Lore:Imp

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Imps
OB-creature-Imp.jpg
Imp (Oblivion)
Type Unknown, possibly Daedra, Golem, or Nature Spirit
Range Oblivion
Cyrodiil, Elsweyr, Hammerfell, High Rock, Summerset Isles, Systres
Appears in

Daggerfall, Oblivion, ESO, Legends
"The imp cackled at the confusion it was causing, flipping over in the air and making all sorts of rude hand gestures. These stopped abruptly as it dropped to the ground gracelessly, after steel hand axe landed in its back."
—Kyne's Challenge: A Hunter's Companion

Imps, sometimes colloquially known as dwarflings or trickster sprites,[1] are small, winged humanoids who are slightly intelligent and can cast a variety of spells. They are known to be aggressive and mischievous creatures. The origins of the imp are not clearly understood; some sources suggest they may be Daedric beings,[2][3][4][5] while others state that they are artificial constructs similar to golems. It may be that both theories are correct, or that they are something else entirely.[6][4] Another claim is that they are nature spirits or at least natural creatures.[7] Imps are listed among the types of common Daedra that can be found in service to every Daedric Prince.[2] Imps were also among the first beings summoned from Oblivion during the development of Conjuration magic, further suggesting at least some imps could be Daedra.[5][4] They are commonly found in the wilderness throughout Tamriel, often gathering in caves.[8][9][10] They can also be found in the Deadlands,[11] Apocrypha,[12] or in the company of elemental atronachs.[13][14]

Behavior and Uses[edit]

While some are capable of speaking of Tamrielic,[15] imps have their own tongue known as Impish. Speakers of Impish can tame or even summon these creatures.[16][1] The language was taught by both the Mages Guild and the School of Julianos.[16] The wizard Divayth Fyr is a preeminent expert on imps,[17][18][19][20][21] despite his dislike of the creatures.[22]

Although usually hostile, some imps can be quite good-natured once they have imprinted on an individual.[18] Some Imps use illusion magic to disguise themselves as more impressive creatures, such as Dragons, as a way to trick others into taking care of them.[19] Imps often serve as familiars or vault guardians for mages and magisters,[23][24] although they have been known to go rogue.[25][15] Imps were experimented on by the Mages Guild, with it being rumored they were even victims of torture.[15] Daedra have been known to hire imp-drawn carts to transport items across the planes of Oblivion.[26]

Imps are sometimes killed and harvested for their imp gall, a valuable alchemy ingredient.[10][27] Their hide and other bodily fluids are also sometimes harvested.[9] Some individuals alter their skin's epidermis through scarification or magical means to achieve an impish appearance.[28][20][21]

Imps are known to rarely carry small wicker effigies.[29] Imps of differing elemental abilities have been known to engage in magic duals in the wild.[9] In County Bravil, the imps of the southern Great Forest near the Upper Niben are known to gather in Robber's Glen Cave.[10]

Variants[edit]

A wide variety of imps exist. Although their skin is usually green, imps can come in other colors such as olive, red, or grey. They may or may not be horned; usually an imp's set of horns are small, but they can be curved and protruding.[30][8][9][1]

Stoneglow imps, also known as azure imps, are a dark-colored variety that possess icy blue eyes and glowing claws that can shatter stone.[18][21] Frostshriek imps appear as if formed from solid ice, and are known to drop the ambient temperature of their surroundings when summoned.[17] Illusion imps are notorious for conjuring fantastical illusions, such as disguising themselves as miniature Dragons or Daedric Princes.[31][32] Cinder-imps are known to nest in the ducts of Daedric forges and gorge themselves on supplies of charcoal.[33] Mossblood imps possess a green coloration, which lends itself well to walking undetected among the foliage of Valenwood.[20]

Gallery[edit]

  • Imp (Daggerfall)

  • An imp familiar (Oblivion)

  • Green imp (ESO)

  • Grey imp (ESO)

  • Stoneglow imp (ESO)

  • Horned red imp (ESO)

  • Frostshriek imp (ESO)

  • Fiery imp (Legends)

  • Vile imp (Legends)

  • An Illusion imp summoning the illusion of a dragon (ESO)

  • Harvested imp gall (Oblivion)

  • Imp gall (Skyrim Creation Club)

  • Oblivion concept art (right)

  • A Breton with scarified skin resembling that of an imp (ESO)

Notes[edit]

  • The Homonculus is physically similar to the imp. Like imps, homonculi have been described as constructs created by a powerful wizard.
  • Hemopteras are physically similar to imps. They are ethereal creatures summoned by blood magic and are usually associated with vampires.
  • Imps were originally considered to be Daedra in Legends before they were given their own card subtype.

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c Kyne's Challenge: A Hunter's Companion — David S. J. Hodgson
  2. ^ a b Denizens of Apocrypha — Cipher Plautis
  3. ^ Archmagister Mavon's Ascension — Nardhil Arethan
  4. ^ a b c Fiery Imp Card Lore entry for Legends
  5. ^ a b The Origins of Conjuration
  6. ^ Daggerfall User's Guide - description of Imps
  7. ^ Nature Collector achievement in ESO
  8. ^ a b Imps in Oblivion
  9. ^ a b c d Imps in ESO
  10. ^ a b c Aryarie's dialogue in Oblivion
  11. ^ The Deadlands in ESO
  12. ^ Apocrypha in ESO
  13. ^ Flame Imps in ESO
  14. ^ Lightning Imps in ESO
  15. ^ a b c The Loose Pet Imp quest in Daggerfall
  16. ^ a b Impish in Daggerfall
  17. ^ a b Frostshriek Imp pet description in ESO
  18. ^ a b c Stoneglow Imp pet description in ESO
  19. ^ a b Blue Dragon Imp pet description in ESO
  20. ^ a b c Mossblood Imp Epidermis skin description in ESO
  21. ^ a b c Azure Imp Epidermis skin description in ESO
  22. ^ Frostmoss Imp pet description in ESO
  23. ^ Sparky in Oblivion
  24. ^ Vault Guardians from the Wizard's Tower DLC for Oblivion
  25. ^ Rogue Imp quest in Daggerfall
  26. ^ Hezehk's dialogue in Apocrypha in ESO
  27. ^ Imp Gall in Rare Curios Creation for Skyrim Special Edition
  28. ^ Impish Epidermis in ESO
  29. ^ Imp's Effigy item description ESO
  30. ^ Imps in Daggerfall
  31. ^ Green Dragon Imp in ESO
  32. ^ Molag Bal Illusion Imp in ESO
  33. ^ The Black Forge — Kyngald Nazkrixor
Bestial
Elemental
Humanoid
Aureal • Auroran • Dremora • Havocrel • Herne • Huntsman • Mazken • Nocturnal Shrike • Pumpkin Spectre • Skaafin • Spiderkith • Xivilai • Xivkyn
Vermin
Amorphous
Greater Daedra
Daedric Constructs
Unclear / Disputed
Related
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