reginus Buca

• The residual arcane energy trapped within this stone clearly marks it as Apocryphal in origin. It is an ornate carving, perhaps it was used as an altar or ritual site by ancient denizens of Apocrypha?

Gabrielle Benele

• Reginus is right, there's still a strong arcane energy emanating from within. I believe this fragment may have been used as a grounding anchor for spellwork, or perhaps as a way to mark confluences of energy within Apocrypha.

Verita Numida

• You're not seeing the whole picture. This base contains conduits for the flow of energy, yes, but this is not the entirety of its purpose. It must be part of a larger mechanism, perhaps enabling an arcane energy transfer.

Ugron gro-Thumog

• Interesting. The stone carving appears to depict the tentacles of Hermaeus Mora or his watchers. This motif is often seen in artifacts from Apocrypha. Upon closer inspection, it looks to be a fragment of a larger piece.

Ugron gro-Thumog

• The additional context helps here. This may have been an ancient grave marker for Mora's faithful, given the permanence of the stone carving and the tentacular design. More research is needed on the burial customs of Apocrypha.

Reginus Buca

• As much as I hate to disagree with Ugron, he sees graves everywhere. No, likely this carving had a different purpose - you'll note there's no epitaph. For a culture so concerned with hoarding knowledge and writing, this would be a major oversight.

Verita Numida

• Breton architecture and its infatuation with pointed archs have always intrigued me. Perhaps a residual element of Direnni cultural elements still making themselves known in their design?

Reginus Buca

Gabrielle Benele

• Friends, this is a well. These usually reside in the countryside, possibly near an idyllic cottage. As for the arch, if it's not broken, why fix it?

Verita Numida

• Mora's markings are of course instantly recognizable, but these pedals at the base stick out like a sorcerer's staff.

Ugron gro-Thumog

• The One Who Knows holds secrets and truths of Tamriel's history, perhaps even Nirn, that are beyond our understanding. Certainly, beyond mine.

Amalein

• They're treadles, Ugron. I loved using these on my loom back in Summerset. High Elf children can tend to be cruel just as they are cunning, and having a hobby helped channel my frustrations.

Amalein

• I love when we get to examine a Clockwork City artifact. The mechanisms here are structural, meant to allow two distinct sub-areas of a construct to work together.

Reginus Buca

• And yet it still functions when removed from the greater whole. The designs of Sotha Sil are unbelievable. Literally, I do not believe this. How does this thing work?

Amalein

• Seht's ways are mysterious, very true. I've done some research and tried to place it within the schematics I have here in the library. Nothing matches exactly, but hope springs eternal.

Gabrielle Benele

• An exceptional example of the sacred architecture seen in Morrowind ancestor worship. The red cloth acts as a resting place for idols, a vibrant space for one's predecessors to luxuriate.

Verita Numida

• You can see clearly where the Velothi influence has shaped this altar. These are usually seen in temples or tombs, but I believe this might have spent some time outdoors in a Dunmeri necropolis.

Amalein

• If you've never had the opportunity, attending a ceremony on one of the Dark Elf high holy days is incredible. Seeing generation upon generation of the dead walking between the gravestones is a moving, and sometimes terrifying, experience.

Gabrielle Bene

• Apocrypha's everlasting green illumination is one phenomenon I've always debated: magicka, or soul energy?

Amalein

• Perhaps the beads of light hold malachite to absorb magicka? Elven armor is embroidered with it in Summerset.

Amalein

• I've traded with Malachite and could recognize its glow with my eyes closed - this is brighter and more absorbing. It seems to power something for infinite use, and neither magicka is hardly endless.

Reginus Buca

• While my knowledge in fabrics leaves much to be desired, I examined each strand of fabric and discovered something curious. Any guesses?

Gabrielle Benele

• Another one of your games, Reginus? A skim through my fingers tells me it's definitely not magicka, and yet the feeling is somehow familiar.

Amalein

• The fabric itself may be resonant with Daedric energy, but each thread is laced with a fated strand of Apocrypha itself. Perhaps weaving it into something puts the wearer in fate's favor? Mora, always mysterious!

Reginus Buca

• A facsimile, clearly. But so well made it's clear the forger had access to an original during the creation process. Why would anyone make such a thing? And how? And why?

Ugron gro-Thumog

• I've seen stranger in some of the dark places beneath Tamriel. My guess? Someone had a lot of time on their hands.

Verita Numida

• Profit, would be my guess. Someone must have realized too late they were tricked by this beautiful creation and thrown it away.

Amalien

• What a stunning engraving! The iconic hourglass pupil of Hermaeus Mora is clearly visible in the stone eye at the center. Mora's image never appears idly, this artifact would have had an important purpose to his followers.

Amalien

• I'm no expert on arcane research, I'll leave that to Gabrielle, but it seems the use of Mora's eye here denotes a connection between the Prince himself and the user. Perhaps something to do with understanding the Prince's vision for the world?

Gabrielle Benele

• Amalien's last note got me thinking. I exposed the engraving to arcane energy, which caused the stone itself to glow green! When placed in context with the whole, this item must have confered some of Mora's powers on his ancient scholars.

Verita Numida

• High Elf craftsmanship at its finest. The crystal has to be more than just a decoration, no?

Gabrielle Benele

• I sense the lingering presence of magicka in the crystal. Not just a light source. Perhaps some kind of defense mechanism?

Amalein

• I'll have to consult with Ugron, he may have some insight into the conceptual elements behind this. Thank you Gabrielle, a unique discovery indeed.

Ugron gro-Thumog

• The course of history can often be traced to the contents of one single page. In typical Apocrypha style, the contents of this page seem to be encoded, but from the format of the information, it looks to be an index or reference of some sort.

Gabrielle Benele

• I agree with Ugron, this page looks like an attempt to organize important information. Moreover, the paper itself is resistant to arcane tampering. I got very little out of it when I tried to examine its magical qualities.

Gabrielle Benele

• I'm not sure why I didn't see this before. It's a table of contents! Granted, the page numbers and sections keep shifting. I'm not sure if it's part of the arcane cipher, or because the information is literally moving around in the pages.

Reginus Buca

• Ah, it appears someone treated this book very poorly in the past. This looks to be the torn cover of a book of arcane knowledge. It's a historian's worst nightmare, actually. What I wouldn't give to have the rest of the text!

Reginus Buca

• I've tried to decipher the title of this book, but it's written in a script that defies analysis. Since Hermaeus Mora's ancient followers could hail from anywhere in Tamriel, I'm not optimistic about about my prospects.

Verita Numida

• Valiant effort, Reginus. But you have left out one key piece: Apocrypha is a realm of secret and forbidden knowledge. This text is probably written in an ancient code, which is why the title is impossible to decipher.

Amalien

• This manuscript looks so naked without a cover! I'm surprised it's fared this well over the years without added protection. Though, I suppose, the watcher ink text would be resilient to the elemental forces of Apocrypha.

Amalien

• The loss of the cover also appears to have saved this text from the tomeshells. Without a hard cover, the bare manuscript wouldn't have been much use as a home for them!

Verita Numida

• Amalien makes good points, though it is also crucial to note that watcher ink was a rare resource in ancient Apocrypha. It is difficult to obtain and therefore only used sparingly. This text undoubtedly contains precious secrets.

Gabrielle Benele

• A surprisingly well preserved arch from the heart of Reaper's March. You can still see a few claw markings at the base and again at the top of the curvature.

Ugron gro-Thumog

• Fighting tactics. This must have been situated at the heart of a battle, perhaps an abandoned mine or crypt. The Khajiiti warriors would have have used this to gain the high ground and strike at their enemy.

Amalein

• Perhaps. This stone does look more polished than some of the other Khajiit structures we've seen here. Perhaps a descendant fighting a battle of preservation.

Amalein

• An antique, but one still used today. These massive vessels serve to holdfast what little water falls in the arid region of Elsweyr.

Verita Numida

• This brushed metal is coated with an alloy that keeps it from pitting or allowing disease to flourish. An ingenious usage of materials, and one used for centuries in that part of the world.

Gabrielle Benele

• We've seen similar vessels in the Hammerfell region. But other techniques, like rain-catchers, supplement the base vessels. I'd imagine originally this had some kind of awning or cover as well.

Reginus Buca

• A beautiful example of rural Khajiiti architecture. We normally focus on their impressive temples, it's sometimes pleasant to focus on the day-to-day.

Amalein

• The wood and stone seem to be well maintained, most likely using local customs and materials.

Ugron gro-Thumog

• Was that a joke, Amalien? Well maintained? In any case I agree Reginus, temples and arches are all well and good. But the lay-architecture that stands the test of time is truly the most lasting imprint a people can have on a region.

Amalein

• How beautiful. Perhaps this is a cultural piece of artistry to accompany performances on the Vossa-satl, or Frog-Pipes.

Verita Numida

• It's very interesting to me you immediately leapt to the Frog-Pipes. The role of these amphibians in Argonian culture is something I find both delightful and fascinating.

Ugron gro-Thumog

• I had the privilege of attending a Vossa-satl performance in Shadowfen, it was a difficult time, and the music helped clear the mind. A whole chorus of these little statues winked at us from the shadows as I listened.

Reginus Buca

• Who knew Mora could be so cruel to his own eyes that serve him.

Amalein

• Hard to say for sure that Mora had a hand in this. Perhaps some natural process created this situation? After all, they're so cute.

Gabrielle Benele

• My analysis leads me to believe a mage attempted to wrest control of this Watcher from Mora, violently. Perhaps it holds secrets the Knower wished to keep.

Ugron gro-Thumog

• A product only of Apocrypha, clearly. But perhaps it serves some other function? The tentacles are deeply unnerving.

Amalein

• I don't believe they're cause for alarm. I have only minor facility with magic, but perhaps the tentacles are ritualistic in some way?

Reginus Buca

• That's all well and good, but the cold fire of the brazier seems more practical than mystical. A cold fire will burn paper, after all, and is more than bright enough to read by.

Amalein

• I've yet to deduce the meaning behind the symbols rising from this arcane fire.

Verita Numida

• Strange symbols rising from a fire, Apocryphal tentacles. Have you tried asking an Arcanist?

Amalein

• The tentacles seem to be docile so it didn't really cross my mind to involve an outside collaborator. I've found endless knowledge inside books but Arcanists unnerve me.

Gabrielle Benele

• Black soul gems. A cruel way of entrapping mortal souls. Don't worry, I've made sure they are empty.

Amalein

• This was brought in its entire from the Deadlands and re-assembled just as it was in the field. This casual manner of storing such vile treasures is challenging.

Ugron gro-Thumog

• I've braved research expeditions to the Daedric realms before and frankly I cannot recommend it. Still, it's a unique chance to study the culture and mindset of Daedric societies.

Verita Numida

• Clearly a shrine, most likely to Dibella, but whatever statue or effigy lay at the center is long since gone.

Amalein

• Perhaps a Dibella sect local to this region? The modern Gold Coast enjoys lavish luxuries, but perhaps this group was more frugal.

Verita Numida

• More likely time, theft, and exposure has scoured away whatever made this shrine unique. Still a beautiful piece, and one worth preserving.

Ugron gro-Thumog

• An archetypal carving of sorts, representing some mytho-historical concept in Yokudan storytelling. Most likely something you would find in a dungeon or tomb, if my last visit to Hammerfell gives me any insight.

Verita Numida

• I've done some reading and can't find a specific legend or folktale that would seem to relate to this symbol. I wonder if this was meant to evoke a specific concept or was this more esoterica?

Reginus Buca

• "A first for knowledge usually leads to a thirst for more," as the saying goes. We should investigate further, without a doubt. Our understanding of this fascinating people is under-developed.

Amalein

• The craftsmanship is exquisite. Almost has me believing that these tentacles actually move.

Verita Numida

• Best temper your sight and self, Amalein, for it might blind what's truly here. What we can learn about Apocryphal design.

Amalein

• Mortal make, it seems. But guided by a Daedric hand.

Reginus Buca

• Is this alive? Does this hold a mind and will of its own? Or is it merely an extension of the Inevitable Knower?

Verita Numida

• A mind doesn't mean free will, Reginus. The movement seems controlled, like it's observing us as we're observing it.

Amalein

• Well said. But well. It's also a light. With how murky Apocrypha can get, all the time, maybe they just wanted some light?

Verita Numida

• These tentacles seem to be working together for a stronger grip, forming a tendril of sorts … but to carve and bend materials in such a manner.

Amalein

• The finishing and texture don't match the other Apocryphic relics we've found at all. Either that, or someone never bothered to finish with a polish.

Ugron gro-Thumog

• As history has taught us countless times: a weapon or tool is hailed for its use rather than its appearance. And yet, what an appearance this has.

Ugron gro-Thumog

• You wouldn't expect a bunch of vinebeards to be master stonecutters, but the druids really knew how to work a chisel. You find megaliths like this all over the Systres, but this one is in particularly good shape.

Verita Numida

• Stonelore druids call sculptures like this storystones. They depict major figures in their ruling council, the Draoife, mark major events, and some even serve as stargazing tools, though I've never seen one used in that way.

Reginus Buca

• People find the primacy of stone in druid culture unusual, but really, stone is no less natural than trees. What's unique about the druids is their belief in manmer's ability to enhance or perfect nature. Quite unlike other animists like the Wyrd.

Reginus Buca

• A fascinating design, not something you're likely to see in a Tamrielic navy, obviously. Its origin is no doubt Pyandonea, the home of the Sea Elves. Though, it's worth noting, their designs tend to be more pragmatic than this extravagant piece.

Verita Numida

• The traditional serpent head design is also absent. I believe this is a helm from the fleet of Admiral Uhlchesis, a cultist of Hermaeus Mora and scourge of the Eltheric Ocean.

Reginus Buca

• It's said that Admiral Uhlchesis' fleet raided the shores of Alinor more than a dozen times before his dark master called him to Apocrypha. They sacked enough gold for a hundred helms, though most of his ships were thought lost after their leader left Nirn.

• To think a digsite amidst strong volcanic activity could produce such a wonderful specimen! We know so little about the Vulk'esh, perhaps this petrified egg will be an opportunity for novel study.

Gabrielle Benele

• Honestly, I thought it far more likely this would be some alloy pressed into an ovoid shape by volcanic pressure. I've asked some of my old friends at the University to consult, quite a find indeed.

Reginus Buca

• Isn't it fascinating how warm it remains even this long removed from the field? If their eggs are this sturdy perhaps the rumors of these beasts swimming in seas of magma below ground are not all that far-fetched!

• 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?

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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?

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.