Doomstones are powerful, magical stones scattered across Tamriel, and among these, the Steed Stone holds a unique significance. While not a gemstone in the traditional sense, the Steed Stone bestows a potent greater power known as Hellride, impacting speed and acrobatics. This article will explore the nature of the Steed Stone, the effects of the Hellride power it grants, the conditions for accessing its benefits, and its place within the broader context of Doomstones in Cyrodiil, drawing exclusively from available sources.
The Realm of Doomstones
Doomstones are described as monoliths found throughout Tamriel, with twenty specifically located in Cyrodiil. These stones are categorized into two groups: those named after birthsigns and those associated with long-forgotten cults. They are distinct from Rune Stones and function as sources of greater power for those who interact with them. Accessing these powers is not always straightforward, requiring specific conditions to be met, such as approaching the stones between 6 pm and 6 am.
The Steed Stone falls into the category of birthsign-aligned Doomstones, alongside the Apprentice, Atronach, Lady, Lord, Lover, Mage, Ritual, Serpent, Shadow, Thief, Tower, and Warrior Stones. Each stone offers a unique benefit, and the Steed Stone is specifically linked to the greater power, Hellride.
Hellride: A Greater Power Unleashed
Hellride is a greater power granted by the Steed Stone. Activating this power provides a temporary boost to both speed and acrobatics. Specifically, it fortifies the attribute of Speed by 20 points and the skill of Acrobatics by 20 points, both for a duration of 120 seconds. This enhancement suggests a focus on agility, swiftness, and physical prowess.
The greater powers granted by Doomstones are not universally accessible. For the Cult Stones, a certain level of combined Fame and Infamy is required to unlock their effects. While the sources do not specify if this requirement applies to the Steed Stone specifically, it is a general condition for accessing the powers of other Doomstones. The Gray Cowl of Nocturnal can be used to circumvent this requirement by providing 100 Infamy.
The Context of Cult and Birthsign Stones
The Doomstones are further categorized into Cult Stones and Birthsign Stones. A table detailing the effects of the Cult Stones reveals specific requirements for activation, including Fame levels ranging from 10 to 70. These stones offer a diverse range of benefits, including boosts to health, magicka, fatigue, and various skills like alchemy, alteration, and athletics. The table highlights the varied effects and the renown requirements associated with each Cult Stone.
The Steed Stone, as a Birthsign Stone, does not appear to have the same Fame requirement as the Cult Stones, though this is not explicitly stated. The provided information focuses primarily on the effects of Hellride itself, rather than the conditions for accessing it beyond the time-of-day restriction.
Doomstones in Oblivion and Beyond
The presence of Doomstones is noted within the game The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, where they are found in various locations throughout Cyrodiil. They are listed alongside other significant locations, including cities, ruins, and Oblivion Gates. The stones are also referenced in connection to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim as Standing Stones and The Elder Scrolls Online as Mundus Stones, indicating their continued importance across different iterations of the game world.
The sources also mention Drevis Neloren, a character who references the Standing Stones in Skyrim and Mundus Stones in Online, further solidifying the Doomstones’ enduring presence within the Elder Scrolls universe.
Limitations and Further Research
The provided sources offer a limited scope of information regarding the Steed Stone and Hellride. While the effects of the power are clearly defined, details regarding the stone’s origins, its significance within the lore of Tamriel, and any potential cultural or metaphysical associations are absent. The sources primarily focus on the mechanical aspects of the stone within the game context, rather than its broader narrative or symbolic meaning.
Furthermore, the sources do not provide information on the geological formation or physical properties of the Steed Stone itself. It is described as a monolith, but its composition, appearance, or any unique characteristics are not detailed. The sources also lack information on any historical use of the stone outside of its function as a source of greater power within the game.
Summary of Effects
The following table summarizes the effects granted by the Hellride greater power, bestowed by the Steed Stone:
| Effect | Magnitude | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | +20 | 120 secs |
| Acrobatics | +20 | 120 secs |
Conclusion
The Steed Stone, while not a traditional gemstone, represents a significant element within the world of The Elder Scrolls. Its association with the Hellride greater power provides a tangible benefit to players, enhancing speed and acrobatics for a limited time. The stone’s place among the Doomstones of Cyrodiil highlights its connection to the magical and mystical forces that shape the landscape of Tamriel. While the available sources offer a focused view on the mechanical aspects of the stone and its power, they establish its importance within the game’s lore and provide a foundation for further exploration of its potential significance.