Wolfie
Active Member
If this thread needs to be moved to another forum topic, please alert me to the issue and then direct me towards a more suitable area to post this thread. I've checked but am unsure where else I could stick it.
Also, please be aware that I am the true author of what is written below. The information comes from another source, which I have noted, but it is I who formulated them. The meaning of "author is anonymous", therefore, states that I refuse to tell the internet my true name.
Thank you for your time, patience and understanding.
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The following information was originally filmed on YouTube by ShoddyCast, and is now documented within this field guide by myself for use of all seekers of Elder Scrolls lore. Links to the videos are included in the following articles.
All information and ideal text is copyright of ShoddyCast; the sum of his works, summarized in this article, are formulated by an author who intends to remain unnamed and therefore anonymous. Treat the following articles like text from a Wiki page – the contents are for all to use, but must not be subject to plagiarism.
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Creation, Nirn, and Tamriel
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Tamriel is but a single continent on the planet known as Nirn. Nirn is part of other heavenly bodies, like moons and planets. These heavenly bodies make up the realm of existence, called Mundus. Mundus itself was the brain-child of Lorkhan, the Missing God. Magnus, the divine being we draw our magic from, acted as Lorkhan's architect, laying out the foundations for the creation of Mundus.
As powerful as Lorkhan and Magnus were, creating an entire realm of existence was a monumental task that required help from the Aedra, who are more commonly known as the Divines. It's pretty unclear whether the Aedra willingly volunteered to take part in creation, or if Lorkhan in fact tricked them – but in the end, the Aedra gave part of themselves for the creation of Mundus; in turn, they created Nirn and Tamriel as we known it today.
However, not every god-like being agreed with our creation – Daedra, unlile the Aedra, are thought to retain their full might of their power, because they elected to sit out while Mundus was being constructed. The citizens of Tamriel worship both the Daedra and the Aedra – however, the latter is more widely accepted in the Empire.
This video's focus is on the most important planet in Mundus – Nirn. There are five known continents on Nirn. The continent of Akavir, also known as Dragon Land, is the land east of Tamriel. History has proven that Tamriel and Akavir have very hostile attitudes towards each-other, to say the least. Akavir has invaded Tamriel several times in the past, and we know that Tamriel has invaded Akavir at least once. We, as citizens of Tamriel, know very little Akavir; much of the information that we do hold is considered incomplete or inaccurate altogether.
The continent of Atmora is the landmass north of Tamriel. Legend says that it was from here that the first humans came. It was Ysgramor, the ancient Atmoran king, who fled civil war in Atmora, determined to make a new life for his people in Tamriel.
The western continent of Yokuda, which sank into the sea in ancient times, was the original home of the Redguards. Although Yokuda no longer exists, it is included on the map of western Tamriel. What in fact caused Yokuda to sink is shrouded in mystery – the Redguards themselves seem to be under the impression that the destruction of Yokuda was, in some way, their fault. Upon the sinking of their homeland in the First Era, the Yokudan fleet set sail to the east, where they shored in Tamriel.
The birthplace of the elves, Aldmeris is one of Nirn's greatest mysteries. So little is known about this southern continent that some question it's very existence. Some Moth Priests say that Aldmeris is not a physical place, but actually a collection of images existing only in the minds of the elves themselves. It's hard to argue with a Moth Priest, considering that their claim is based on a near-infallible source – the Elder Scrolls themselves.
Now we arrive in Tamriel, a land of swords and magic, bigotry and barbarism, and social and political intrigue. An Era does not come and go without a conspiracy, or without blood being spilled for one cause or another. Our vast continent is a land divided – divided by race, divided by culture and, often, divided by greed. The most apparent divines are identified by the nine provinces that help define Tamriel's diverse people.
To the north lies Skyrim, cold and rugged. Although inhabited primarily by Nords, the elves whom they replaced had resided there since time immemorable. Skyrim is the province where Ysgramor, the ancient Atmorian king, first met land after crossing the Sea of Ghosts. A legendary hero of men, Ysgramor would later make conquest on the elves in a major event known as the Return – in doing so, he would send a message to all of Tamriel. From then on, the race of men were here to stay.
In the northeast lies Morrowind, which is dominated by the island of Vvardenfell which, in turn, is dominated by the Red Mountain – a massive volcano. Red Mountain will erupt twice in Morrowind's history, each time having profound effects on the province. Some species of Vvardefell even depend upon the ash-fall for survival. Modern Morrowind becomes home to the Dark Elves after they are banished from Cyrodiil for committing the capital offense of Daedra worship.
In the south-east lies the swampland known as Black Marsh, home to the reptillian race known as the Argonians, as well as a race of sentinent trees known as the Hist. The mysterious Argonians are native to Black Marsh, and they organize themselves on the tribal level with great efficency.
Southern Tamriel yields itself to great deserts and jungles. Elsweyr is home to the feline race of humanoids known as Khajiits. Sources say that the Khajiit predate even the elves' arrival on the continent, making them one of Tamriel's truest natives, along with the Argonians.
In the southwest lies Valenwood, which became home to the Wood Elves before the first era began. Realizing that the great forests were too wild to tame, the Wood Elves decided to adapt, instead. Text from Pocket Guide to the Empire describes Valenwood as “A sea of endless green, a maze of foliage with half-hidden cities growing like blooms from a flower, the home of the Bosmer is Tamriel's garden.”
The Summerset Isles is the large island southwest of Tamriel's mainland. It is believed to be the first province occupied by the elves. The Summerset Isles will become most-associated with the High Elves – and for it being the heart and soul of the Aldmeri Dominion.
When people think of the western province of Hammerfell, they think of the Alik'r Desert and it's human inhabitants, the Redguards. Finding the Alik'r Desert a poor place for a home, the Redguards fleeing Yokuda built great port and trade cities along the coast of Hammerfell, where they enjoy lives filled with travel and adventure, sailing mostly for profit as mercenaries throughout Tamriel.
It is said that the history of Tamriel began with the north-west province of High Rock. It is here that the Adamantine Tower stands as a testament to a long-forgotten age. High Rock may be home to the oldest structure in Tamriel, but it also serves as home to the Bretons and, more recently, the Orcs. The Bretons divide the province into multiple city-states and minor kingdoms, while the Orcs are happy to call Orsinium “home”.
And thusly, we arrive at the heart of Tamriel. In the ages to come, Cyrodiil will act as home to the heartland high-elves, who were rumored to the the first humanoids to settle in this province. It was these elves that built the great center-piece of Tamriel, the White-Gold Tower. Tall and imposing, the White-Gold Tower will become the ultimate seat of power in the centuries to follow. The heartland high-elves, also known as the Ayleids, bring about their own destruction by enslaving the humans that later came to the region. The result was the slavery rebellion and the birth of the Imperial race.
Cyrodiil will carry on without the Ayleids and, in their place, the Imperials will sacrifice much in efforts to hold the heart of Tamriel. In the first Era, they will successfully repel an Akaviri invasion. In the second, an arcane explosion of energy will shake the very foundations of Tamriel, spurring bloody faction-wars – and that will later crown Tiber Septim, ushering in a new Empire. Rebellions, conspiracies, Daedra – you name it. Blood always finds it's way into the heart of Tamriel.
Despite it's chaotic nature, to us Nirn is a land of beauty, history and adventure. The stage has been set, the pieces in place .. but who is pulling the strings?
