Lore:Dolorous Cista

Dolorous Cista (left)

The Dolorous Cista was a vessel that harvested mortal suffering, converting it to magical energy. Physical pain, fear, and frustration are but a few examples of valid sensations that the cista was capable of feeding on. The relic could be filled with the suffering of both Daedra and mortals. The cista showed great potential as a weapon of mass destruction: during the Interregnum, its Daedric handlers were beset by infighting over the subject of who was truly "worthy" to wield its power. One of the Daedric torturers laboring within the Cage speculated that the Lord of Brutality himself had plans to wield it.

History

Not many exist who know of the cista's true origins: it was believed that its creators gave their very being to its formation, and that their suffering was among the first to fill the relic. The relic was held within the Ossein Cage, a prison of flesh and bone in Coldharbour, where it was fed continually by Daedra who were assigned specifically to fill it with mortal agony. The Ossein Cage was invaded by the Fighters Guild in 2E 582 after they caught wind of the Dolorous Cista's existence. Knowing the cista was a creation of Coldharbour and that relics of its origin are typically used against the inhabitants of Nirn rather liberally, guild leadership feared the devastation that would arise if it were unleashed upon Tamriel. The Fighters Guild was initially overwhelmed by the Daedra, but the tide turned in their favor after Undaunted reinforcements arrived, and the Dolorous Cista was ultimately shattered. Pieces of the broken cista were transported to Nirn for study by guild mages.