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Instruments of Tamriel

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In January ’23 I’ve set out to draw musical instruments for the many cultures of the world of The Elder Scrolls, which will fill a book, that I’m working on.

What interests me most about this is the tension between lived culture, or its absence, and the ersatz world of fantasy. For example, musical instruments are probably the most complex analog augmentation technologies humans have ever developed. But they are not simply for economic or reproductive purposes, but rather to achieve something like human synchronization: to get in tune with each other. I also find it exciting to see how volunteer modders are collectively reimagining and revitalizing virtual and fictional worlds, and I’m itching to help shape them. After all, where is our new high culture? Where are the collectively built cathedrals of our time? The places that are dedicated to The Unattainable Highest and where everyone is welcome? Are they perhaps virtual? Or do they develop from socioculture? That is, between us?