Ashpit is the plane of Oblivion that is ruled by the Daedric Prince Malacath. The Ashpit consists of nothing but dust, ash and smoke; there is no ground, sky, or air. Of the realms accessible to mortals, it is considered one of the hardest to reach, and on it levitation and magical breathing are an absolute necessity.
Overview[]
While not one of the original planes of Oblivion, it was created along with Malacath himself during the Mythic Era. It was designed according to Malacath's spheres—emptiness, betrayal, broken promises, and anguish. Such is the opinion of mainstream scholars. However, the orcs and those loyal to The Code of Malacath believe they are rewarded in this realm with immortality, drink, food, and constant battle, all with their father Malacath. The Mages Guild are known to fill vials with the thick vapor of this realm.[1] The Ashen Forge sits at the center of Malacath's own stronghold in the Ashpit. The Ashen Forge fills the endless space within Malacath's smithy, a massive hearth that burns with a fire said to be hotter than the sun. What keeps this fire alive is the adherence by the Orcs of Tamriel to the Code of Malacath. Within this fire, every Orc must undergo the ritual of tempering when first they cross from this life to the next. They are thrust into the coals so that every grudge that he or she carried into the afterlife can be heated, melted, and eventually forged into the next generation of mortal Orcs. With the grudges of Tamriel tempered and returned to the mortal world, the immortal Orcs are now free to begin collecting a new set of grudges related to their new existence. Some particularly memorable grudges can also be hammered and worked into weapons or armor of legendary stature upon the Ashen Anvil, the gigantic work bench that stands beside the Ashen Forge.[2]
As described in The Doors of Oblivion, one can see from one end of the world to the other in a million shades of grey. There are Palaces of Smoke, and certain vaporous creatures reside in the realm.[3]
Trivia[]
- The realm is inhabited by levitating deranged creatures of unknown nature. In Orcish culture, it is believed the followers of Malacath descend there after their deaths.
- According to Sheogorath, the 'backbone' of Malacath's Realm (that is, the thing that keeps a great land together, such as the people of a kingdom) is an actual backbone.[4]
- In The Elder Scrolls novel Lord of Souls, the Dunmer Ezhmaar Sul transports himself and Prince Attrebus to Ashpit from Vvardenfell and are confronted by Malacath himself.[5]
- Bone Fragment From the Spine of Ashpit appears in the form of a grey block that is so light as to be hollow, and it sheds dust of a similar color as if it were made of the stuff.
References[]
Planes of Oblivion | |
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Daedric Princes' planes |
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Pocket Realms |
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