Nocturnal, the Daedric Prince of Night, Shadows, and Mystery, is one of the most enigmatic and powerful figures in the Elder Scrolls universe. Known by various titles, including the Lady of the Night, the Shadow Queen, and the Empress of Murk, Nocturnal's influence pervades the realms of both mortals and Daedra alike. Her domain, Evergloam, is a place of perpetual twilight, a dark and mysterious realm that mirrors her own cryptic and elusive nature. While she is often revered by thieves and those who walk in darkness, her motives remain shrouded in shadow, making her a figure of both awe and fear across Tamriel.
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| Nocturnal, the Daedric Prince of Night, Darkness, and Mystery |
Who is Nocturnal?
Nocturnal’s sphere encompasses the night, darkness, and all that is hidden from mortal sight. She is often depicted as an ever-watchful figure, shrouded in mystery, with the ability to manipulate shadows and control the ebb and flow of secrets. While some refer to her as the "Lady of Shadows" or "Mistress of Mystery," Nocturnal is more than just a figure of the night—she embodies the primal forces of the dark. Her association with darkness is not simply a metaphorical one; she is intrinsically tied to the very essence of shadow, and her realm, Evergloam, exists at the threshold between light and dark.
Nocturnal is sometimes referred to as the "Ur-dra," the eldest of the Daedric Princes, a title that suggests she is one of the most ancient and powerful beings in the cosmos. She herself claims that “before Oblivion, there was Nocturnal,” emphasizing her primordial connection to the Void. While there are conflicting accounts of her origins, one thing is certain—Nocturnal is a figure whose presence has been felt throughout the ages. Whether in the ancient Khajiiti myths or the more recent events of Tamriel, Nocturnal's influence is pervasive and far-reaching.
Nocturnal's Appearance in The Elder Scrolls Games
Nocturnal's appearances in the Elder Scrolls games have further solidified her role as a powerful and enigmatic entity. In The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, players encounter Nocturnal through the Thieves Guild questline. It is here that the player is introduced to the concept of the Skeleton Key, a powerful artifact that can unlock any lock. The theft of the Skeleton Key, and the subsequent loss of Nocturnal's favor, plays a significant role in the decline of the Thieves Guild, leading to a quest to restore the artifact and reclaim her favor.
In The Elder Scrolls Online, Nocturnal's role is expanded as she is involved in a plot with other Daedric Princes, including Mephala and Clavicus Vile. She attempts to steal a secret from the Clockwork God, Sotha Sil, and uses this knowledge to manipulate the energies of Nirn for her own gain. Her betrayal of the other Princes, and her subsequent failure, is a pivotal moment in the history of the Daedric Princes. This event further cements her role as a schemer and manipulator, constantly plotting behind the scenes to achieve her ultimate goals.
Nocturnal's presence in these games is always accompanied by a sense of mystery. She is never fully understood, and her true intentions remain hidden in the shadows. Whether aiding the player or deceiving them, Nocturnal’s actions are always driven by a desire to expand her power and influence, especially through the manipulation of shadows and secrets.
The Significance of Nocturnal's Artifacts
Nocturnal's power is closely tied to her artifacts, which serve as tangible representations of her dominion over shadows and secrecy. Among her most well-known artifacts are the Skeleton Key, the Eye of Nocturnal, and the Gray Cowl of Nocturnal. Each of these items plays a significant role in the stories surrounding Nocturnal, and their loss or theft often results in dramatic consequences.
The Skeleton Key, for instance, is not merely a lockpick but a tool that can unlock any door or barrier, including those between worlds. Its theft, most notably by the thief Mercer Frey in Skyrim, leads to a series of events that shake the foundations of the Thieves Guild. Nocturnal’s anger over the loss of the key drives the plot of the Thieves Guild questline, with the player eventually tasked with retrieving the artifact to restore her favor.
The Eye of Nocturnal, another artifact, allows Nocturnal to see across vast distances and through the shadows. This artifact is a symbol of her watchful presence, as it grants her the ability to spy on her enemies and servants alike. Its theft, too, is significant, as it highlights the Prince’s vulnerability to the whims of mortals, despite her immense power.
Perhaps the most iconic of Nocturnal’s artifacts is the Gray Cowl of Nocturnal, a dark leather cowl that obscures the wearer’s identity. Legend has it that the cowl is cursed, with the wearer’s true identity erased from history. This artifact represents Nocturnal’s desire to manipulate perception, hiding her true self and the true nature of her followers in the shadows.
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| Nocturnal, Lady of the Night |
Nocturnal's Realm: Evergloam
Nocturnal’s realm, Evergloam, is a place of perpetual twilight, existing in a state of balance between light and dark. It is a realm of mystery, where the boundaries between the real world and the shadowy planes are thin. Evergloam is populated by a variety of Daedra who serve Nocturnal, including the Wraiths-of-Crows, Gloam Knights, and Nocturnals, shadowy beings who carry out her will. These creatures serve as her eyes and ears, ensuring that Nocturnal’s influence extends across the realms of Oblivion and Nirn.
Evergloam itself is described as a realm filled with long shadows and dark forests, a place where even the most mundane objects seem imbued with mystery. It is a realm that mirrors Nocturnal’s nature—unpredictable, elusive, and dangerous. Mortals who enter this realm often find themselves lost in the shifting landscapes, unable to discern reality from illusion.
Nocturnal’s Role in Tamriel’s History
Throughout Tamriel’s history, Nocturnal has played a role in several significant events. In The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, she is mentioned in passing, with references to her artifacts and the influence she has over certain groups. Her most notable appearance, however, comes in Skyrim, where she is deeply tied to the Thieves Guild. The events surrounding the Skeleton Key and its theft shape the trajectory of the Guild, and players are forced to confront Nocturnal herself to restore balance.
In The Elder Scrolls Online, Nocturnal’s actions take a more central role, as she is involved in a plot to steal secrets from Sotha Sil and manipulate the energies of Nirn. This betrayal leads to a conflict with the other Daedric Princes, and her failure in this venture serves as a reminder of her ambitions and ruthlessness.
Nocturnal’s influence can also be seen in the worship of her followers. Many thieves, shadow-dwellers, and outcasts see her as a patron deity, seeking her favor for stealth, luck, and protection in the shadows. Her cults are scattered across Tamriel, with followers who worship her in secret, offering sacrifices and prayers in exchange for her blessings.
Nocturnal remains one of the most complex and intriguing Daedric Princes in The Elder Scrolls lore. Her motives are often obscure, her actions driven by hidden agendas and a desire for power. Whether through her manipulation of shadow magic, her collection of powerful artifacts, or her secretive realm of Evergloam, Nocturnal's presence is always felt, even if her true intentions remain a mystery. As the Mistress of Shadows, she embodies the unknown, the unspoken, and the unseen, making her an essential figure in the mythos of the Elder Scrolls universe.
In the end, Nocturnal is a Daedric Prince whose power lies not only in the darkness she commands but in the mystery she perpetuates. To understand Nocturnal is to lose oneself in the very shadows she rules, forever uncertain of what lies beyond the veil.
Nocturnal's Raw Power
Nocturnal, the Daedric Prince of Shadows and the Mistress of Mystery, stands as one of the most formidable figures in the Elder Scrolls universe. When evaluating her raw power, her overall potency across various domains—strength, magical ability, and combat prowess—demonstrates her status as a supreme entity of the night. On a scale of 1 to 10, considering only her raw power relative to all fantasy characters, Nocturnal earns a 7.5. This rating acknowledges her tremendous magical might, her ability to control shadows and manipulate others through darkness, and her general effectiveness in combat scenarios, although it falls short of the highest echelons of raw physical strength or combat versatility.
Strength
Nocturnal's strength, in the traditional sense, is relatively modest compared to other beings in fantasy universes who rely on brute physical power. As a Daedric Prince, she is not known for exceptional feats of physical prowess like some of her counterparts, whose abilities are more rooted in raw muscle or physical combat. Instead, Nocturnal’s power manifests in subtler ways, primarily through her mastery over shadows and darkness. In combat, she is more likely to manipulate her environment or summon shadowy servants to do her bidding rather than engage in direct physical confrontation herself. While she may have some inherent physical resilience due to her status as a Daedric Prince, her strength is not her primary asset, and therefore, her score in this category is on the lower end.
Magical Ability
Nocturnal’s magical ability is one of her most defining characteristics, placing her among the most powerful magical entities in all of Tamriel. As the Daedric Prince of Shadows and Mystery, her control over shadow magic is unparalleled. She can manipulate darkness, bend reality through the use of shadow magic, and even control time and space to an extent. Her artifacts, such as the Skeleton Key, which unlocks any lock, and the Eye of Nocturnal, which grants her an omniscient view of her domain, are embodiments of her extraordinary magical prowess. The ability to create shadowy Daedra, like the Wraiths-of-Crows and Gloam Knights, further exemplifies her command over the dark forces. Her power to twist shadows into portals, create barriers, and manipulate the very fabric of light itself places her magical abilities at the upper echelons of the fantasy world. Nocturnal’s spellcasting prowess, however, is mostly constrained to her specific domain—shadow and darkness—limiting her versatility in other magical forms, but within her scope, she is virtually unmatched.
Combat Prowess
In terms of combat prowess, Nocturnal is certainly effective, but not in the same way that more physically oriented characters would be. As a Daedric Prince, she can call upon the full might of her shadowy servants and magical abilities to overwhelm her enemies, but she rarely engages in direct physical combat herself. Instead, her combat style relies heavily on stealth, manipulation, and the use of her magical artifacts and minions. The Skeleton Key, for example, can be used to bypass any obstacle or lock, ensuring that Nocturnal is always a step ahead of her enemies. The Gray Cowl of Nocturnal provides the wearer with an ability to remain concealed in shadows, further underscoring her indirect, but highly effective, approach to combat. In terms of sheer combat skill, Nocturnal’s raw power is not at the level of some of the universe’s more battle-hardened characters, but her strategic use of resources and magic compensates for this limitation.
Nocturnal's Tactical Ability
Nocturnal, the Daedric Prince of Shadows, Mystery, and Night, commands a tactical ability that is truly remarkable within the Elder Scrolls universe. Her approach to conflict, both subtle and highly strategic, relies on manipulation, foresight, and long-term planning rather than brute strength. Evaluating Nocturnal’s tactical prowess on a scale of 1 to 10, considering all fantasy characters across all universes, she earns an 8/10. This score reflects her ability to navigate complex situations with a high degree of strategic thinking, resource management, and mastery of indirect tactics. While not always directly involved in the battlefield, Nocturnal’s influence, ability to manipulate others, and control over powerful resources give her an edge in any conflict.
Strategic Mind
Nocturnal’s strategic mind is one of her most defining qualities. As a Daedric Prince, she is adept at formulating intricate plans that span vast stretches of time, often playing the long game with hidden motives that are not immediately obvious. She does not act impulsively but instead carefully observes her surroundings, waiting for the most opportune moment to make her move. One of her most notable strategic efforts occurred in The Elder Scrolls Online, when she managed to steal life-energy manipulation techniques from Sotha Sil, all while betraying her fellow Daedric Princes. This demonstrates her ability to both strategize and outmaneuver powerful enemies in an effort to increase her own influence and power. Her schemes, however, are not always executed perfectly—her failure to fully follow through in certain instances, such as with her plot to rewrite reality via the Heart of Transparent Law, reflects a vulnerability. Still, her ability to plan, especially in intricate, multi-step operations, is impressive and indicative of a powerful strategic mind.
Resourcefulness
Nocturnal excels in resourcefulness, particularly in her ability to adapt and find solutions to problems using the resources at her disposal. She is not a character who operates with brute force or conventional weapons, but rather with shadow magic, artifacts, and the influence of her minions. Her most valuable assets are the artifacts she controls, such as the Skeleton Key and Gray Cowl of Nocturnal, each providing significant advantages in a variety of scenarios. Her ability to manipulate the environment, summon powerful Daedra like the Gloam Knights, and use her shadowy minions to assist in her plans is a testament to her adaptability in various contexts. Furthermore, Nocturnal has the rare ability to exploit her enemies’ weaknesses and turn seemingly unfavorable situations to her advantage. This is particularly evident when she manages to reclaim the Skeleton Key after it is stolen, orchestrating events in Skyrim to regain control over her artifact. Nocturnal’s resourcefulness is one of her strongest tactical attributes, allowing her to operate in a variety of environments and leverage her powers in unforeseen ways.
Resource Arsenal
Nocturnal’s resource arsenal is vast, drawing on a variety of powerful tools, alliances, and magical abilities. As a Daedric Prince, she has direct access to her domain, Evergloam, and its shadowy creatures, including the Wraiths-of-Crows and the Nocturnals, which serve her needs across Nirn and Oblivion. These creatures are not only formidable combatants but also agents of espionage, enabling Nocturnal to gather information and carry out her will without direct involvement. In addition to her minions, Nocturnal possesses legendary artifacts like the Skeleton Key, which grants unparalleled access to any lock, and the Eye of Nocturnal, which allows her to observe distant locations and detect threats. These assets give her a significant advantage in both direct and indirect conflict scenarios. While her resources are primarily centered around her shadow-based abilities and artifacts, Nocturnal can also manipulate mortal emotions, often turning vulnerable individuals into followers or agents through her whispered influence in dreams, as seen with her interactions with Earl Tundilwen. Her ability to call upon these powerful resources in times of need makes her a highly effective tactician, capable of reshaping situations to suit her plans.
Nocturnal's Influence
Nocturnal, the Daedric Prince of Shadows, Mystery, and Night, wields considerable influence over both mortals and Daedra in the Elder Scrolls universe. Known for her shadowy realm and elusive nature, Nocturnal has a way of affecting the course of events without revealing herself fully to those she manipulates. When considering her ability to influence others, her powers of persuasion, the reverence she commands, and her formidable willpower, Nocturnal earns a rating of 8/10 on the influence scale. This score reflects her ability to sway others through a mix of subtlety, fear, and divine authority, though she does not command influence in the same overt way as other characters who rely heavily on charisma or leadership.
Persuasion
Nocturnal’s method of persuasion is complex and often relies on indirect means. Rather than relying on overt charisma or friendly negotiation, she tends to use subtle manipulation, often leveraging mortals' emotions or vulnerabilities. She does not directly command or coerce people into submission; instead, she entices them with promises of power, secrecy, and protection. Her ability to affect dreams and communicate through whispers in the minds of potential followers is a key aspect of her persuasive abilities. Those who are vulnerable, lonely, or seeking a hidden truth are particularly susceptible to her influence. Nocturnal often speaks to individuals in their dreams, offering comfort and sympathy, only to pull them into her service for her own ends. While this approach may not have the immediate force of overt charisma, it is highly effective, as it works on a psychological and emotional level, making her persuasion subtle but no less impactful.
Reverence
Nocturnal commands a high level of reverence, particularly among those who operate in the shadows. Thieves, assassins, and those who seek to remain unseen often look to her for guidance and favor. As the Lady of Shadows and the Mistress of Mystery, her name alone strikes awe and fear into those who understand her power. Mortals who worship her do so with a mix of fear and admiration, acknowledging her as a powerful and ancient being whose favor is both a gift and a dangerous tool. Nocturnal's role in overseeing the Thieves Guild, her association with the Nightingales, and her ability to bend shadows to her will contribute to her legendary status. Even among Daedric Princes, she is regarded with a certain level of awe. Her reverence is less about widespread admiration and more about the fear and respect she commands in those who rely on her, making her a figure of both respect and terror.
Willpower
Nocturnal's willpower is one of her most formidable traits, making her incredibly resistant to external manipulation and influence. As a Daedric Prince, she is impervious to most forms of control, including mind manipulation, and can assert her own agency in the face of overwhelming odds. Her ability to maintain control over both her actions and her followers speaks to her inner strength and determination. She commands her realm, Evergloam, with an unwavering resolve, and her will is often the force behind the manipulation of shadows and other mystical powers. Nocturnal's will is not just a personal strength; it is a defining feature of her role as a Daedric Prince, allowing her to shape events on a grand scale without succumbing to the will of others. This unyielding nature makes her a daunting figure who is difficult to subdue, both in a physical and metaphysical sense.
Nocturnal's Resilience
Nocturnal, the Daedric Prince of Shadows, Night, and Mystery, demonstrates a resilience that is integral to her role as one of the most enduring figures within the Elder Scrolls universe. Her ability to recover from setbacks, resist magical and physical damage, and her unyielding nature as a Daedric Prince earns her a score of 8/10 in resilience. This rating considers her durability and ability to withstand not only physical confrontations but also supernatural influences. While Nocturnal's resilience is formidable, it is not absolute, especially when compared to characters whose resilience involves extensive regeneration or invulnerability. Below, we break down the aspects of her resilience, evaluating her physical resistance, magical resistance, and longevity in greater detail.
Physical Resistance
As a Daedric Prince, Nocturnal possesses a high level of physical resistance, though she is not primarily known for engaging in direct combat. While her physical endurance and natural defenses are notable, they are secondary to her magical and strategic capabilities. Nocturnal’s physical resistance stems largely from her status as a Daedric Prince, granting her some degree of invulnerability to ordinary attacks and mortal injuries. However, she does not exhibit the level of physical toughness or regenerative power that other immortal beings might possess. For example, Nocturnal can be harmed by attacks that target her directly or exploit weaknesses in her shadowy nature, but she is rarely seen engaging in battle herself. Instead, she relies on her magical minions and shadow magic to protect her and carry out her will. In terms of raw physical durability, Nocturnal’s resilience is solid but not extraordinary when compared to characters who specialize in physical endurance or regeneration.
Magical Resistance
Nocturnal’s magical resistance is one of her defining features, and it is here that she truly excels. As a Daedric Prince, she is nearly impervious to most forms of magic, particularly spells that target her directly. Her domain, Evergloam, is a realm of shadow and twilight, and she has mastery over the forces of darkness, making her resistant to magical attacks that would affect ordinary beings. Her ability to control and manipulate shadows grants her a form of protection against magical forces that rely on light or energy-based attacks. Moreover, Nocturnal's control over her domain allows her to exert influence over the magical forces that bind mortals and Daedra alike, making her a formidable opponent against other magical beings. Her magical resistance also extends to her immunity to most mind-affecting spells, as her willpower and inner strength shield her from mental manipulation. This resilience to magical forces makes Nocturnal a difficult figure to vanquish, even by other powerful magical entities.
Longevity
As an ancient Daedric Prince, Nocturnal’s longevity is beyond the scope of mortal understanding. She exists outside the normal constraints of time, and her life span stretches back to a time before Oblivion itself. Her longevity is marked by her ability to endure across eons without aging or weakening, as she is not bound by the limitations that affect mortal beings. However, unlike some Daedric Princes who have demonstrated near-immortal regeneration or near-indestructibility, Nocturnal's longevity is more about endurance and persistence. She can withstand existential threats, but her ability to regenerate or recover from certain forms of defeat is less immediate than that of some of her peers. In the Elder Scrolls universe, Nocturnal has been involved in numerous schemes and battles, but she is often seen as a figure who outlasts rather than directly confronts threats. This enduring nature means that Nocturnal is not easily vanquished; even if she suffers a setback, her status as a Daedric Prince ensures that she can return in time to enact her plans once again.
Nocturnal's Versatility
Nocturnal possesses remarkable versatility in how she navigates both the physical and magical landscapes of the Elder Scrolls universe. Her ability to adapt to various situations and use her diverse set of powers to influence the world around her speaks to her status as a cunning and highly adaptable entity. Given her wide range of abilities, Nocturnal earns a 8.5/10 in versatility. While she may not exhibit the same broad range of skills as characters whose powers span multiple domains, her effectiveness across different types of conflicts and environments places her among the most versatile figures in fantasy.
Adaptability
Nocturnal’s adaptability is one of her most defining features. As a Daedric Prince, she exists outside the bounds of time, space, and mortality, which affords her an immense degree of flexibility in how she deals with challenges. Her primary domain, Evergloam, allows her to manipulate the very fabric of shadow and mystery, giving her the ability to adapt her environment to suit her needs. Whether pulling mortals into her service through dreams, creating portals to transport Daedric minions across realms, or manipulating the fabric of reality itself, Nocturnal has demonstrated time and again that she can shift and shape her methods depending on the situation at hand. Her control over shadow magic allows her to create barriers, alter perceptions, and bend the will of those who would oppose her, making her highly adaptable when faced with new or unforeseen challenges. Unlike more straightforwardly physical beings, Nocturnal uses her environment, her resources, and her magical prowess to remain a step ahead, regardless of the circumstances.
Luck
While Nocturnal’s powers do not inherently rely on luck, she is deeply intertwined with fate and fortune, especially when it comes to her worshipers and the Thieves Guild. In the Elder Scrolls universe, Nocturnal is revered as a goddess of luck, particularly among thieves and those who deal in secrecy. Her connection to luck manifests through her artifacts and the influence she has over the fortune of those who worship her. The Skeleton Key, for example, ensures that luck is on the side of its user when it comes to bypassing any lock, allowing them to bypass obstacles with ease. While she does not directly manipulate chance, Nocturnal’s influence on luck is apparent in the way her followers seem to experience improbable success. Her connection to the forces of darkness and chance allows her to influence outcomes, often in subtle but powerful ways, which gives her an edge in situations where luck can turn the tide of a conflict.
Shaved Knuckle in the Hole
Nocturnal’s possession of secret advantages is one of the most fascinating aspects of her versatility. She often operates behind the scenes, setting in motion plans that are not immediately visible to her enemies. This covert approach allows her to maintain several layers of hidden power that can be deployed when needed. One of the best examples of this is her use of her shadow magic and the artifacts she controls, such as the Gray Cowl of Nocturnal and the Eye of Nocturnal. The cowl, for instance, ensures that the wearer’s identity is hidden, making it impossible for others to recognize or remember them. This gives Nocturnal or her followers an advantage in situations where secrecy is paramount. Similarly, the Skeleton Key provides an escape route from seemingly impossible situations, allowing Nocturnal or her agents to bypass any obstacle. Her ability to hide her true intentions and deploy powerful resources when needed demonstrates her strength in keeping hidden advantages at her disposal, ensuring that she is never caught off guard.
Nocturnal's Alignment
Nocturnal is a Daedric Prince, an immortal and powerful being from the planes of Oblivion. As a Daedric entity, she does not belong to any conventional race. Instead, Nocturnal exists as a supernatural being, with dominion over shadows, darkness, and secrecy. While she does have ties to mortal beings, particularly those who revere her, such as the Khajiit and the members of the Thieves Guild, her true identity transcends any physical race or subrace. In terms of factions, Nocturnal is primarily associated with the Daedric Princes, including her role in the Daedric Triad with Mephala and Clavicus Vile. She also has strong connections to groups like the Thieves Guild, which worships her as their patron deity, and the Nightingales, a trio of mortals tasked with guarding the Twilight Sepulcher and the Ebonmere. Her influence stretches across Tamriel, especially among those who operate in secrecy or the shadows.
Nocturnal's alignment is best described as Chaotic Evil. As a Daedric Prince, she is not bound by the laws and structures that govern the mortal world. Her methods are often subtle and indirect, relying on manipulation, secrecy, and the control of shadows rather than overt, lawful actions. She does not adhere to the principles of law or order but instead creates her own rules based on her desires and goals. While she does not necessarily seek to destroy or disrupt for the sake of chaos, she operates within a realm that thrives on ambiguity and mystery. Nocturnal’s influence encourages those who live outside conventional societal rules—such as thieves, assassins, and outcasts—to embrace the freedom of shadows and the unknown. Her actions are driven by personal motives and the need to maintain her power, rather than any overarching sense of duty or lawfulness, making her a chaotic figure in terms of her methods and behavior.
Nocturnal aligns more closely with Evil. She is not inherently benevolent and does not act out of a sense of good. Instead, she is primarily concerned with maintaining control over her domain, Evergloam, and manipulating events to her advantage. While she does not engage in malevolent acts for their own sake, she shows little regard for the well-being of others unless it serves her interests. Her worshipers, particularly those in the Thieves Guild, may view her as a patron deity, but Nocturnal’s true nature is self-serving and driven by a desire for power and control. Her actions often lead to outcomes that benefit her directly, regardless of the cost to others. She may provide her followers with gifts such as luck or protection, but these are typically offered with strings attached, demonstrating her neutral evil nature. She is not a force of pure destruction, but her indifference to the suffering of others and her manipulation of individuals for her gain place her firmly in the evil category. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Nocturnal's Trophy Case
Arena Results
Titles & Postseason Results
Halls of Legend Records
Overall Conclusion on Nocturnal and Position Across Planes of Existence
Nocturnal, the Daedric Prince of Shadows, Night, and Mystery, is undeniably one of the most formidable and enigmatic beings in the Elder Scrolls universe. With her control over darkness, secrecy, and the arcane, she occupies a significant place among the Daedric Princes. Her role as a manipulator of fate, fortune, and shadows positions her in the upper echelons of power across all planes of existence, earning her a rating of 8.0 on the power scale. While she is certainly not among the top tier of universally powerful entities, her influence and abilities are still vast and potent enough to place her among the most dangerous and influential figures in the multiverse.
Nocturnal's rating reflects her strength in subtle manipulation and long-term strategic thinking, rather than raw, overwhelming power. Her physical might is limited, as she rarely engages in direct combat, preferring to use her minions and shadows to achieve her goals. In terms of magical power, Nocturnal is highly capable, with an extensive range of shadow-based spells and abilities that allow her to control her environment and the fate of others. However, she does not exhibit the same wide-ranging magical versatility seen in characters who command multiple elements or broader magical fields. Her tactical ability is exceptional, often relying on patience and manipulation rather than overt force to achieve her aims. The way she operates across mortal and Daedric realms speaks to her incredible adaptability and resourcefulness, but her reliance on specific domains like shadow magic and secrecy limits her versatility in comparison to those who command more universal or elemental forces.
While Nocturnal commands immense respect, her power is not without limitations. She does not possess the same kind of omnipotence or cosmic influence seen in other top-tier figures across the fantasy multiverse, such as gods or beings of primal chaos who reshape reality with a thought. Nocturnal’s powers are far-reaching in her own sphere, but she is ultimately still a Daedric Prince with clear goals, desires, and a defined realm—Evergloam—that is tied to her influence. She does not aspire to become an all-powerful cosmic entity, but rather operates from the shadows, pulling strings and influencing events from behind the veil.
Nocturnal’s position in the power rankings is thus one of strategic importance. Her ability to influence outcomes, manipulate luck, and govern secrecy makes her a key player in the Elder Scrolls universe, but she is not an omnipotent or universally unbeatable figure. Her enduring nature, magical prowess, and vast network of followers—especially in the Thieves Guild and among the Khajiit—ensure that she remains a force to be reckoned with, though not one who dominates all of existence.
In conclusion, Nocturnal’s power, while formidable, is specific in nature. She excels in the art of manipulation, control, and strategy rather than in sheer destructive force or invulnerability. As such, her placement at 8.0 is a fair representation of her upper-tier standing in the realm of Daedric Princes and her influence across planes, but not at the absolute pinnacle of power in the broader fantasy multiverse. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated power ranking across all planes of existence. This will only be sortable on desktop viewing. The below table shows a summary within the same plane of existence of this article.
