Dremora

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A Dremora, depicted in Morrowind.
A Dremora, depicted in Morrowind.

A Dremora is a fictional being from the Elder Scrolls, a series of videogames. They are lesser Daedra and appear humanoid with dark black skin and wear plated armor with red markings and symbols. Dremora have been known to serve the Daedric lord Mehrunes Dagon, a dangerous, powerful and arguably evil Daedric prince. Although Dremora are not considered Daedric princes themselves, they are Daedric in origin. Dremora are lesser Daedra and are also among the most intelligent of the lesser Daedra. Dremora have appeared in at least four Elder Scrolls games, Daggerfall, Battlespire, Morrowind and Oblivion. In at least three of these games (Battlespire, Morrowind, and Oblivion), the player is able to speak with certain Dremora, thus implying that these Daedra can communicate linguisticly.

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[edit] Servitude to Mehrunes Dagon

The Dremora did not always serve Mehrunes Dagon, although currently they now do. They do so by their own choice. The Dremora typicially work as guardians, crusaders and taskmasters. Dremora in Morrowind are usually located in Daedric shrines and ward off intruders. During Oblivion, Tamriel was invaded by Mehrunes Dagon's worshippers and minions. The Dremora were a main lackey of Dagon's and served as both the invaders of the human realms and the protectors of the Oblivion realms, although the Dremora were not the only lesser Daedra implemented for that cause.

The Dremora refer to themselves as 'The Kyn' ('the People'), contrasting themselves to other Daedra, whom they consider unthinking animals. The term 'kynaz' refers to a member of the Dremora race ('he of the Kyn').

The least of kyn castes are the Churls, the undistinguished rabble of the lowest rank of Dremora. Churls are obsequeous to superiors but ferociously cruel to mortals and other Daedra.

A Dremora Caitiff, from Oblivion.
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A Dremora Caitiff, from Oblivion.

Next in rank are the Caitiffs, creatures of uncalculating zeal, energy without discrimination. Caitiffs are used as irregulars in the faction wars of the Daedra, as berserkers and shock troops, undisciplined and unreliable, but eager and willing.

The highest of the regular rank-and file of Dremora troops are the Kynvals, warrior-knights who have distinguished themselves in battle, and shown the deliberate steadiness of potential war leaders.

Above the rank and file warriors of the Churl, Caitiff, and Kynval castes are the officer castes.

A Kynreeve is a clan sheriff or clan officer. Kynreeves are typically associated either with a clan fighting unit or an administrative office in the order of battle.

The Kynmarcher is the lord and high officer of a Daedric citadel, outpost, or gate. A Kynmarcher's command is usually associated both with a unit and with a 'fief' -- a location or territory for which he is responsible.

Above the Kynmarcher is the Markynaz, or 'grand duke'. A Markynaz is a lord of lords, and member of the Markyn, Mehrunes Dagon's Council of Lords.

The highest rank of Dremora is the Valkynaz, or 'prince'. This warrior duke is a member of the Valkyn, Mehrunes Dagon's personal guard. The Valkynaz are rarely encountered on Tamriel; normally they remain by Mehrunes Dagon's side, or serve as commanders of operations of particular importance or interest to Dagon.

[edit] Dremora Appearance

A Dremora Markynaz, from Oblivion.
A Dremora Markynaz, from Oblivion.

Dremora have an overall humanoid appearance, although they lean to what many might consider a demonic theme. Their skin is black with red markings, and wear heavy armor, from which smiths derive the shape of Daedric armor. Dremora are also horned, ranging from short spikes to long, curling, ram-like tusks. The higher ranking Dremora seemingly carry these long horns, and their skin bears less armor, as seen in Battlespire.

[edit] Dremora Combat Style

Dremora are skilled in all weapon types and all colleges in magic. The level of skill depends on the rank of the Dremora. The difference between Dremora weapons and armor, and Daedric weapons and armor is that Daedric items are forged with dark rituals that bind Daedric souls to the material. Only the bravest of mortals can handle Daedric weapons and armor, and only for a short time. The Dremora weapons and armor are created by average Dremora across Oblivion.

[edit] As Stated by Official Elder Scrolls Sources:

"Sophisticated, shrewd, cultured, subtle, manipulative. Marked variation in skill and toughness. Often offer worthwhile information." Battlespire Hint Book

The Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind

"The Dremora are a class of intelligent, powerful war spirits in the service of the Daedra Lord Mehrunes Dagon. Dremora often carry powerful weapons to aid them in combat." Morrowind Prophecies

"The Dremora have deep thoughts, and must master fear to overcome it. Dremora have long served Dagon, but not always so." Spirit of The Daedra (Morrowind in-game book)

Races of The Elder Scrolls
Mer (elves): Altmer | Bosmer | Dunmer | Dwemer | Orsimer
Human: Breton | Imperial | Nord | Redguard
Beast: Argonian | Khajiit | Sload
Divine: Aedra | Daedra | Dremora