Lore:Silt Strider

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Silt Striders
SR-creature-Silt Strider.jpg
A Silt Strider (Skyrim)
Type Beast (Arthropod)
Range Morrowind, Solstheim
Appears in

Morrowind, Skyrim, ESO, Legends

Silt Striders are giant arthropods native to Morrowind, which can grow to at least 20 feet tall,[1] and commonly grow much taller.[2] They have been used as a common means of transport in Vvardenfell and in the Telvanni Peninsula, they are controlled by manipulating exposed organs and tissues with special hooks.[3][4] Silt Striders are a resilient species whose tough carapace helps them survive the adverse environment of the island.[5] Silt Striders survived the Ash Blight that exterminated many of Vvardenfell's native creatures, such as the Cliff Strider.[6] However, their numbers would eventually dwindle due to the coming of the Red Year in 4E 5, when the eruption of the Red Mountain killed most of them and destroyed their native habitat.[5] A small population of the creatures was imported to Solstheim.[5][7]

Biology[edit]

Silt Striders are very docile creatures, without many predators.[8] They are very hardy, and well adapted to the harsh weather of Morrowind.[5] They possess special glands that produce a unique musk, used to attract mates.[9] Their mating is described as involving "awkward flailing" and is known to be dangerous if one gets too close.[10] Silt Striders start out as larvae, but eventually encase themselves in a tough cocoon to mature.[5] A juvenile Silt Strider is known as a calf.[11] Silt Hoppers are a smaller variety of Silt Strider.[12] It is unclear if they are young Silt Striders or simply a miniature species.

When used for transport, a compartment is carved out from the creatures shell and they are controlled by manipulation of their exposed organs and tissues.[3] This however causes no meaningful harm to the creatures.

Cultural Uses[edit]

Silt Striders are a common method of transport for passengers and cargo in various parts of Morrowind, and have been used as such for generations.[3][8] Silt Hoppers are used as beasts of burden by Ashlander tribes.[12] A Silt Strider will commonly cross its route several times in a day, and are capable of moving considerably fast.[8] Silt Striders are known to be loyal to their owners.[5] The Dunmer see Silt Striders as majestic creatures, but non-Dunmer have trouble acclimating to them, and are even known to express fear of them.[13] Non-Dunmer may also fall for lies about their danger, such as them being willing to eat people.[14]

Silt Strider limbs can be attached to ships for deep sea fishing; while their young's legs can be used for fishing rods.[11] Their musk is used as a perfume, but it is dangerous to use in the wilds.[9] Silt Striders are the inspiration behind some toys.[15][16]

Silt Striders are the subject of Dunmer song and sayings: "That and a few coins will get you a ride on a silt strider".[17] The Mages Guild archmage Trebonius once ordered a subordinate to "learn the language of the Silt Striders so we could question them about who they took to different cities". The mage in question chose to ignore the request, and recommended everyone else do the same.[18]

Gallery[edit]

  • Silt Strider (Morrowind)

  • Silt Strider (ESO)

  • Silt Hopper (ESO)

  • Silt Striders (Legends)

  • Wood carving of a Silt Strider

  • A sketch of Silt Striders by 'YR'

  • Silt Strider concept art

  • Concept art of Ashlanders with Silt Striders

  • Concept art of a "Prostrate Strider"

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: Morrowind — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
  2. ^ Appearance of Silt Striders in Morrowind
  3. ^ a b c Generic Dialogue in Morrowind
  4. ^ Silt Strider Driving Hooks item description in ESO
  5. ^ a b c d e f Revus Sarvani's dialogue in Skyrim: Dragonborn
  6. ^ Vvardenfell Then and Now on the official ESO website
  7. ^ Neloth and Drovas Relvi's dialogue in Skyrim: Dragonborn
  8. ^ a b c Faven Thendas' dialogue in ESO
  9. ^ a b Strider Musk item description in ESO
  10. ^ Revisii Seloth's dialogue in ESO
  11. ^ a b Silt Strider Calf Rod item description in ESO
  12. ^ a b Silt Hoppers in ESO
  13. ^ Nevos Sareloth's dialogue in ESO
  14. ^ Amili Yahaz's dialogue in ESO
  15. ^ Silt Strider Marionette item description in ESO
  16. ^ Stuffed Silt Strider item description in ESO
  17. ^ Master Foves' dialogue in ESO
  18. ^ Sirilonwe's dialogue in Morrowind
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