Dremora ( Oblivion ) Dremora are a species of Daedra found in that serve the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon . As such , they are frequently encountered during attempts to close Oblivion Gates , which lead to the Deadlands , Dagon ' s plane of Oblivion . They are formidable opponents ; even the lowliest Dremora is able to proficiently engage their opponents with both weapon and spell . Physiology . Dremora are humanoid beings of above average size , typically appearing as male with sneering black - and - red faces , and sometimes small stubs of horns . They are fully sentient and most are powerful warriors or spellcasters . They are the most powerful and intelligent of the lesser daedra , to the point of governing over other daedra on behalf of their Lord . Higher - ranking Dremora are often larger in physique than a Nord male . Dremora are always heavily armored and even the spellcaster ' s robes provide heavy armor protection . Dremora are one of the rare species of Daedra which are not only sentient , but capable of human speech . Unlike other sentient species , such as Golden Saints or Dark Seducers , the Dremora primarily speak in their own language and use Nibenese only for taunting human opponents . Dremora always have robotic , distorted voices . Little is known about the Dremora language , except for a few key terms . The Dremora word for " people " is Kyn , the name they use to refer to themselves ( compare to mer and men . ) An individual Dremora is called a kynaz , roughly one of the people . Their use of this term also encompasses their belief that all other daedric species are essentially beasts , or at best uncivilized . The most complete source of information on Dremora comes from the reference tome , " Varieties of Daedra " , which can be found in most bookstores and libraries across Cyrodiil . These beasts are followers mainly of Mehrunes Dagon . Culture . Dremora have developed a complex social structure , with each individual belonging to a particular caste , or subtype . ( These subtypes are actually ranks of an NPC - only Dremora faction . ) The castes are assigned titles in the Dremora language ; these are the names by which most people refer to an individual Dremora . Their culture is almost exclusively devoted to combat , primarily in defense of Mehrunes Dagon ' s plane of Oblivion as well as troops for his offensive plans . Within Dremora culture , most members do not have a distinct identity . All members of a given caste are treated as essentially identical . Their choices of weapons , armor and skill specialties are common within the entire subtype . Only a few Dremora achieve a social status high enough to be granted a unique name . These Dremora are often the highest ranking generals on Dagon ' s army and are granted a great deal of independence . The highest - ranking Dremora are also more likely to engage in conversation with non - Dremora , although the tone is still one of extreme condescension . As the Hero progresses in level , the types of Dremora encountered progresses up the chain of command . Most Dremora are of a fixed level , usually slightly lower than the level where the player first encounters them . However , a typical Dremora individual is roughly as strong as a human or elf two to four levels higher , so one - on - one the odds are fairly even . When faced with multiple Dremora , the Hero can quickly find themselves overwhelmed . " Varieties of Daedra " divides the Kyn castes into three basic groups : soldiers , commanders , and nobility . In addition , there are a few specialized Dremora , which may be previously unknown subtypes , or may simply be specialized members of an existing subtype . All Dremora subtypes have certain characteristics in common . They are highly aggressive ; and rogue , summoned Dremora will be attacked on sight by town guards . They are considered a race of humanoid NPCs , not a variety of creature . This means that spells which target creatures will not affect them , while spells which target humanoids will . In addition , even the weakest Dremora cannot be soul trapped except by use of a Black Soul Gem . The Dremora at each rank can be further grouped by their primary attack type , into melee , ranged , and magical attackers . All Dremora have access to the full range of Destruction magic , and have an innate magical resistance . Dremora mages can conjure other daedra for assistance , and can shield themselves from both physical and magical attacks . Melee or ranged attackers , in addition to the Destruction spells , can also Dispel effects from themselves and the Hero . Any given Dremora corpse is likely to generate the following drops : In addition , Dremora will have weapons and armor appropriate for their caste . With the exception of the Dremora Princes , or Valkynaz , all Dremora carry at least one Dremora weapon , and wear some form of Dremora armor . Dremora mages will be wearing a Dremora robe , and with the exception of the lowest ranks , have about a 50 % chance of carrying a staff . Melee and missile attackers wear a matching set of heavy cuirass / greaves / boots . Missile attackers will also be equipped with a bow and about a half - dozen arrows , while certain types of melee attackers will have additional equipment , as described below . Ranks . Soldiers . The soldier subtypes are the rank and file of Mehrunes Dagon ' s army , and are fairly numerous on his plane of Oblivion . They are roughly Apprentice level in their chosen skill set , with conjurers being able to summon scamps . Churl . Churls are the lowest ranking foot soldiers among the Kyn , appearing from the start of the game , and will level up along with the player . Higher ranking Dremora will often use the term " churl " when hurling insults at the player , clearly indicating their status within Kyn society . All Churl carry a Dremora Mace . Fighters and mages may have enchantments on their maces , while bowmen will have a light bow and field arrows . Caitiff . The Caitiff are the irregulars of the Kyn army , and begin appearing around level 6 . In addition to their normal heavy armor , melee - type Caitiff will be carrying a Dremora Caitiff Shield . Like the Churl , these will be carrying a mace , though more likely to be enchanted , and the bowman will have a light bow and field arrows . The Apprentice - level Conjuration spell " Summon Dremora " will summon a Caitiff armed with mace and shield . However the Caitiff frequently uses lightning attacks as well . Kynval . Val is a Kyn word implying a type of leadership or nobility , making Kynval roughly equivalent to a knight . These Dremora typically begin appearing around level 11 , but can appear at levels as low as 9 , although rare . In addition to their normal armor , melee warriors may be wearing a helmet . Fighter and mage Kynval are equipped with a longsword , which may be enchanted , while bowmen are equipped with a mace , heavy / light bow , and broad headed arrows . Officers . There are two Dremora " officer " ranks , which act as both military commanders and members of what passes for regional government among the Kyn . At these ranks , Dremora begin to reach Journeyman level in their chosen skills , particularly Destruction spells ; conjurers may summon flame atronach s in addition to scamps . Kynreeve . A reeve is a term for a regional official roughly equivalent to a Colonel . Kynreeve are the police of the Kyn , as well as field commanders for lower - level Dremora . They begin appearing around level 14 , typically replacing the Caitiff . Kynreeve melee units carry Dremora Kynreeve Shields , and possibly a Dremora Kynreeve Helmet . Bowman will carry a Dremora mace , heavy / light bow , and broad headed arrows ; fighters and mages will carry a Dremora longsword . Kynmarcher . The Kynmarcher is the ranking official in a typical outpost , tower , or local area . They are roughly equivalent to a minor lord , high ranking General or duke in Imperial nobility . These appear starting around level 17 ; apart from their tendency to conjure flame atronachs instead of scamps , they are fairly similar to Kynreeve . Fighters and mages are now carrying claymores , possibly with intermediate - level enchantments on them , though they are still Dremora weapons . Melee attackers also frequently wear a Dremora Kynmarcher Helmet . Bowmen will be carrying a heavy bow and barbed arrows . Nobles . At the top of the Dremora chain of command are two noble subtypes . These Dremora are a good deal stronger than the lower ranks , for several reasons . One major difference is that , unlike most other Dremora , these types level along with the player . They also have access to more powerful spells , including reflection and spell absorption . At the highest levels , the mages will begin summoning powerful daedra , including daedroth and Xivilai . Markynaz . The term markynaz translates approximately into dremora lord , and hold a position somewhat near a grand duke or count . They are members of the Markyn , the Council of Lords which presides over the Dremora society . Markynaz mages receive a magicka boost similar to the Mage birthsign . Markynaz begin appearing around level 21 . Markynaz mages and fighters carry claymores , and the fighters will almost always be wearing a Dremora Kynmarcher Helmet ( though a stronger version than that worn by a Kynmarcher ) . The bowmen are still equipped with heavy bows and barbed arrows , but now carry longswords instead of maces . As an interesting side note , the only female Dremora in the game is a Dremora Markynaz bow woman . The Master - level conjuration spell " Summon Dremora Lord " will summon a melee - type Markynaz . Valkynaz . The upper echelon of Mehrunes Dagon ' s Dremora army are the Valkynaz , or Dremora Princes . They are all members of the Valkyn , Mehrunes Dagon ' s personal " royal guard . " They begin appearing around level 19 , and will eventually make up the majority of the Dremora encountered in Oblivion . They are not frequently seen on Tamriel , and prefer to stay inside the towers in the Deadlands of Oblivion . These Dremora are much better equipped than their lower ranking cousins . Melee and magic attackers wield a Daedric Warhammer , and missile attackers carry a Daedric Bow ( usually with 3 – 10 barbed arrows ) . The melee and missile attackers have also replaced their Dremora armor with the superior Daedric armor , but show no signs of wearing a Daedric helmet , ironic for the lower - ranking Markynaz , who do . In addition to their new appearance , they now have long hair , colored dark red . Unique Dremora . A number of other , unique types of Dremora are encountered during the invasion from Oblivion . In general , these are specialized versions of one of seven Dremora ranks described above . Some of the more notable are included below : The following Dremora have been assigned to aid Mankar Camoran within his constructed Paradise . These Dremora will actually converse with others ( but clearly don ' t like doing so ) :