Elder Scrolls Introduction and Lore

[Commissar MercZ]

Courtesy of the Elder Scrolls forum
The Imperial Library- Extensive Lore site

What are the Elder Scrolls?
The Elder Scrolls are series of games made by Bethesda Softworks. They started with TES I: Arena and are currently working on TES IV: Oblivion

The World of the Elder Scrolls
Map
The Elder Scrolls take place on the continent known as Tamriel, which is currently united by the Empire. It is split into 9 continents, home to the different races of Tamriel.

• Cyrodiil: Cyrodiil is home to the Imperials and the capital of the Empire. Its capital is also called Cyrodiil, which contains the Imperial Palace,the home of the Emperor.
• High Rock: Home to the Bretons and some orcs. High Rock is secluded from the rest of the Empire by massive mountain ranges, which contain some Orc strongholds, such as Orisium. High Rock is also home to the Ancient Adamantium Tower, the oldest structure in Tamriel. The Capital is Daggerfall.
• Hammerfell: Home to to the Redguards. Hammerfell's larger settlements are mainly situated on the coast. The capital is Stros M'kai, which is located on an Island.
• Skyrim: Home to the Nords. Skyrim is a very cold and harsh region, filled with snowstorms and mountain ranges. Skyrim is most notable for being the site where the ancestors of the humans landed in Tamriel from Atorma, at a site called Winterhold, which is also the capital of Skyrim.
• Summerset Isle: Home to the High Elves. Summerset Isle is an Island located off the mainland of Tamriel. Summerset Isle is secluded from the rest of Tamriel, and its inhabitants are the same, preferring to be shutout from the rest of the Empire.
• Valenwood: Home to the Wood Elves. Valenwood has many forests containing massive trees. Its capital is Falinestli.
• Elsweyr: Home to the feline Khajiit. Elsweyr is mainly arid, with savannahs, plains, and deserts.
• Black Marsh: Home to the Reptilian Argonians. The Black Marsh is a mainly swamp-like environment, containing massive, ancient trees known as the Hist.
• Morrowind: Home to the Dark Elves. Morrowind contains a massive island known as Vvardenfell, where TES III: Morrowind takes place. Morrowind's capital is Amalexia.

[-Ghost-]

Good thread idea! I started playing Elder Scrolls at Morrowind, so I've only heard of some of these when mentioned briefly in-game, or from failed mods.

[Commissar MercZ]

Other Continents (From the Elder Scrolls forum- User Nigedo)

• Akavir - home to a wide variety of demon and beast races, many of whom have designs on Tamriel. This large continent is east of Tamriel.
• Atmora - harsh and frozen homeland of Atmoran humans, the persisting ancestors of both Nords and Cyrodiils. This land lies to the north of Tamriel.
• Pyandonea - home of the Maormer or Tropical Elves. This is a land far to the south of the Summurset Isles, the most southern territory of Tamriel.
• Thras - domain of the Sload race. Sometimes described as 'the coral kingdoms', this land is said to have risen out of the Abecean sea between Tamriel and Yokuda. History records that this land was razed by the All Flags Navy of Tamriel, in retribution for the Thrassian Plague unleashed by Sload in 1E2200. Whether it continues to exist in the Third Era is disputed.
• Yokuda - continent from which the Redguard race originated. It was somewhere west of Tamriel before the Redguard apparently destroyed most of it during the First Era, although traces of the continent still appear on maps dating from the end of the Second Era.

Info on races (From the Elder Scrolls forum- User Nigedo)

Aldmer (Elder People, First Folk)- depending upon its context, this term is used to describe either all mer collectively as a distinct racial grouping or the original progenitors of all mer that first settled Tamriel in the Merethic Era. In the latter sense, Aldmer are frequently identified with Altmer, who continue to inhabit the earliest centralized elven homelands of Tamriel and who try to preserve their original racial purity.

Altmer (High People, High Elves) - the golden-skinned mer of the Summurset Isles (2E part of the Aldmeri Dominion) the original homeland of Tamrielic Aldmer. They consider themselves to be both the purest strain of mer in Tamriel and its most civilized race. Altmeri culture is deeply traditional, highly organised and exclusive, preferring little contact with 'lesser' races of mer and men. Altmer show a great propensity for magic and much of their culture is founded upon use of the arcane.

Argonians (People Of The Root) - the lizard people of Argonia, the marshland expanse of far south-eastern Tamriel (Imperial Province of Black Marsh). Sadly, little is known about either their history or culture, but it is clear that Argonians are intelligent and agile, adapted for life on land or in water, and show an aptitude for magic.

You can learn more about Argonians at the site The House Of Ral-Jiktar.

Ayleids (Hidden Folk, Wild Elves) - these reclusive mer are reputed to inhabit the wild areas of every region of Tamriel. They isolate themselves from all other races, even Altmer, preferring to maintain an exclusively Ayleidic, traditional culture that is removed from and alien to the mainstream of Tamriel.

You can learn more about Ayleids from the game book On Wild Elves.

Bosmer (Tree-Sap People, Green or Forest Folk, Wood Elves) - tan-skinned inhabitants of the dense rain forests of Valenwood (2E part of the Aldmeri Dominion) in south-west Tamriel. Their society is clan based and largely informal; Bosmer care little for most of the civilized trappings of other Tamrielic cultures, preferring to live harmoniously with their natural surroundings.

Bretons - a diverse, hominid race native to the region of High Rock in north-west Tamriel. Their fragmented society is violently sectarian and, before Imperial domination in the Third Era, comprised many rival city kingdoms that warred with each other regularly. Bretons are likely to have originated in the late Merethic or early First Era, from interbreeding between Altmer, who then dominated High Rock, and Nedic (early men) settlers. It is likely to be this part-Altmeri lineage that has gifted Bretons with their great affinity for magic.

Chimer (Changed Ones, People Of The North) - a tribe of Aldmer who undertook the Velothi exodus from the Summurset Isles, during the Merethic Era, after assuming religious beliefs based upon the veneration of Daedra Princes. They settled in the land now known as Morrowind where they eventually became the Dunmer.

You can learn more about the origins of the Chimer from the game book The Changed Ones.

Cyrodiils (Imperials, Men) - the modern descendants of Merethic Era Nedic (proto-Cyrodiil) and First Era Nord (Cyro-Nord) settlers who thrived in the Nibenay and Colovian interior regions of Tamriel that are now known as Cyrodiil. The Heartlanders, as they are also known, have a long and rich heritage and a highly developed society. Third Era Cyrodilic Emperors of Tamriel have ruled the continent for over four hundred years, since the conquest of Tiber Septim.

You can learn more about the origins of Cyrodiils from the game book Frontier, Conquest, and Accommodation: A Social History of Cyrodiil.

Dunmer (Cursed People, Dark Elves) - the dark-skinned mer native to volcanic Morrowind in the north-east of Tamriel. They have a strictly hierarchical society based upon their organization into settled Great Houses, although a few nomadic tribes remain in northern Vvardenfell. Dunmer are regarded suspiciously by other races, but Dunmeri culture is colorful and vibrant, albeit somewhat cool towards foreigners or 'outlanders' as they are known.

You can learn more about Dunmeri culture from the game book Great Houses of Morrowind.

Dwemer (Deep Folk, Dwarves) - although widely used, the term 'dwarves' is a misnomer, the Dwemer were actually of average hominid height. They formed close knit communities in subterranean dwellings across Tamriel. Dwemeri society was highly organised and based upon their common passions for logic and 'technological' innovation. Almost the entire race mysteriously disappeared during the Battle of Red Mountain (ca. 1E700).

You can learn more about Dwemer from the game books Ancient Tales Of The Dwemer

from the unofficial reports

The Definitive Guide To Dwemer

The Mystery of the Dwemer

Dwemer Energy Study

and from the site Academy for Dwemer Studies.

Ehlnofey - believed by many to be one of the earliest mortal races upon Nirn and ancestors of both men and mer. However, "Ehlnofey" can be translated as 'Earth Bones' and, as such, the term is often used to describe the mythic foundations of the mortal plane itself, created by a sacrificial transition which certain immortals undertook during the legendary Dawn Era. Altmer specifically revere these immortals as Aedra, that is, 'our ancestors'.

You can learn more about the Ehlnofey and the possible origins of mortals from the game book The Annotated Anuad

and from the official source The Dawn Era.

Falmer (Snow People, Snow or Ice Elves) - these legendary mer are reputed to have once inhabited the cold wastes of northern Tamriel. They feature in Nord folklore, but there are no modern accounts of them and they are widely believed to be now extinct. One myth holds that they were exterminated by the Nords of Skyrim, during the reign of King Vrage the Gifted (ca. 1E230), while another suggests that the last of the Falmer were killed by the Nords of Solstheim.

Hist - 'The Anuad' (see Ehlnofey above) portrays the Hist as an ancient, sentient race of trees; a distinct racial group that coexisted with the Ehlnofey in the Dawn Era. Argonians hold the Hist to be sacred, but it is difficult to say whether they venerate them in the same way that men, and even mer, worship gods. To Argonians, the Hist appear to represent life, as both the wellspring of life and the guardians of their life cycle.

You can learn more about the Hist from the game book The Seed.

Khajiit (lit. Desert Walkers) - an often hominid race who credit their own creation to the Daedra Prince Azura, from the same ancestral roots as Bosmer. She tied them to the ja-Kha'jay or 'lunar lattice' so that their individual forms would be dictated by the phases of the moons. The feline Khajiit originate from the arid northern wastelands and southern jungles of Elsweyr, in southern Tamriel.

You can learn more about Khajiit from explanations given by Jobasha in the official source Interview With Three Booksellers.

Nords (Men) - descendants of the men of Atmora that migrated to northern Tamriel in the early First Era. Nord traditions are resplendent with legendary heroes that battled their traditional enemies, elves and orcs, using the Thu'um, a powerful voice-magic. They are a hardy and warlike race, innovative woodcrafters, skilled sea farers and shrewd traders. Nords are naturally resistant to cold and thrive in the harsh climate of Skyrim.

You can learn more about Nords from the game book Children Of The Sky.

Orsimer (Pariah Folk, Orcs) - originally a tribe of Aldmer that venerated Trinimac the Champion of the Aedra. During the Merethic Era they became corrupted by the transformation of Trinimac into the Daedra Prince Malacath (Malauch) and were exiled from Summurset; eventually they founded the city-state of Orsinium near High Rock. Modern Orcs are stalwart warriors and widely respected for their service in the Imperial Legions; their armour is among the finest quality and most prized in Tamriel.

You can learn more about Orsimer from the game book The True Nature Of Orcs.

Redguards (from 'Ra Gada', Men) - former inhabitants of the continent of Yokuda, who migrated to Tamriel and settled in the Hammerfell region in the later First Era. Yokudan culture developed in isolation from other races of men and Redguard society is largely founded upon disciplined and self-reliant martial prowess. They are typically skilled sea farers and there are no finer warriors than Redguards in all of Tamriel.

You can learn more about Redguards from the game book Redguards, Their History and Their Heroes.
You can also learn more about many of the races of Tamriel (and beyond), their classification, homelands and cultures from the official source The Elder Scrolls Codex

and from the game books

The Pocket Guide To The Empire

Notes On Racial Phylogeny And Biology.

• Other civilized races upon Nirn include:
  
• Imga - the Ape Men of Valenwood. Aspiring to be more like mer, they often shave their fur, wear Altmeri clothing and even adopt superior attitudes towards men and other beast races.
• Kamal - the Snow Demons of Akavir that thaw out each year and attempt to overrun the Tang Mo. In the past, they have also attempted to invade Tamriel.
• Ka Po' Tun - the Tiger Folk of Akavir. The last of the Akaviri Dragons were destroyed long ago, during a war between the now Ka Po' Tun and the Tsaesci. Now the Tiger Folk seek to become Dragons; their leader, Tosh Raka, has reputedly succeeded and is now the largest Dragon on Nirn.
• Maormer (Tropical Elves) - originally outcast Aldmer, who now have a well established culture on the continent of Pyandonea. Their skin has a natural chameleon-like quality that tends to give them an unusual, colorless appearance.
• Sload - a slug-like race despised by all of Tamriel for unleashing the Thrassian Plague which wiped out most of the inhabitants of Tamriel (ca. 1E2200). Their homeland of Thras was subsequently sunk by a united Tamrielic armada and it was believed all had been killed, but some remain. They are slow and deliberate creatures with a very high aptitude for magic and a particular interest in necromancy.
• Tang Mo - the hugely diverse Monkey Folk of the Akaviri archipelago. They have always managed to resist becoming enslaved by the other dominant races of Akavir. They do not appear to be related to the Imga.
• Tsaesci - the Akaviri Serpent Folk credited with having eaten all of the Akaviri men and attempting to eat all of the Akaviri Dragons. During the First and Second Eras, Tsaesci were quite accepted in Tamriel and, for a substantial part of the Second Era, they controlled the Empire.

You can learn more about the races of Akavir from the game book Mysterious Akavir

and from the unofficial article Definitive Akavir.

[Commissar MercZ]

The Nerevarine Prophecies

I. History of Nerevar

Sources- Game books of Progress of Truth, Nerevar at Red Mountain, The Battle of Red Mountain, and the Rise and Fall of the Tribunal

This is what really happened-

The history of Morrowind starts with the prophet Veloth, a chimer (a tribe of High Elves). He led the Chimer to the lands of Morrowind, then known as Resdayn. As the Chimer settled in their new home, they were divided into houses and tribes, and constantly fought eachother and the Dwemer. The Chimer were also pestered by the Nords, who were constantly making raids into their lands. The Chimer worshipped the Daedra and followed their religion closely, whereas their brethern disregarded religion and prefered science and logic. Eventually, a Chimer named Lord Indoril Nerevar was able to unite the Chimer houses and tribes with the Dwemer, and with his new ally King Dumac, was able to defeat the Nords. Lord Nerevar had a friendship with King Dumac, the King of the Dwemer This marked a long period of peace (~250 years), in which the Moon-and-Star Ring (A ring made specially for Nerevar), Kagrenac's Tools, and Trueflame and Hopesfire were made. Nerevar made a Council, consisting of the different houses and tribes of the Chimer, as well as the Dwemer. Lord Nerevar also had married another Chimer, named Amalexia, and she became his queen. He also had two generals- Vivec and Sotha Sil. One house, House Dagoth led by Dagoth Ur, had found out a terrible secret- The Dwemers' chief engineer, Kagrenac, had been using profane magics in secret, using Lorkhan's heart to make their own god and tap its powers to conquer all of Resdayn for their own. When Dagoth Ur told Nerevar what King Dumac was doing Nerevar was shocked. Dagoth Ur and his Queen and generals told him to declare war on the Dwemer, but he couldn't bring himself to fight his friend. Nerevar went to Dumac personally, who told Nerevar that the Dwemer had done no such thing and were innocent of the crime. Nerevar then went to Holamayan and consulted with Azura, a Daedra Goddess. Azura told him that it was true, and Nerevar should destroy the Dwemer's new god. Nerevar went back to Dumac, trying to see if he and Dumac could make peace. The two fought and realized that war was inevitable. What Nerevar didn't realize was that Dumac was telling the truth- Dumac had no knowledge of what Kagrenac had been doing behind his back. Nerevar's army marched to Red Mountain and faced the Dwemer forces. Nerevar's forces were able to divert the Dwemer, but found out a horrible secret- the Dwemer were much more stronger and had gained immortality from the heart. During the battle, Dagoth Ur and Nerevar made their way into Red Mountain into the Heart's Chamber. Nerevar and Dumac fought eachother, until both fell from horrible wounds.

This is where the accounts become unclear-


What Vivec claims (The Battle of Red Mountain, and the Rise and Fall of the Tribunal)
Another account has Kagrenac using the tools on the heart. The Dwemer disappear, and Nerevar gives the tools to Dagoth Ur. Nerevar struggled outside, and with his dying breath, told Amalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec that the Chimer should never use the tools on the heart to do what the Dwemer had done. The three then proceeded inside, where they wrestled the tools from Dagoth Ur and secured the tools. Sotha Sil researched them, where he discovered that they could use it on the heart to make themselves gods. The three proceeded to do so, venturing to Red Mountain to use the heart. Once they did so, Azura appeared and Cursed the Chimer-
"This is not my act, but your act. You have chosen your fate, and the fate of your people, and all the Dunmer shall share your fate, from now to the end of time. You think yourselves gods, but you are blind, and all is darkness." . They then became the Tribunal.

I personally believe this to be what transpired afterwards(From Nerevar at Red Mountain)-
In this account, Dagoth Ur kills Kagrenac. Nerevar tells Dagoth Ur to use Kagrenac's Tool to destroy the magic that the Dwemer had from the Heart. As soon as Dagoth Ur did so, all of the Dwemer turned to ash and disappeared forever. Nerevar told Dagoth Ur to keep the tools until he returned. Nerevar struggled outside, where he met Amalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec. The three suggested that Nerevar should use the tools to give the Chimer total power. Nerevar did not want this, and decided to perform a ritual to Azura to see what she wanted. He told his advisers to help him. The three wanted to use Lorkhan's heart for their own use, and make themselves gods. Amalexia used poisonous candles, Sotha Sil poisoned Nerevar's robes, and Vivec used poisonous invocations. The result was Nerevar's death. Azura appeared and was angry at what the three had done. The three told her that they would soon become gods, and that the Chimer would forget the Daedras and worship them. Azura then cursed the Chimer - The Chimer's gold skin turned ash gray and their eyes turned fire red.
"Let this mark remind you of your trueselves who, like ghouls, fed on the nobility, heroism, and trust of their king." Azura made sure that the Dunmer had something to know what the three did, and promised the three that she would bring Nerevar back one day, who would set things right again and kill them.
Amalexia, Sotha Sil, and Vivec proceeded into Red Mountain, where Dagoth Ur was looking at his skin, which was also gray. Dagoth Ur realized what had happened, and attacked the three in anger. He was defeated and retreated, where the three then used the Tools on Lorkhan's heart. They made themselves gods, and became the Tribunal. They convinced the Chimer that their skin change was a sign of their change.

Accounts come back together-

While the Tribunal was enjoying their new found powers, Dagoth Ur slowly returned. He was able to secure two of the tools. Dagoth Ur then realized that if he got the last tool, he could use the Heart's power to kill the outsiders (Anyone not Dunmer) and those who aided them, and proceed to destroy the Empire. This is where you come in now.

II False Account (The War of the First Council)

A popular account spread by the Tribunal was that Nerevar had united the Chimer in a war against the "bad" guys- An alliance between House Dagoth-Dwemer-Westerners(Nords). Nerevar bravely fought and destroyed the profane magics (the Heart) that House Dagoth and Dwemer used. Nerevar dies from his wounds, and his advisors became The Tribunal then set forward to unite the Dunmer and lead them.

III The Nerevarine

Azura promises to the Tribunal that Nerevar will return one day as the Nerevarine (Nerevar Incarnate), fight Dagoth Ur, and cast the false gods (the Tribunal) from power. It is also mentioned that he will drive out the outsiders (Imperials, Argonians, Khajiit, Nords, etc). The Nerevarine must pass several things- the Seven Curses, the Seven Trials, and being able to wear the Moon-and-Star ring.

I personally doubt that Azura told the Tribunal that the Nerevarine would drive out the outladers, just simply to do the other things and re-unite the Dunmer. This is mainly due to how the other races could've have been the Nerevarine. You could have a Nordic, Argonian, Imperial, or any other race as the Nerevarine.

[Keirgo]

The History of Tamriel
Courtesy of the Imperial Library

"When we UNDERSTAND the events that occur to us,
the events become history. History is understanding.
Otherwise we're all just dumb animals trying to get in out of the cold." - Hasphat Antabolis

Tamriel, the central place of the light and darkness conflict, has a long line of history. From the Dawn Era when the gods walk on the land and the Merethic Era to the Third Era of the glorious Septim Dynasty. The book of history records so many mortal (and immortal) struggles, so many great creations and so many unfortunate endings.

The long First Era is mostly marked by the shifting of power from Elf to Human and the birth of some of the most powerful religions in the land. From the heartland of Tamriel, we learn of the struggling human race, from their miserable fate as slaves to finally being able to push out their Elven masters from the land. From the northeast part of the continent, the heart of Lorkhan tempts so many mortals, from Dwemer to Chimer and eventually to Human. The divine heart causes a terrible war, and the extinction of one great race.

The Second Era starts after the Akaviri Potentate successfully assassinates the last of the Cyrodiil line. This is also the era when some of the most powerful factions of Tamriel are born, the Mages Guild and the Dark Brotherhood being among the greatest of this period of time. The era finally ends after Tiber Septim, wielding a Dwemeri artifact called Numidium, successfully unites the entire Tamriel once again.

The Third Era, of whom some people say is the most glorious era of Tamriel, is also the time of the Septim Dynasty. In fact, the long line of Septim Emperors is almost at an end in several points in history. Some of the significant events are the War of Red Diamond, and a long decade of reign by the traitorous Jagar Tharn. Furthermore, this era is marked by the resurfacing of the Numidium and the rebirth of Nerevar, the greatest Chimeri general.

Ah, that is a brief prologue from me and now, please enjoy the book of time.

- Xan

Please note that this timeline might be considered as a spoiler.

Dawn Era
Merethic Era
First Era
Second Era
Third Era

[Commissar MercZ]

Ages
1E- First Era
2E- Second Era
3E- Third Era

*Note: CE stands for Common Era, but is the same as the Second Era.

The Empire

All of Tamriel is encompassed by the Empire, lead by the Emperor of Cyrodiil. The Empire is put together similar to the Roman Empire. The Emperor has supreme power over all, but the empire is divided into provinces lead by provincal governers to make things easier to govern. The Empire is guarded valiantly by the Imperial Legion, who are posted all across Tamriel to maintain the order.

The Beginning- The First Human Empire
Long ago, when the ancestors of man arrived at Skyrim from Atmora, there was a man named Ysgramor. He established a strong kingdom and built the magnificent city of Saarthal. The Elves viewed the newly arrived men as a threat and in a surprise attack, (The Night of Tears) the City of Saarthal was lost and Ysgramor was forced to retreat back to Atmora with two of his sons. He returned though, stronger and with a lust for revenge, and gathered the legendary Five Hundred Companions, and drove out the Elves out of Skyrim. The First Empire of Man began.

The Thirteenth of Ysgramor's line, King Harald, finally drove out the last of the elves out of Skyrim. In a surprising move, he gave up all holdings he had in Atmora, leading to creation of the Nordic people, who viewed themselves as truely seperate from their Atmoran kin. King Vrage the Gifted was the Nordic king who expanded the Empire to conquering all of Northern Tamriel (Cyrodiil, High Rock, Skyrim, and parts of Morrowind). He divided Skyrim into several holds, each of which had contributed members to the Moot, a council of representatives. The Moot's task was to appoint the most suitable heirs from the Royal family.

King Borgas was the last King in the Ysgramor line. He was murdered by the Wild Hunt (A pack of transformed Bosmer consisting of firece animals), the Moot failed to appoint a new king. This lead to the Skyrim war of Succession, in which the great empire was torn apart. In 1E420, the Pact of Chieftans ended the war, and it was declared that the Moot shall be used only when the King had no direct heir. But at this point, the empire was destroyed, and many of their fellow kin in High Rock and Cyrodiil were seperated. The Nords in Cyrodiil became the Cyrodiil people, and would be destined create the next empire of man.

The Second Empire
The Second Empire began years ago, when Cyrodiil had not been unified and the Skyrim had not yet came to Cyrodiil to their fellow kin. The Ayelids (elves) had dominion over Cyrodiil and enslaved much of the populace. The Ayelids were centered around the White Gold Tower, a majestic tower where the Imperial City is now. In 1E242, the Slave-Queen Alessia leads a revolt against their Ayelid masters. In 1E243, Alessia with the help of the Skyrim Empire defeats the Ayelids. Alessia founds an empire, which lasts between 1E243-1E498. During this time, Alessia forms the Temple of the Eight Divines and the ground work of the current empire is layed out. In 1E266, Alessia dies, and is turned into a saint. In 1E361, the Alessian Doctrines begin to be enforced throughout the kingdom, leading to the creation of the Alessian Order.

The West and East of Cyrodiil were home to different cultures and even religions, preventing any unity in Cyrodiil. The East of Cyrodiil was based in the Nibenay Valley and was under the control of the Alessian Order, a monotheistic religion. The Alessian Order built a massive city at where the Imperial City/ Cyrodiil is located now. The East was also very wealthy, as the region became wealthy off trade and a large merchant class. The West seperated itself from the Alessian Order, since they didn't like the heavy use of magic and industry they used. The West was also home to the Temple of the Eight Divines, a form of the Pantheon of Eight Gods the Nords of Skyrim had. The West became known as the Colovian Estates, an autonomous government but still swore loyalty to the Cyrodiil Empire. The West was also known for their fierce warriors and a formidable navy.

Soon, the deadly Thrassian Plague (1E2200) was unleased upon Tamriel, causing half of the population of Tamriel to be wiped out. The king of Anvil, Bendu Olo, forms a united fleet of the Colovian Estates known as the All Flags Navy (1E2200) and defeats the Sload. This established the reputation of the Cyrodiils as a powerful force in Tamriel. The Colovian West turned their attention towards the Nibenay Valley, and started the war of Righteousness, which destroyed the Alessian Order, which was replaced by the Eight Divines. The East became a mercantile-magocracy (Government lead by Merchants and Magic users), but this was still viewed as too arcane by the Colovian West, preventing a true unification.

400 years later in 1E2703, Reman I, the King of the Colovian West, united Cyrodiil to fight the Akaviri Invasion of 1E2703. The Cyrodiil forces fought the Akavir at the Northern Regions of Cyrodiil and parts of Skyrim, finally defeating them at the Pale Pass of Skyrim. Cyrodiil became a united Empire, and found that they were entrusted with protecting their fellow kin in the North (Skyrim). The High Elves of Summerset Isle now viewed the Cyrodiil as a threat to the Elven Dominion over Tamriel, and began attacking them. Reman then offered amnesty to the captured Akavir if they would serve in his armies to protect Cyrodiil from the Elves. The Akavir accepted, forming the House Guard of Akaviri and causing all of the Emperor's Potentate (His chief advisors) to be Akaviri. The Akaviri taught coherence, logistics, and discipline to the Imperial Legions, and soon Cyrodiil was able to conquer every province except for Morrowind. Reman and his heirs' reign was known as the Reman Dynasty.

During the Four Score War (I'm still researching as to what this was, I will post something once I find out), the last of Reman's heirs was assasinated by the Dunmer Morag Tong (Which marked the beginning of the Common Era). This lead to the Akavirian Potentate, in which the Akaviri Potentates were the true holders of power in Cyrodiil. This lasted 400 years, but the many provinces of the Emprie began to rebel, causing Cyrodiil itself to be fractured back into its original form. During this period, many rival kings and war lords fought to take control of the Throne.

Cuhlecain, the King of the Colovian West, began to rise in power. He appointed General Talos, an Atmoran man,around 2E 896 as the general of his legions. General Talos was born in Atmora and had sailed from their to Skyrim, where he had studied much of Skyrim's ancient arts and tactics, and through it was able to skillfully command his legions. Once such skill was the thu'um (Storm Voice), in which Talos could rally his troops with. Talos was also a very skillful diplomat; He was able to bargain and talk his way into alliances when he lacked the funds or men for a war. Cuhlecain and his general were able to reclaim much of the lost land, and soon captured the Imperial City itself, where Cuhlecain declared himself emperor.

Skyrim and High Rock viewed the new emperor as a threat, and did not want to be under the dominion of Cyrodiil as they were before. They planned a massive invasion into the Colovian West to begin their attack into the captial. They were met by General Talos at Sancre Tor. When Talos let out his thu'um, the Skyrim forces realized that he was the "Son of Skyrim" and the heir to the Empire of Man. The Skyrim forces joined with General Talos's forces, causing the High Rock forces to retreat.

When the Bretons returned to High Rock, they brought back stories of General Talos. The Bretons viewed the new Empire with even more fear and in CE854, a Nightblade assasin was dispatched from High Rock. The Nightblade made his way to the Imperial Palace, where he murdered Emperor Cuhlecain, slit General Talos's throat, and set fire to the palace. (2E854) The Nightblade fled from the scene, never to be seen again. But General Talos had survived his mortal wound due to the magics he had learned from Atmora and Skyrim, and according to legend, he stumbled out of the ruins of the Imperial Palace, holding his neck with one hand and Cuhlecain's crown in the other. From that point on, Talos was forever scarred. His roaring battle cry was no more, even though he could still command with a whisper. He had lost one of his closest friends, Cuhlecain, who he viewed with uttermost respect. He showed wisdom and trust in appointing him, a total stranger, and bravery in retaking the Imperial City. Tiber Septim also recieves the Great Numidium from Lord Vivec after conquering Morrowind, a massive Dwemer Construct which he uses to conquer the Aldmeri Dominion (2E896), the League of High Elves and Wood Elves that had troubled mankind for years. The Numidium's manetella (Power Source) and the Totem of Tiber Septim is lost afterwards.

*Note- From the Imperial Library

The dwemeri artifact, originally was not perfect. The official Imperial history states that The Imperial Battlemage Zurin Arctus sacrifices his heart (life force) to be infused into a gem called Mantella, and later to be implanted into the Numidium to make it fully operational. The Numidium proves very effective in bringing down the mighty Aldmeri Dominion. The official records show that after defeating all his enemies, Tiber Septim uses the Numidium to destroy the neutral royal families of Tamriel so that he can only enthrone persons he knew to be loyal. This brings great dispute with Zurin Arctus. The Battlemage then tries to reclaim his heart. The process devastates Numidium and Zurin Arctus. The heart they shared blows out of this reality into the netherworld known as Aetherius. Numidium's body is scattered throughout Tamriel and the Imperial Battlemage, without his life force goes into a semi-slumber in a subterranean vault. Zurin Arctus is waiting for an opportunity to reclaim his heart.
In the centuries that follow, Septim's elite soldiers, for generation after generation, collect the pieces of the Numidium and became known as the Blades. Zurin Arctus in his undead shape becomes known as the Underking, and from time to time he sends out his forces to find the Mantella throughout Tamriel.
There are many speculations on this Numidium issue. From another account, called Arcturian Heresy, it is written that the Underking is, in fact, King Wulfharth of Skyrim, a powerful undead being from the first Era. He is tricked by Tiber Septim and Zurin Arctus, and his soul is trapped into a gem (the Mantella) to fuel the Numidium. Zurin Arctus himself is killed on the process. To prevent some political unrest, Tiber Septim states that Zurin Arctus tried to assassinate him.

The Third Empire
General Talos changed his name to Tiber Septim and took the Red Diamond Crown of the Cyrodiils, declaring himself the Emperor, marking the start of the Thrid Empire of man (The current empire as well) and the Third Age. The Nords of Skyrim and the Cyrodiils bowed to his power, acknowledging him as the True Emperor of man. The temple of the Eight Divines added Tiber Septim to the pantheon, forming the Nine Divines (AKA the Imperial Cult outside Cyrodiil). Tiber Septim immediatley set out to rebuild the Imperial City, which was severly damaged from the fire the nightblade set off. He established the Cult of the Emperor Zero, in honor of his friend Emperor Cuhlecain. He then set out to reconquer the lost lands, successfully subduing all that came in his path.

Tiber Septim ruled for 38 years, and upon his death, the whole empire mourned his passing. His son, Pelagius I was well liked as well, but was murdered by a Dark Brotherhood assasin after only ruling three years. Pelagius had no children, so the crown was passed to his cousin Kintyra. Kintyra had a good reign, and under her reign the arts flourished. Kintyra son took the title of Uriel I. Uriel I created many of the laws that still exist today and allowed the Fighter's Guild and the Mage's Guild to be established across Tamriel.

Uriel I's son was Uriel II, whose reign was plagued with blights, plagues, and insurrections. Uriel II ruled from 3E64 3E82. There was also a severe budget problem, which would be carried over into his son, Pelagius II. Pelagius II dismissed his Elder Council, only allowing those who would offer to help pay off the debt. He did the same with Kings and their vassals. 18 years later, Pelagius was successfully able to restore the budget and the prosperity of the Empire.

Pelagius II was succeeded by his son, Antiochus, a wild man. Antiochus had many mistresses, had good humor, and loved to please his wants. But his reign was filled with civil war, such as the War of the Isle (3E110), which caused Summerset Isle to nearly be taken away from the Empire. The kingdom of Pyandonea had attacked Summerset Isle, and were defeated by a joint force between Antiochus and the Summerset Kings due to a tempest storm.

Pelagius II was succeeded by his daughter Kintyra II. Her aunt, Potema accused her of being a bastard child and thus being an illegitimate heir. She wanted her son, Uriel III to be placed on the throne. his sparked a civil war known as the War of the Red Diamond in which Uriel III was successfully able to oust Kintyra II and decalred himself emperor (3E 121). Kintyra II was thrown in an imperial jail where she "mysteriously" murdered (3E123, aka Day of the Broken Diamond). Kintyra II's death marked what some people viewed as the end of the pure line of Tiber Septim.

Uriel III added the title of "Septim" to his name, which became a tradition for future emperors. His ascension to the throne caused the War ofthe Red Diamond to start again, in which Pelagius II's remaining children: Potema, Cephorus, and Magnus fought amongst themselves for power. Potema was the mother of Uriel III, who she sided with. The war split the empire, causing the many kings to take sides. Magnus and Cephorus were able to capture Uriel III at the Battle of Ichidag in Hammerfell in 3E127. Uriel III was taken prisoner and was transported back to the Imperial City for trial. But on route to the imperial city, Uriel III's prisoner carriage was overtaken by an angry mob, who burned the carriage with Uriel III inside.

Cephorus became the Emperor, and took the title of Cephorus I. He was a skilled warrior, and this served him well as his reign was filled with constant warfare. His wars were mainly towards his sister Potema, who still refused to give up after her son's death. She declared herself the Queen of Solitude, the city in Skyrim where she declared it a city-state. She died in 3E137 in the siege of Solitude. Due to the fact he was in constant war fare, Cephorus I was unable to marry and produce heirs and thus his throne passed to his brother, Magnus, when he died after falling from his horse. Magnus was very old when he took the throne, and immediatley set out to persecute the kings who supported Potema and Uriel III. This drained what was left of his strength, and he died of old age, only ruling for five years.

In 3E145, Magnus's son Pelagius III (AKA Pelagius the Mad) took the throne. Pelagius was known to be crazy, doing odd behaviors to his guests and even trying to hang himself in a ball once. The Elder Council decided to send Pelagius III to an asylum to be rehabilitated and made his wife, Katariah, Regentness of the Empire. When Pelagius died in 3E153, Katariah I became the empress of the Empire.

Katariah was a Dunmer/Dark Elf, which led racial problems thoughout the empire and kings, who were refusing to serve under a Dunmer. Katariah I traveled throughout the empire and managed to repair the old alliances that the War of the Red Diamond caused. Katariah was well liked by the populace, many of whom view her as a great empress even to this day. Her reign lasted for 46 years She died in a skrimish in the Black Marsh, which some people believe was set up by a part of Septim's family.

Katariah's son, Cassynder, took the throne. Since he was half-elven, Cassynder enjoyed a slow aging process leading to a long life. But due his poor health, Cassynder's reign only lasted two years.

Uriel Lariat, Cassynder's half-brother, took power in 3E202 and took the title of Uriel IV. But Uriel IV was Katariah's child with her Imperial consort, which lead the Elder Council into refusing to accept him as the true heir to the Septim line and others viewing him as a bastard child. Uriel IV ruled for 43 years (These years were the only one acknowledged by the Council), and was constantly plagued with the Elder Council trying to dispose him.

When Uriel IV died in 3E248, the Council refused to accept his son, Andorak, as the heir to the throne. Instead, Cephorus II, a cousin of Andorak, is put on the throne. Cephous II only ruled for nine years, which was plagued with a war between the legions and those loyal to Andorak. In 3E249, a mysterious man known as the Camoran Usurper begins an attack of Daedra and undead warriors in Valenwood, crushing the armies their. This caused Cephorus to shift his attention from Andorak. The Camoran Usurper caused much damage and waste in his path, and many thought his army was unstoppable. In 3E267, a High Rock navy was able to successfully defeat the Camoran Usurper. This caused a rise in nationalism in the Bretons, who viewed themselves as a more powerful force then the Empire.

Cephorus II died in 3E268 and was succeeded by his son, Uriel V. Uriel V is most known for the invasions he undertook throughout his reign. The most infamous was his invasion of Akavir in 3E288. In a battle on Akavir in 3E290, Uriel V dies and the throne is passed to his son, Uriel VI, who is only five at the time. Due to this, his wife Thonica took the Regency until his coming of age at 3E307 at his 22nd year. Uriel VI set out to reduce the power of the Elder Council, whose power gained after the death of Katariah I. Through the use of spy networks, he was able to lessen the power of the Elder Council by "bullying" the Elders.

In 3E313, Uriel VI falls of his horse, dying despite the efforts of healers and his half-sister, Morihatha. She takes his crown and ruled over Tamriel, and was able to increase the power of the emperors. She stopped the numerous revolutions that were erupting all over the Empire, but the pace that she was doing it at angered the council. In 3E339, Morihatha dies at the hand of assasins, believed to be sent by an Argonian councilman named Thoricles Romus.

The same year, Morihatha's nephew, Pelagius IV took the throne. Pelagius continued the same policy that Uriel VI and Morihatha started, hoping to bring the numerous rebellious lords back in check.

In 3E368, Pelagius IV's son, Uriel VII, takes the throne after Pelagius's death. Uriel VII immediatley sets out to continue his predecesors' policies. But in the years of 3E389, Jagar Tharn uses the Staff of Chaos to imprision Uriel VII in a different dimension. Jagar Tharn uses magic to make himself look like Uriel VII, and rules for 10 years in his place, abusing the emperor's powers. Jagar Tharn splits the staff into eight pieces and puts one in each of the eight provences on the mainland Tamriel. In 3E399, the Eternal Champion, guided by the ghost of the former sorceress Ria Silmane, recovers the eight pieces of the Staff of Chaos and has a showdown with Jagar Tharn in the Imperial Dungeons. The Eternal Champion defeats Tharn and releases Uriel VII from the dimensional prision. Some say that this man may have been Talin, one of Uriel's bodyguards. These events are chronicled in the first Elder Scrolls, TES 1: Arena.

Uriel VII starts to do many accomplishments and keeps the empire together. He sends an agent to investigate the murder of King Lysandus of Daggerfall (3E405, intro toTES II: Daggerfall), and after the murderer was found, the Emperor orders the agent to find the Totem of Tiber Septim, the control mechanism of the Numidium. The Agent then gives the Totem to either King Gothryd of Daggerfall, Queen Akorithi of Sentinel, King Eadwyre of Wayrest, the Empire (Blades), King of Worms (Mannimarco of the Necromancers), The Underking, and Lord Gortwog of Orsinium (Who the agent gave it to depended on the player). The agent is then teleported to Mantellan Crux, a netherworld also known as Aetherius, to recover the Mantella. Uriel VII also authorizes the release of a prisioner in the Isle of Vvardenfell in Morrowind in order to achieve the Nerevarine Prophecies and defeat Dagoth Ur (TES III: Morrowind, 3E427). The Nerevarine goes on to defeat Dagoth Ur, Kill Amalexia, and foil Hircine's plot on the Isle of Solsthiem.

Around 3E433, the Emperor Uriel Septim VII and his two sons, Crown Prince Geldall, Prince Enman, and Prince Ebel are assasinated by Dark Brotherhood assasins. The Empire is in turmoil, and gates to Oblivion are opened all across Tamriel, allowing hordes of Daedra to attack. A prisioner is given the task to find the Emperor's lost heir. This is the introduction to the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Wow.. That was long...

[Commissar MercZ]

Dang, forgot to post my sources

Imperial Library
Brief History of the Empire
Brief History of the Empire

Also, pertaining to the assasination of Reman I- The assasin as sent by the Akaviri Potentate.

[The Kiwi]

TES: IV, Oblivion, was released in March, 2006, now well over a year ago. It is different in concept from the first three Elder Scrolls games, and perhaps not quite as absorbing, but it's still Game of the Year in spite of the boos and hisses from died in the wool Morrowind Fanboys.

[Phoenix Wolf]

Well interesting yet long. Maybe when someone reads all off it (and survives) we will ask them to summarise it shorter. They are probably Elder Scroll fans who are SERIOUS!!!

[Commissar MercZ]

Can't really shorten it down without it losing some of its meaning.

Originally Posted by The Kiwi

TES: IV, Oblivion, was released in March, 2006, now well over a year ago. It is different in concept from the first three Elder Scrolls games, and perhaps not quite as absorbing, but it's still Game of the Year in spite of the boos and hisses from died in the wool Morrowind Fanboys.

They're just wetting their pants over nothing, honestly. Morrowind was a great game, but honestly I could never play it vanilla. Just like Oblivion, I used mods, and that was how Morrowind survived and retained its player base quite well.

The lore issues that they've been making noise over is on these three.

1. Amulet of Kings: Oblivion Lore says the lore was crafted when Alessia made the pact with the Divines. In the Brief History of the Empire books, it is listed as a thing made by the Tsaesci who became a part of the court.

2. OMG CYRODIIL SUPPOSED TO BE RAINFOREST: This comes from the passages usually pushed in the Pocket Guide to the Empire, describing Cyrodiil as a rainforest. People don't realize, but Bethesda rarely follows lore. Dare say, even Morrowind deviated. Vvardenfell was originally intended to be a volcanic wasteland, but we can see that changed. Plus, even in this book that origininated from Morrowind, they describe Cyrodiil as we see it in Oblivion.

A Dance in Fire

Ten wagons in all set off that afternoon through the familiar Cyrodilic countryside. Past fields of wildflowers, gently rolling woodlands, friendly hamlets. The clop of the horses' hooves against the sound stone road reminded Scotti that the Atrius Building Commission constructed it.

3. Tsaesci ghosts: In Morowind, we became acquainted with the continent of Akavir and their races. One race that caught our attention was Tsaesci.

Tsaesci is "Snake Palace", once the strongest power in Akavir (before the Tiger-Dragon came). The serpent-folk ate all the Men of Akavir a long time ago, but still kind of look like them. They are tall, beautiful (if frightening), covered in golden scales, and immortal. They enslave the goblins of the surrounding isles, who provide labor and fresh blood. The holdings of Tsaesci are widespread. When natives of Tamriel think of the Akaviri they think of the Serpent-Folk, because one ruled the Cyrodilic Empire for four hundred years in the previous era. He was Potentate Versidue-Shaie, assassinated by the Morag Tong.

Many of though, were surprised to play through that mission in Pale Pass, where the Tsaesci were humanoid ghosts. This, out of all the reasons I listed above, was the biggest one the haters usually used.

After some amount of pointless bitching, it was drawn to these conclusions.

1. Developers got lazy, and forgot to change the humanoid place holder they were using during development.

2. The Tsaesci may've not actually "eaten" the humans of Akavir, rather absorbed them into their society as slaves. These slaves could've been used in their invasions.

3. The Tsaesci may've been victims of demonisation.

Though honestly, in the end, these above reasons don't bother me that much (The Tsaesci does, though, for me a bit.) The thing that Bethesda did wrong was that they didn't use the lore as they should've. It was used in the Main Quest a bit, but after that it was gone. You can tell they had planned to in some areas, but I guess in their rush to release it to the mainstream crowds on the consoles, they neglected it. In Morrowind, you could actually see the lore in effect, with how the people act, the house interactions, and some of the weird quests. Oblivion has varying architecture, but there's no rare artifacts (these, for some reason, are only acquirable through Daedric quests), as well as house conflicts.

Actually, I recall reading an interview with one of the oblivion guys, who said that the one thing he regretted the most in Oblivion was not implenting the house system in Oblivion. They said they had a whole thing planned out where you could help a certain royal house, but end up becoming the head honcho as you did with the houses in Morrowind. There was also a mention of you participating in a working Elder Council.

The game is not lore empty, it's there. It's just not as obvious nor implented well as Morrowind did it.