Lore:Spell-tailoring

Ancestor Silk

Spell-tailoring is an ancient magical craft. For centuries, simple protective spells have been woven into clothing. According to Lady Eloise of House Manteau this art arguably peaked during the early to mid-First Era, when Empress Hestra was rumored to possess a Gown of State that could repel hostile spells, ward off fatigue, and allow for levitation at will.

By 2E 582, the tradition remained vibrant. Although some techniques have been forgotten, spell-tailoring continued to thrive, with many high-ranking nobles boasting one or two enchanted garments in their collections as of then.

Many cultures have a rich history of enchanting and blessing fabrics, although their connection to the traditional art of enchanting is ambiguous. Reachfolk leathers were sometimes blessed with the old magicks, while Druids were known for blessing Breton clothing, and braiding their blessings and prayers into their leatherwork. The spidersilk variety from Morrowind, comes in several grades known mostly to the Dunmer. One of these, Azura's Breath, is especially receptive to enchantment and is frequently used as the magicka-infused fabric in spellwear.

The tradition of weaving magically imbued Ancestor Silk originated with the early Cyro-Nordic tribes of the Nibenay and was connected to the Ancestor Moths. Today, their descendants, the modern-day Nibenese, continue this sacred practice, creating vestments and other garments. The swishing of this material is said to produce a "resplendent ancestral chorus," which has inspired this ancient custom. The voices and hymns of one’s ancestors are captured through a unique silk-gathering ritual, which provides the material for creating.. The silk is highly prized throughout the Empire and is exported alongside other valuable goods. Some people pay weavers to craft shawls inscribed with their family trees, believing that these garments hold the memories of their ancestors. Monks of the higher orders in the Cult of the Ancestor Moth can bypass the magical rituals typically required to enchant this fabric and often choose to wear the moths around their necks and faces instead.

See Also

Books

• Lady Eloisse Answers Your Questions by Lady Eloisse, Fifth Countess Manteau — A Breton countess answers questions on lore