| Prior Durdryn | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Race | Dunmer | Gender | Male |
| Died | Necrom Necropolis | ||
| Resided in | Necrom | ||
Prior Durdryn was the Dunmer founder of the Keepers of the Dead and their abbey above the grand Necropolis in Necrom, whom was active during the early half of the First Era. He established the rules and oaths that the Keepers abide by to this day.[1][2]
The Prior was also known for his breadth of knowledge on a variety of subjects, which included herbs and fungi, Morrowind geology and Necrom history. Durdryn also had significant esoteric knowledge of Daedra and Oblivion, and it was said he was able to command Daedra and resist their temptations due to his piety and strength of character.[1][3]
During his lifetime, the Prior was considered a close associate of the Tribunal, particularly Vivec. At some point during their association, Vivec gifted Durdryn a tusk from a great beast slain during the Warrior Poet's adventures that was linked to Necrom's History. Vivec then personally charged Durdryn with using his Daedric connections to transform the tusk into a powerful relic.[1][3][4]
With his interest in history and lost knowledge, the Prior conceived of the Fulcrum Obscura, a tool for retrieving forgotten information, which would include the dead in its scope.[3] After much deliberation he approached Hermaeus Mora and the Prince deigned to answer his prayers. Hermaeus Mora provided the runes required to grant the Fulcrum's abilities, but it is unknown what was bargained in return for this knowledge.[3][4]
Once the Fulcrum Obscura was created, it was presented to Vivec, but any stories of its use were attributed solely to Prior Durdryn. The feats included finding lost treasures, solving crimes and assisting with tricky inheritance issues. However, there were darker stories that Durdryn was profiting from the secrets of the dead. Within the Keepers own ranks, it was thought that the Fulcrum was corrupting Prior Durdryn, feeding his ever-growing appetite for secrets.[3] In the last period of his life, the prior had secluded himself in chambers and used the Fulcrum every waking moment, which lead to his alleged death by starvation.[3]
After his death Prior Durdryn was entombed within the lower catacombs of the Necropolis and the Fulcrum Obscura was interred with him.[1] The Keepers had seen how it affected a Mer once known for his knowledge and piety, and determined the Fulcrum was too dangerous to be used by anyone else.[3]
By the time of 2E 582, reliquaries claiming to contain a tooth of Prior Durdryn were in circulation around the Telvanni Peninsula.[5]. Around this time period, Prior Durdryn's tomb was disturbed by Hidden Kindred cultists and the Dremora Torvesard who sought to take the Fulcrum Obscura for themselves.[6]
GalleryEdit
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The Fulcrum Obscura
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Prior Durdryn's tomb
ReferencesEdit
- ^ a b c d Curate Gadayn's dialogue during Keeper of the Fate in ESO
- ^ On Joining the Keepers of the Dead — Abbot Ilvel, the Necropolis of Necrom
- ^ a b c d e f g The Prior's Fulcrum — Abbot Ilvel
- ^ a b On the Fulcrum Obscura
- ^ Item description for the Reliquary of Prior Durdryn
- ^ Events of Keeper of the Fate in ESO