Lore:Varkenel

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Magister Varkenel
Race Dunmer Gender Male
Resided in Vvardenfell
Varkenel's Hat Trick
"It was but a simple experiment. A transmutation of features, a brand new fauna to bring to Vvardenfell. And what did I create? For perhaps the first time in my career, I wish I had failed." —Varkenel[1]

Magister Varkenel was a prominent figure within the House Telvanni. He was responsible for the creation of a new animal species Vvardvarks, adding to the unique fauna of Vvardenfell.[1][2]

History[edit]

The Vvardvark Experiment[edit]

A vvardvark
Vvardvark Experiment (Legends)

Little is known of the early life and background of Varkenel. He managed to ascend the ranks of House Telvanni, eventually attaining the esteemed title of Magister at some point before 2E 582.[1][2]

Varkenel gained recognition for his creation of the Vvardvarks, an unintended outcome of his ambitious experiment to create a domesticated predator. These peculiar creatures, with their fusion of scales, fur, and unique head protrusions, resulted from Varkenel's attempt to transform Ashlands stock into feline-like beings.[1][2] Varkenel conducted his experiments during a period shortly before 2E 582, during which the vvardvarks emerged as newcomers to the ecosystem of Vvardenfell.[3] Within a few years, the vvardvarks rapidly became a common sight on the island of Vvardenfell.[4] At first, where they came from was considered a mystery, though rumors circulated that correctly linked them back to the Telvanni,[4][3] with some assuming they were created by a rogue member.[5]

While he initially regarding his creation as a failure, his daughter developed an affection for a Vvardvark, leading him to permit it as a pet named "Master Scaly-Tale." Instead of eradicating them as intended, he established a breeding program to ensure the species' survival.[1][2] The public had became endeared to the creatures, and many would be taken as pets.[6] Although some claimed he was a rogue wizard,[5] he was granted the opportunity by the Archmagister Nelos Otheri himself to expand his experimentation, resulting in Vvardvarks with diverse colors and configurations.[1][2] The most common of Vvardvark was the tan-colored breed known as the Demotic Vvardvark,[4] Other breeds of the animal included Dozen-banded Vvardvark, with vibrant tan and black stripes on its scales,[3] the Tuxedo Vvardvark with scales resembling the plumage of the chub loon, possibly bred to blend with the flightless birds,[5] and Mossy Vvardvarks, notable for the green moss growing on their backs.[7] Ashsorrow Vvardvarks, found near volcanic vents, were popular with Ashlander children.[8]

Varkenel also intended to create larger Vvardvarks that could serve as pack animals or mounts,[2] but it was Spellwright Domavas who ultimately brought this vision to life, expanding on Magister's work. These larger Hivethief Vvardvarks were eventually created, and over time, they became favored mounts for certain riders.[9] The large variety of vvardvarks caught attention of the members of the Mages Guild's Order of the Lamp. Their loyalty, surefootedness, exceptional tracking abilities, and the belief that they could detect magicka made them ideal companions.[10]

"Varkenel's Hat Trick" is a performance in which the actor reenacts the creation of the first Vvardvark via a magic trick by pulling it out of a hat, though it is historically inaccurate.[11]

Other Creations[edit]

Pyrodraconic Camel-Lizard

Magister Nelos Otheri commissioned Varkenel for other chimeric animal creations, one of which was the Pyrodraconic Camel-Lizard. Varkenel achieved an intense hue recoloration, brimstone expectoration, and a blend of Bosmeri and Telvanni magical techniques. While it was clearly not a true Dragon, Varkenel insisted that the creature more than met the terms of the contract.[12]

At some point, he resumed his work by incorporating draconic fleshweave into a new expensive product line known as the Scaleborn. Unlike his earlier experiments, this time he had access to authentic draconic materials, which he acquired through scavenging.[13] He was employed by the Dragonguard and Queen Khamira,[14][15] and considered it a rare pleasure to collaborate with someone outside House Telvanni. He was especially pleased with his cooperation with the Queen of Rimmen and looked forward to accepting her offer of hospitality.[15]

He operated on a timeline he considered reasonable and manageable.[14] The Scaleborn creatures he created resembled senche, wolves, rams,[13][14][15] and bears, the latter being the fourth form in the series. While bears were not native to Elsweyr, he suggested them as they had proven to be a popular form in his previous works.[16]

Notes[edit]

See Also[edit]

Books[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f The Vvardvark Experiment — Magister Varkenel, Telvanni Mage
  2. ^ a b c d e f Loremaster's Archive - House Telvanni — Divayth Fyr
  3. ^ a b c Dozen-Banded Vvardvark's description in ESO
  4. ^ a b c Vvardvark pet description in ESO
  5. ^ a b c Tuxedo Vvardvark pet description in ESO
  6. ^ Vvardenfell Flora and Fauna — Tilenra Sildreth, Telvanni Naturalist
  7. ^ Mossy Vvardvark pet description in ESO
  8. ^ Ashsorrow Vvardvark pet description in ESO
  9. ^ Hivethief Vvardvark mount description in ESO
  10. ^ Order of the Lamp Vvardvark mount description in ESO
  11. ^ Varkenel's Hat Trick in ESO
  12. ^ Pyrodraconic Camel-Lizard mount dscription in ESO
  13. ^ a b Scaleborn Senche mount description in ESO
  14. ^ a b c Scaleborn Ram mount description in ESO
  15. ^ a b c Scaleborn Wolf mount description in ESO
  16. ^ Scaleborn Bear mount description in ESO
  17. ^ Visitor's Guide: Telvanni Peninsula — Olyn Varkenel
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