Lore:Mad Architect
| The Mad Architect, Artisan of Oblivion | |||
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The Mad Architect |
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| Race | Breton | Gender | Male |
| Undeath | 2nd Era |
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| Last Known Death | 2E 582 Coldharbour |
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| Appears in | ESO | ||
The Mad Architect, originally a Breton man named Dutheil, was an infamous mortal architect during the mid-Second Era.[1][2][3] He is said to be one of the few entities ever to serve multiple Daedric Princes and profit from it,[1] and has been referred to as a demigod.[4]
During his time on Tamriel, Dutheil worked as a brilliant but eccentric architect for the nobles of Wayrest. He cornered a rival architect, Gasteau Chamrond, out of countless professional contracts. The competition was so bad that Gasteau was unable to find work. Hoping to save his career, Gasteau worked with several of his business contacts to discredit Dutheil's reputation. This ended up destroying the man, driving him past the brink of madness.[5]
Following the loss of his reputation, Dutheil began to make pacts with the Daedric Princes. Dutheil built for the Princes in exchange for vengeance, and became the Artisan of Oblivion—known to his victims as the Mad Architect. He eventually took up residence in Coldharbour as a lich. His works in the planes of Oblivion included the Razor Pits of the Deadlands and many of the spires of Coldharbour, including the Endless Stair.[6][2] However, his work on Nirn did not cease as he was contracted to remodel the ruined Agea Relle with devices of eternal torture at the behest of Mephala for one of her favored mortals, turning it into what is now known as the Crypt of Hearts.[7]
His masterpiece was his lair, the Vaults of Madness. The subterranean complex also served as a temple to Molag Bal in mockery of the Eight Divines.[3] However, its primary purpose was as an eternal prison for his enemies, namely Gasteau and his accomplices. Their souls were imprisoned in the Vaults to be endlessly tortured.[5] Over time, the prison was expanded and received many more souls from Tamriel, some sent by the Daedric Princes themselves for the Architect's personal attention.[6]
Following the Soulburst of 2E 578, he was contracted by Molag Bal to create the Planar Vortex within the Endless Stair, where the two planes melded together.[2] Around 2E 582, members of the Undaunted entered the Vaults. Gasteau's spirit offered to show them the way out if they helped fight through the Daedra and free the trapped souls. The group ultimately faced the Mad Architect in combat and defeated him.[5]
See Also[edit]
- For game-specific information, see the Elder Scrolls Online article.
Books[edit]
- To All Who Pass Through by Dutheil — An Oblivion architect discusses his greatest creation
References[edit]
- ^ a b Vaults of Madness loading screen
- ^ a b c The Endless Stair loading screen text
- ^ a b Gasteau Chamrond's dialogue during Mind of Madness in ESO
- ^ Tubidan the Alarmist's dialogue in ESO
- ^ a b c Mind of Madness quest in ESO
- ^ a b To All Who Pass Through — Dutheil
- ^ Requisition Order — Dutheil
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