Lore:Bestiary W
Waft[edit]
Wafts are small, passive beams of blue light that are commonly found aimlessly floating around Nocturnal's realm of Evergloam. Ectoplasm can be harvested from them, so they may be some form of spirit. Wafts were among the many beings contained in Hermaeus Mora's Feral Gallery.[1]
- See also: Whispering Spirit, Will-o-the-Wisp, and Wisperill
Wagtail[edit]
Wagtails are a type of bird. A type of dye was named after Red Wagtails.[2]
Wamasu[edit]
The Wamasu (also called Wamasus and colloquially, Swamp Dragons) are large reptilian beasts that hail from the province of Black Marsh, though they also inhabit Craglorn and the Telvanni Peninsula. They are known for their lightning powers and tough exterior. Their existence was once largely shrouded in myth to anyone other than the Argonians.
Warbler[edit]
Warblers a type of bird. The Rock Warbler is a species that nests throughout the Reach. Their eggs are used in alchemy. The Arenthian Warbler is species likely found in Arenthia, they are the namesake of a type of dye.[3] The Tan-Crested Warbler is another species that is the namesake of a dye.[4]
Warthog[edit]
Warthogs are a type of boar known to be kept as exotic pets.[5] The witches of the Glenmoril Wyrd supposedly could turn people into warthogs.[6]
Wasp[edit]
Wasps are stinging insects found throughout Tamriel. They are known to vary in size greatly, ordinary wasps are small and only a minor nuisance. Giant wasps are are known to grow to the size of ponies,[7] and they are very protective of their nests. They sting and bite to defend themselves. Wasps are known to have queens,[8] however giant wasps can also reproduce rapidly by injecting eggs into the bodies of other creatures, which quickly emerge as young wasps.[9]
The outer shell of the giant wasp is very durable.[10] The second row of wings on a wasp's back are gossamer-thin and refract light in a pleasing manner, making them desirable trophies.[11] Both ordinary and giant wasp wings are sometimes used by Argonians to create betrothal veils.[12] Paper wasps are known to infest the docks of Betony.[13]
Watcher[edit]
Watchers (also called Doom-Truths) are flying tentacled Daedra with a large eye in the center of their body. Watchers are quite nimble, and can shoot beams of energy from their large eye. They may be the most intelligent of the Daedra, and are known to have hierarchical ranks. They are knowledge gatherers and minions found in the service of Hermaeus Mora, modeled after the prince's appearance. He often employs them as overseers and guardians, with them tending to
his important concerns. However, they are known to serve other Daedric Princes, such as Molag Bal, Vaermina, Mephala, and Sheogorath. Locking eyes with a Watcher is dangerous; a mortal's soul can be eaten away if one stares too long into their large central eye. Some Watchers have a necrotic gaze, causing the skin on a mortal's face to tear away if they stare too long. They are able separate the lies from the truth, which comes in handy to Mephala, adding to her powers of deception.
The term Watchling refers to watchers that are far smaller in size than the average watcher. Some of them consider the term an insulting diminutive. They apparently have a name for themselves, but it is not as commonly known. Another term used to describle small watchers is Pocket Watcher. These are occasionally kept as pets or assistants by some warlocks.
Watchlings or Pocket Watchers are no bigger than a human's fist and are not the offspring of Watchers. They are described as runts of their kind and curiosities as opposed to terrors. It is unknown whether they keep their form forever or eventually transform into the larger versions. Hermaeus Mora frequently employs Watchlings as messengers and recorders, tasking them with obscure clerical duties in the hidden bureaucracy that quietly administers Apocrypha.
Weasel[edit]
Weasels are small mammals known for their erratic defensive reaction when cornered.[14][15] Their bones are used to make small cages.[16] They are the subject of common insults used to label one a coward.[17][18]
Web Mother[edit]
Web Mothers are a monstrous type of queen spider that can be found rarely in Cyrodiil and Skyrim. They are distinguished by their red and black coloration and the numerous spider eggs attached to their abdomen. These queen spiders are usually found in the depths of the nest, where they can reproduce and protect their eggs.
A town in Cyrodiil once kept giant spiders as livestock to harvest their silk. The farmers used specific scents to trick the nest's Web Mother into thinking they were friendly. Circa 4E 180, this trick stopped working, and the town was soon overrun with spiders. The Warrior arrived and killed the spiders, destroying the eggs that were laid in the town. The Hero then slew the Web Mother, who had grown too large to leave the nest.
Weevil[edit]
Weevils are a type of troublesome insect that infest crops.[19][20] They are also found infesting sailors' hardtack.[21] Snag-weevils are a species that infested the farmlands of Glenumbra around 2E 582. They were warded off by Enzo Chatillon's award-winning alchemical solution.[22] Leaf-weevils are a species that drove the once abundant Tum'ja plant to near extinction.[23]
Welwa[edit]
Welwa are great four-eyed pack hunting beasts, with thick pelts, tails, and savage teeth. They often serve as war mounts.
According to tapestries in the Crystal Tower, the early Aldmeri settlers of the Summerset Isles encountered welwa, depicted as strange, holy ravagers, and saviors of the land. Led by Torinaan, the Aldmer of Auridon drove them back using ancestral magics, and eventually the welwa of Summerset were driven to extinction. In Yokuda they were considered myths, and described in their ancient texts as having "the jaws of a bear, and the charging strength of a boar".
Welwa continued to inhabit the wilds of Craglorn on mainland Tamriel, as well as parts of the West Weald that border the region. They are often domesticated and armored by the Iron Orcs of the region, who use them as war beasts. History indicates that every pastoral society in Craglorn's long history: Nedes, Yokudans, Goblins, and Orcs has domesticated them at some point. They also have been found in the West Weald
In the Second Era, the Sapiarchs of the Crystal Tower reintroduced welwa to Summerset Isle by bringing in mated pairs from Craglorn. These welwa quickly spread across the wilderness of Summerset, although many inhabitants of the Isle were displeased with their reintroduction.
Welwa could be transformed into reptilian forms through Naga Argonian rituals or exposure to special Hist sap.[24][25]
Werebat[edit]
Werebats are a type of lycanthropes found in the swamps of Valenwood. Werebats formed part of the Gray Host, and were seen living near the Keerilth vampire clan within Shademist Moors in 2E 582.[26][27] Not much else is known about them.
Werebear[edit]
Werebears are large lycanthropes said to be prominent in the northern tundras of Tamriel. They are almost thought to be folklore in Nordic cultures. Legend holds that smearing canis root on the trees surrounding one's home wards off werebears.[28] Hunting packs of werebears have been found on Solstheim.[29] Despite this, some doubt their existence.[30]
Wereboar[edit]
Wereboars are lycanthropes of the boarish persuasion which attack with both forearms as well as their long teeth. Silver weapons are very effective against them, and anyone bitten has a small chance of becoming a wereboar themselves. The wereboar is found almost exclusively in High Rock.
Werecrocodile[edit]
Werecrocodiles are lycanthropes known to lurk in isolated swamps of Black Marsh and southern Morrowind,[31] though their existence is doubted by some.
Werelion[edit]
Werelions are lycanthropes found in Elsweyr, Black Marsh, and Cyrodiil.[31]
Wereshark[edit]
Weresharks are mysterious lycanthropes with no reputable first account sightings, but that are claimed to exist.[31]
Werevulture[edit]
Werevultures are winged lycanthropes found in Valenwood.[31] According to Lentulus Inventius of the Order of the Thorn, they were enough of a threat in Valenwood that he sought out werebears to help deal with the issue, lest the werevultures became a threat to other areas of Tamriel.[30]
Werewolf[edit]
Werewolves are the most common of lycanthropes found in Tamriel. They are monstrous, wolf-like creatures taller and broader than man and mer, and are capable of moving on two limbs or sprinting on all four. They can attack with both their claws and teeth, inflicting lycanthropy with their bite. Those with the beast blood are prone to violence, whether accidental or intentional, as they live with a constant bloodlust which drives them to kill and devour their enemies. Werewolves are widely feared and hated in Tamriel, and will be attacked on sight if spotted in beast form. While Sanies Lupinus causes all werewolves to transform under the influences of the moons, the members of the Circle can control their beast forms. In return they must serve Hircine in the afterlife. Silver weaponry is very effective against werewolves.
Werewolf Lord[edit]
The Werewolf Lord is a powerful lycanthrope that maintains a humanoid form with bestial qualities. Unlike traditional lycanthropes, a Werewolf Lord's form blends racial characteristics of the individual with that of the wolf. An Argonian will still look like an Argonian, but with wolf-like features.[32] One of the most notable Werewolf Lords was Vykosa the Ascendant, who was so powerful that she could bend the will of other werewolves.[33] She was rumored to be one of the first werewolves, and was promised glory and power by Hircine.[34]
Werewolf Behemoth[edit]
The Werewolf Behemoth was a form of lycanthrope discovered circa 2E 582 by Archivist Ernarde of the Silver Dawn at the behest of Vykosa the Ascendant. During his efforts, to strengthen the Moon Hunter Pack, he found a way to alter a werewolf's transformation to turn them into hulking monsters of considerable strength and size. This allowed his test subjects to become unstoppable warriors should they survive the experiments.[33]
Whale[edit]
Whales are gigantic aquatic creatures found in the Abecean Sea and in the Sea of Ghosts. They are known to eat razorfish. They have great swimming fins on their underside, and expel geysers of sea-mist through their blowhole. The ancient Nords revered the whale as a deity in their traditional animal worship.
Whip-poor-will[edit]
Whip-poor-wills, also known simply as wills, are a species of bird native to certain regions of Cyrodiil. They were found in County Bravil during the early years of the Fourth Era.[35]
Whirlifly[edit]
Whirliflies are insects native to Valenwood. "May your ears be stuffed with whirlifly larvae", is a Bosmer curse.[36]
Whispering Spirit[edit]
Whispering spirits are wisp-like spirits that can be found in the Soul Cairn. The undead inhabitants of this realm are often found hunting these beings. They are seemingly impervious to all attacks.[37]
Wickeder[edit]
Wickeders are horned bipedal creatures with glowing yellow eyes native to the area of the Western Reach region that overlaps with Hammerfell. They are part of the Fanged Gouti species, their relatives being Bounders and Clawrunners. These creatures collectively appear to have backs that are lined in plates of armored scales, pointed mouths that are almost as large as the rest of their body, and they all have an area of exposed gums visible on their mouths. On Wickeders, this area resembles a smiling face. Wickeders have the ability to paralyze their opponents, and their skin is known to have powerful alchemical effects.
Wight[edit]
Wights are an emaciated form of undead. The name is usually associated with a form of Ayleid undead, commonly found in their ruins. In the late Third Era circa 3E 427,[UOL 1] there was a strain of vampirism spread by wights that were present in Stormhold's prison.[38] Some Draugr are also referred to as wights.[39]
- Variations: Crypt Wight, Mountain Wight, Soul Shredder, Tunnel Wight, Wailing Wight, Wight Lord
Will-o-the-Wisp[edit]
Will-o-the-Wisps (or Will o' the Wisps), also called true wisps, are luminous beings seemingly composed of gas and spiritual energy.[40][41] They are immune to normal damage and poison, and have a variety of extremely dangerous magic. They are also very fast and have the ability to become nearly invisible. They're found in swampy areas of Tamriel and can only be harmed by silver, daedric, or enchanted weapons. Some theorize that the wisps that normally surround wispmothers are a subspecies of the will-o-the-wisp, though their behavior is very different.[41]
Shines are a harmless cousin of the will-o-the-wisp that are known to loom around the Imperial ruins of Lilmoth.
Winged Twilight[edit]
Winged Twilights are intelligent winged Daedra with claw-like limbs, black horns, and spiked tails. They can have blue or purple skin, and their eyes can be red or blue. Their bodies are dappled with scales. They are known to operate as servants and messengers of Azura. In appearance they have a beautiful feminine form similar to that of Harpies with bat-like wings, though the feminine aspects of the winged twilights are more "ravishing", and their long, sharp, hooked tails are immeasurably more deadly. When working together, they follow a matriarch.
Wisp[edit]
Wisps, also known as Witchlights, are enigmatic, floating entities often found in the vicinity of Wispmothers, although they can also exist independently. Current consensus on wisps is divided, with it being suggested they are scavengers that lure prey to the Wispmother and share in the psychoetherial energy released by her kills. Another theory states that they are merely emanations or conjurations of the Wispmother and not free-living creatures, which is supported by the fact that killing a Wispmother also kills the wisps surrounding her, leaving only glow dust behind.
- See also: Mote, Whispering Spirit, and Will-o-the-Wisp
Wisperill[edit]
Wisperills are luminescent films which float through the air in the realm of the Hist. They perform slow, colorful dances in the air. They were named by Mere-Glim and Fhena when Umbriel was brought to the realm.[35]
- See also: Waft and Whispering Spirit
Wispmother[edit]
Wispmothers are magical energy beings found in the wilds of Tamriel, primarily in Skyrim. These spirit women appear to be either a higher form of Wisp, or creators of them. Able to teleport and restore their health, Wispmothers can also summon multiple shades, which are weak clones of themselves. Killing a Wispmother causes all of its attendant Wisps and Shades to die. More powerful Wispmothers are also capable of some form of necromancy; where they send out wisps to possess and reanimate nearby corpses.
Wisp-Lantern[edit]
Wisp-lanterns are living floating lanterns of Apocrypha found floating through the fetid air of the realm. They emit light that can help those traversing the darker areas of Apocrypha, especially where the shadows are harmful.[42]:598, 608, 611
- See also: Knower's Eye
Wolf[edit]
Wolves are cunning, dangerous hunters found throughout Tamriel. They use their highly developed sense of smell to track their prey. They hunt in well organized packs, and are known for their ferocity in battle. They are the wild ancestors of the domestic dogs.
- Variations: Alpha Wolf, Doom Wolf, Ice Wolf, Shardwolf, Snow Wolf, Timber Wolf, Twilight Wolf
- See also: Dire Wolf
Wolfdog[edit]
Wolfdogs are a crossbreed produced by mating a dog with a wolf. They closely resemble wolves, but exhibit doglike behavior and are less resistant to frost. Like dogs, they can also carry Witbane.[43]
Wolverine[edit]
Wolverines are fierce woodland animals.[44] The fort of Wolverine Hall is named for them.[45]
- See also: Badger
Wombat[edit]
Wombats are a species of marsupials, said to have been kept as pets. One of the tales about Ius, the God of Animals, revolves around a wombat.[46]
Woodchuck[edit]
Woodchucks are rodents who were the namesake of various inns and taverns in the late Third Era.[47]
- See also: Marmot and Prairie Dog
Worm[edit]
Worms are small invertebrates that can be found throughout Tamriel. They commonly live around plants, and are used by fishermen as bait, primarily in salt water. Worms can also be found living in and feeding on the flesh of the dead or undead. Potentially due to this link with death, they are heavily associated with Mannimarco, who is known as the "King of Worms", and later "God of Worms".
Sloads are sometimes known as Worms.[48]
- Variations: Caliginous Bristleworm, Dampworm, Earthworm, Gutworm, Leech, Moist Scale Burrower, Phosphor Worm, Rootworm, Zilh Worm
Worm Thrall[edit]
Worm Thralls are a type of zombie created by the Order of the Black Worm. Initially, "Worm Thrall" was simply the title applied to the order's lackeys.[49] The order has been known to turn people into Worm Thralls both as a punishment and as a method of preserving them for prolonged study. Notably, Vanus Galerion and several other past Arch-Mages of the Mages Guild were raised as Worm Thralls by Mannimarco.
Wormmouth[edit]
Wormmouths are armless bipedal reptiles native to Hammerfell. They are related to guar, alits, and kagouti. These vermin have a maggot-shaped body propelled on two legs, and have a beaked mouth that is almost as large as the rest of their bodies, making them resemble a mouth on legs. Sharp teeth line the inside of their mouths, and their backs are lined in plates of armored scales.
Wormmouths appear to range in height from the size of a large rat to as tall as an alit. Due to Hammerfell's arid environment, wormmouths get their fluids from the plants and animals they eat, but larger ones are also known to prey on people.
Though they typically dwell in the arid regions of Hammerfell, the Nubbed Wormmouth is known to dwell in the mountains located along the cold border between Skyrim and Hammerfell. Wormmouths were also known to stray into the West Weald of Cyrodiil, near the border to Craglorn. They even inhabited Vvardenfell during the Second Era.
They are sometimes kept as pets. Wormmouth tongues are sometimes harvested for alchemical purposes.
Wraith[edit]
Wraiths are a type of ghost, usually formed from the death of a powerful wizard. They are very dangerous, and often possess spell-casting abilities. Like all ethereal undead, only silver or better weapons can do damage to a wraith.
- Variations: Faded Wraith, Gloom Wraith
Wraith-of-Crows[edit]
Wraith-of-Crows (or Wraith-Scythes) are otherworldly creatures composed of several daedric crow-like entities which create a semi-humanoid skeletal figure, usually possessing a pair of large black wings.[50] They originate from the Evergloam and are employed in the use of Nocturnal, who can summon them by combining many crow daedra together. They fight using magical attacks and abilities involving their scythes and wings, and are shown to have the capability to speak.
Wrath of Sithis[edit]
The Wrath of Sithis refers to the mysterious punishment threatened by The Five Tenets of the Dark Brotherhood. It is a spirit of vengeance that acts as a conduit for Sithis' wrath, targeting Dark Brotherhood members that break one of the Five Tenets. It often takes the appearance of a gloom wraith, or a shadowy ghost.
The Wrath of Sithis is said to be a worse punishment than expulsion for traitors of the Brotherhood. The spirit has been known to take the very souls of its targets. Those who have been exiled from the Dark Brotherhood will be allowed to rejoin if they survive a visit from the Wrath of Sithis. This can only occur twice; individuals become forever exiled if they break one of the Tenets a third time, even if they manage to slay the spirit.
In addition to the curses and magical attacks typical of other gloom wraiths, the Wrath of Sithis typically wields an enchanted silver dagger known as the Dagger of Discipline. These daggers can be claimed by those who defeat the spirit and survive its visitations.
Wrathman[edit]
The Wrathmen of the Soul Guard, known singularly as the Soul Which Never Dies, either appear as wraiths or draugr-like skeletal undead, but are ultimately husks of their former selves. They are void of most emotions, except are in a state of eternal suffering, and can only truly be freed from their bonds of torment through a ritual. Should one encounter wrathmen, they will seek to sate their hunger for life by feasting on them.
Wraxu[edit]
Wraxu are an extinct species of bird related to the terror birds of Elsweyr that were indigenous to Black Marsh. They are described as having been about as tall as a mammoth with tails as long as wagon tongues. Their species was but one victim of the Great Burn in the Second Era. They also had a symbolic connection with Sithis dating back to the xanmeer period.[51]
Wren[edit]
Wrens are a type of bird. Snow-wrens are known for their chirping in springtime and were familiar to the Nords.[52]
Wyrm[edit]
Wyrms are ethereal Dragon-like creatures that can be summoned by dragons themselves. Fire Wyrms (or Flame Wyrms) are a variant summoned by fire Dragons but can also emerge from the corpses of those slain by the fire breath of a powerful Tongue.[53] Storm Wyrms (or Boltwyrms) are a type that can be summoned by storm Dragons.[54] Azureblight Wyrms are an odd variety that were summoned by the Dragon who created th mysterious Azure Blight disease.[55]
Wyrm is a name often used for Dragons themselves.
Wyvern[edit]
Wyverns are fire-breathing creatures of doubtful existence.[56] The spell "Wyvern's Sting" is named after them.[57] According to a fib from Alchemy, a member of the House of Reveries, those born to a Dragon and a mortal can turn into a wyvern during a full moon.[56] Due to the joking nature of her statement, this description of wyverns is highly unlikely.
- See also: Wyrm
References[edit]
- ^ Wafts in ESO
- ^ Fledgling: Red Wagtail dye in ESO
- ^ Fledgling: Arenthian Warbler dye in ESO
- ^ Fledgling: Tan-Crested Warbler dye in ESO
- ^ Events of Dunbarrow Cove in Oblivion
- ^ Fallaise's dialogue in Morrowind: Bloodmoon
- ^ The Improved Emperor's Guide to Tamriel: Black Marsh — Flaccus Terentius, 2E 581
- ^ Wasp Queens in ESO
- ^ Giant Wasp abilties in ESO
- ^ Wasp Husk quest item description from ESO
- ^ Gossamer Winglet monster trophy item description from ESO
- ^ Wasp-Wing Betrothal Veil item description in ESO
- ^ Dockside Paper Wasp pet description in ESO
- ^ Bastian Hallix's dialogue in ESO: Blackwood
- ^ Deem-Vilax's dialogue in ESO: Greymoor
- ^ Cricket Cage treasure description in ESO
- ^ Razum-dar's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Krish's dialogue in Morrowind: Bloodmoon
- ^ Fa'zin's dialogue in ESO: Dragonhold
- ^ Adrahawn's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Crendal's dialogue in Redguard
- ^ Work order for Roumane Bargeron, Tailor — Enzo Chatillon
- ^ Teas and Tisanes for Aches and Pains — Tilenra Sildreth
- ^ Sul-Xan Fleshripper in ESO
- ^ Nagahide Welwa Ravager in ESO
- ^ Gray Host in ESO
- ^ Presence of Werebats near the vampires of Shademist Moors in ESO
- ^ Dealing with Werewolves — Venustinius Perquitienus
- ^ Appearance of hunting werebears on Solstheim in Skyrim: Dragonborn
- ^ a b Lycanthropic Legends of Skyrim — Lentulus Inventius, Order of the Horn
- ^ a b c d On Lycanthropy — Varnard Karessen
- ^ Werewolf Lord Polymorph appearance in ESO
- ^ a b Log No. 321: Unexpected Results — Archivist Ernarde of the Moon Hunter Pack
- ^ The Hungry Cat's Curse — Vykosa the Ascendant
- ^ a b Lord of Souls — Greg Keyes
- ^ Genboril's dialogue in ESO
- ^ Whispering Spirits in Skyrim
- ^ Vampirism in Stormhold
- ^ Draugr Wights in Skyrim
- ^ 2920, Hearth Fire — Carlovac Townway
- ^ a b The Wispmother — Mathias Etienne
- ^ The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Legendary Prima Official Game Guide
- ^ Hjalti in Fighter's Stronghold download for Oblivion
- ^ Heartland Brindle Badger pet description in ESO
- ^ Guide to Sadrith Mora
- ^ Ius, Animal God — Buljursoma
- ^ The names of various Taverns in Daggerfall
- ^ N'Gasta's dialogue in Redguard
- ^ The Order of the Black Worm — Evoker Brucille
- ^ Dialogue with Clockwork Facilitator
- ^ Preserved Wraxu Feathers codex entries in ESO
- ^ Testimonials on Baar Dau — Minerva Calo, Associate Chronicler
- ^ Fire Wyrm spawn conditions in Skyrim
- ^ Storm Wyrms in ESO
- ^ Azureblight Wyrms in ESO: Scalebreaker
- ^ a b Alchemy's dialogue in ESO: Summerset
- ^ Wyvern's Sting spell in Arena
Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.