Community Spotlight—Geonhdrio’s Dwarven Spider

ESO fan and cosplayer Geonhdrio has crafted a real-life mechanical wonder—the Dwarven spider pet! Learn more about him and his marvelous creation in our latest Community Spotlight.

Hi, Geonhdrio! When did you first start crafting props and costumes, and how did you come to play The Elder Scrolls Online?

I was always busy making all kinds of creative things from a young age, but it was in 2012 when I started to work more seriously on costumes and props. It got to a point where I was asked to wear some of my creations to different events to show them off and entertain, so my love for creating props and costumes only grew even more. Since then, I’ve created many items for different themes like steampunk, post-apocalyptic, and fantasy.

After several years of playing all kinds of different games and MMOs, my girlfriend introduced me to ESO in the start of 2017. When I got used to the massive world and the community, I knew this was the game for me and started playing much more seriously. Now ESO is almost the only game I play.

Dwarven spiders are complex, iconic Elder Scrolls machines. What inspired you to create one for yourself?

Because of my affinity for technical and mechanical structures and objects, the last couple of years I’ve been fascinated by the steampunk subculture. When the amazing clockwork machines in ESO crossed my path, I became a collector and a bit of a Dwemer nerd, haha!

When I first saw the Dwarven spider in particular, I knew I wanted to have one for my collections in real life. However, after searching for a long time, I couldn’t find one, so I decided to make it myself!

Before you began, how did you go about planning such an elaborate build?

With most of my projects I just start, take my time, and just see where it goes. Because of my experience in working with all kinds of different materials in the past, I had the knowledge I needed to create something like this. To be honest, the start of this journey was simple: I hopped into the game, took out my Dwarven spider pet, placed it in one of my houses, and took some screenshots from different angles.

What materials did you use to construct the automaton?

With the screenshots at hand, I started with a frame of aluminum to give the overall project a strong body. Then, after drawing out templates and cutting it out of EVA foam, I gradually built it up, step by step. When the Dwarven spider’s body was complete, I crafted runes out of blue fiber optics, placing LED lights (5v USB / power bank powered) underneath. Finally, the last thing to do to complete the project was to give it a nice brass color and weathered look.

How long did it take to construct such an elaborate project?

That is always a hard question for me to answer because most of my projects I create in my spare time outside of my job and playing ESO. If I had to roughly estimate (not including dry times and ordering materials), I think it took me roughly around 200 hours, keeping in mind I did it all by hand with almost no machines.

Do you have any advice for anybody else who wishes to craft one of ESO’s mechanical wonders?

JUST DO IT! As long as you make and create something you like, the result doesn’t matter, the journey does. ENJOY it because you have nothing to lose. Never compare your level of skill with someone else, as everybody has to start at the beginning, and don’t be afraid to ask other crafters for help and info (exactly the same as you should do in a game with the #ESOFam).

Have you crafted anything from ESO before? Are there any new ESO-inspired creations on the horizon?

Before I started with the Dwarven spider, I created a Dragon skull inspired by Alduin from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim that has glowing eyes and can blow smoke. One current project I am working on is a full-body Refabricated heavy armor costume complete with a shield and sword. I’d also love to create some more Dwarven things in the future, such as a life-size Dwarven centurion, a life-size Dwarven spider mount, a life-size Dwarven sphere, the theodolite pet, a clockwork skeevaton, and more. Yes, I know, it’s very ambitious, haha! (Editor’s note: Don’t let us stop you!)