Mysterium Xarxes
A cursed grimoire that opens the gates of Oblivion and devours the souls of the unwary.
A vile artifact of Daedric provenance, the Mysterium Xarxes stands as a forbidden relic once guarded in secret by the Morag Tong. Unlike standard spellbooks, its cover pulses with a living malice, said to contain knowledge capable of summoning powerful entities from Oblivion or granting dominion over death itself. The book acts as a conduit for dark magic, often corrupting those who seek its secrets while serving as the primary instrument in rituals intended to bind or destroy mortal souls.
- Nature
- Daedric Artifact / Forbidden Tome
- Primary Affiliation
- Morag Tong (historically)
- Associated Deity
- Mehrunes Dagon (via summoning rites)
- First Appearance
- The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
- Current Status
- Lost to history or hidden in deep vaults
Lore & Background
Infamy clings to the Xarxes following its use in rituals intended to conjure high-ranking Daedra, such as a Dremora Lord, an act demanding potent life-force sacrifices. To the Morag Tong, it became a symbol of their darkest capabilities—a willingness to wield forbidden power for the sake of order. Its pages are rumored to rewrite themselves based on the reader's intent, offering strength at the cost of sanity and soul integrity. Many who have sought it have vanished without a trace, leaving behind only the chilling silence of empty chambers.
In Their Own Story
The candle flickered, casting long, dancing shadows against the damp stone walls of the ancient vault. Before him lay the Mysterium Xarxes, its cover pulsing with a faint, sickly violet light that seemed to breathe in rhythm with his own heartbeat. He reached out, his fingers trembling as they brushed the cold, leathery surface. The air grew heavy, smelling of ozone and rotting flowers. As he opened the first page, the ink did not sit still; it writhed like black snakes, forming words that spoke directly into his mind in a language he had never learned yet understood perfectly. A low growl echoed from the shadows behind him, not from any beast of Tamriel, but from something far older and hungrier waiting just beyond the veil.
Reader's Guide
Functioning as a conduit rather than a traditional spellbook, the Xarxes provides specific incantations required to open portals to Oblivion. Wielding this artifact demands immense magical aptitude and often requires cultist assistance for the necessary sacrifices. Chanting from the text while maintaining a connection to the invoked Daedric Prince is critical; failure in concentration or ritual purity risks summoning entities that turn against the caster, resulting in instant death or eternal servitude. Historically, only high-ranking members of the Morag Tong were trusted with its custody. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after artifacts by dark mages and cultists across Tamriel. Possession of the book is considered a capital offense in many civilized regions due to the catastrophic potential of its contents.
Did You Know?
- The Mysterium Xarxes was central to the main plot of Morrowind, where it was used to summon a Dremora Lord.
- Unlike other Daedric artifacts that are physical objects like swords or rings, this artifact is a book that actively resists being read by the unworthy.
- The text within the Xarxes is known to change and rewrite itself, reflecting the chaotic nature of the magic it contains.
- It is one of the few artifacts explicitly tied to the operational history of the Morag Tong rather than just general Daedric worship.