Ingenium

Ingenium was a machine created by a powerful sorcerer Vuhon. After the events of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind the Ministry of Truth became unstable and people of Vivec City feared the total destruction it would cause, if the Ministry of Truth were to fall. Vuhon created Ingenium to keep Ministry of Truth floating but the machine needed soul gems to keep running. People of Vivec City were randomly chosen to sacrifice and their souls were used to keep the Ingenium running.

Ezhmaars Sul wife Ilzheven was supposed to be one of the sacrificed. Sul tried to rescue her but in the consequence he damaged the Ingenium and Ministry of Truth crashed into Vivec City. It is widely believed that this is direct cause of the events of Red Year.