Skyrim: Apocrypha

Concept Art

Ashpit is the realm of the Daedric Prince Malacath, the pariah lord of orcs, vengeance and bitterness. His realm is described as being made of ash, anguish and broken promises. Few specific places are mentioned within his realm, and for this reason it was selected by Mandi because it was a fascinating challenge.

Spinal Column

Mandi researched the lore regarding Ashpit and Malacath, and discovered that there were references to palaces of smoke, the remnants of an ancient garden of Trinimac, and possibly an actual spine. This was a unique asset requested from MJ, who was able to fulfill it in addition to her other tasks.

Emmeg Gro-Kayra

The focus on this level was the lore and background of Malacath. A central place in the level is the remains of his half-mortal son, Emmeg Gro-Kayra, whom Malacath was tricked into slaying and damning to Shivering Isles forever by Sheogorath.

Trinimac

One of the final locations within the level is the remains of the slender garden of Trinimac -- an "echo of something that once was," as described in one of the Elder Scrolls companion books. This was incorporated with several other Trinimac references, allowing the player to explore the lore of Malacath without reading texts.

Exploring Ashpit

There were many unique aspects of Ashpit, including secret paths of light and ash that the player could walk on in order to simulate levitation. The player is able to access secret areas to uncover more lore about Malacath, or to simply see a unique view of the deadly realm.

The Final Version

The realm went through many iterations before Mandi was finished with it, and by the end it was a lore-packed trip through remnants of Malacath's bitter memories. The player encountered some of his trolls, but mostly it was a low combat story-focused area that challenged the player to watch their step and explore.

This area was created by Mandi Parker