Lore:Imp
| Imps | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Imp (Oblivion) |
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| Type | Unknown, possibly Daedra, Golem, or Nature Spirit | ||
| Range | Oblivion Cyrodiil, Elsweyr, Hammerfell, High Rock, Summerset Isles, Systres |
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| Appears in | |||
Imps 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,[1][2][3][4] 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.[5][3] Another claim is that they are nature spirits or at least natural creatures.[6] Imps are listed among the types of common Daedra that can be found in service to every Daedric Prince.[1] 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.[4][3] They are commonly found in the wilderness throughout Tamriel, often gathering in caves.[7][8][9] They can also be found in the Deadlands,[10] Apocrypha,[11] or in the company of elemental atronachs.[12][13]
Behavior and Uses[edit]
While some are capable of speaking of Tamrielic,[14] imps have their own tongue known as Impish. Speakers of Impish can tame or even summon these creatures.[15][16] The language is taught by both the Mages Guild and the School of Julianos.[15]
Although usually hostile, some imps can be quite good-natured once they have imprinted on an individual.[17] Imps often serve as familiars or vault guardians for magisters,[18][19] although they have been known to go rogue.[20][14] Imps are experimented on by the Mages Guild, with it being rumored they are even victims of torture.[14] Daedra have been known to hire imp-drawn carts to transport items across the planes of Oblivion.[21] Imps are sometimes killed and harvested for their imp gall, a valuable alchemy ingredient.[9][22] Their hide and other bodily fluids are also sometimes harvested.[8]
In County Bravil, the imps of the southern Great Forest near the Upper Niben are known to gather in Robber's Glen Cave.[9]
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.[23][7][8][16] Stoneglow imps are a dark-colored variety that possess icy blue eyes and glowing claws that can shatter stone.[17] Frostshriek imps appear to be formed from solid ice, and are known to drop the ambient temperature of their surroundings when summoned.[24] Illusion imps are notorious for conjuring fantastical illusions, such as disguising themselves as miniature dragons.[25] Cinder-imps are known to nest in the ducts of Daedric forges and gorge themselves on supplies of charcoal.[26]
Gallery[edit]
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Imp (Daggerfall)
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An imp familiar (Oblivion)
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Green imp (ESO)
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Grey imp (ESO)
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Stoneglow imp (ESO)
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Horned red imp (ESO)
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Frostshriek imp (ESO)
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Fiery imp (Legends)
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Vile imp (Legends)
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An Illusion imp summoning the illusion of a dragon (ESO)
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Harvested imp gall (Oblivion)
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Imp gall (Skyrim Creation Club)
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Oblivion concept art (right)
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]
- For game-specific information, see the Daggerfall, Oblivion, Elder Scrolls Online, and Legends articles.
References[edit]
- ^ a b Denizens of Apocrypha — Cipher Plautis
- ^ Archmagister Mavon's Ascension — Nardhil Arethan
- ^ a b c Fiery Imp Card Lore entry for Legends
- ^ a b The Origins of Conjuration
- ^ Daggerfall User's Guide - description of Imps
- ^ Nature Collector achievement in ESO
- ^ a b Imps in Oblivion
- ^ a b c Imps in ESO
- ^ a b c Aryarie's dialogue in Oblivion
- ^ The Deadlands in ESO
- ^ Apocrypha in ESO
- ^ Flame Imp in ESO
- ^ Lightning Imp in ESO
- ^ a b c The Loose Pet Imp quest in Daggerfall
- ^ a b Impish in Daggerfall
- ^ a b Kyne's Challenge: A Hunter's Companion — David S. J. Hodgson
- ^ a b Stoneglow Imp pet description in ESO
- ^ Sparky in Oblivion
- ^ Vault Guardians from the Wizard's Tower DLC for Oblivion
- ^ Rogue Imp quest in Daggerfall
- ^ Hezehk's dialogue in Apocrypha in ESO
- ^ Imp Gall in Rare Curios Creation for Skyrim Special Edition
- ^ Imps in Daggerfall
- ^ Frostshriek Imps in ESO
- ^ Green Dragon Imps in ESO
- ^ The Black Forge — Kyngald Nazkrixor
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