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End of the Oblivion Crisis
Martin Septim, the last surviving heir of the Septim dynasty, sacrificed himself to release the spirit of Akatosh. Through his actions, Lord Mehrunes Dagon was banished from Tamriel. The Mythic Dawn and its members were mercilessly hunted down by the Blades, eradicating the fearsome Daedric cult. The Hero of Kvatch continued engaging in shenanigans all across Cyrodiil, eventually traveling back to the Shivering Isles to become Lord Sheogorath. -
Septim Dynasty decimated
After Martin Septim's death, the Ruby Throne was left without an heir. With the Elder Council's blessing, Chancellor Ocato took over and became Potentate Ocato, the interim leader of the Empire. His reign proved to be weak. ineffective and short-lived. The economy of Cyrodiil took years to recover from the Oblivion Crisis. Furthermore, Ocato failed to avoid the fragmentation of the Empire into various new nation-states. -
The rise of the Thalmor
During the Oblivion Crisis, the Summerset Isles were destroyed and its population near-annihilated. The Thalmor, a fringe group of ultra-nationalist thinkers, convinced the general public that they and their advanced magical abilities severed the links between Oblivion and Tamriel and caused Mehrunes Dagon's downfall. As the general Altmeri public remained skeptical of their claims, the Thalmor launched a campaign of assassinations, misinformation and political mudslinging. -
Black Marsh secceedes
During the Oblivion Crisis, Argonians were recalled by the Hist to return to their home world. The An-Xileel, a union of tribes with common political ambitions, launched a series of attacks and assassinations to drive the Imperial administration from Black Marsh. They took over and Black Marsh officially declared its independence. After secession, the land of the Argonians was renamed the State of Argonia. -
The eruption of the Red Mountain
After Vivec disappeared, the Ministry of Truth became unstable and threatened to fall from the skies. A device called Ingenium was created to stabilize the asteroid. However, an attack caused the Ingenium to be destroyed, and the Ministry of Truth slammed into the city of Vivec. The impact caused the Red Mountain to erupt and explode. This immense eruption was heard all across Tamriel as a loud bang. -
The Red Year
After the Red Mountain of Vvardenfell erupted, Morrowind suffered an immense calamity. The entire population of Vvardenfell was eradicated in an instant. Ash rose into the atmosphere, blocking out Magnus. Crops stopped growing, livestock died and ash storms decimated farmlands. The Hlaalu-led central government of Morrowind collapsed, leading to a period of widespread anarchy. A massive influx of refugees departed from Morrowind to travel westwards, into Cyrodiil and Skyrim. -
Argonia invades Morrowind
After the eruption of the Red Mountain, Morrowind was severely weakened. The State of Argonia invaded Morrowind to pay back for historic injustices. Southern Morrowind was occupied and annexed, its population enslaved and made to work for their new reptilian overlords. Furthermore, the Dunmeri capital of Mournhold was sacked and destroyed. House Redoran managed to successfully stop Argonian advances near Old Ebonheart, but failed to liberate Southern Morrowind. -
Elsweyr Confederacy leaves the Empire
The Khajiiti of Elsweyr, sensing an opportunity to escape the crumbling Empire, declared independence. The Imperial administration was banished from Elsweyr and the Elsweyr Confederacy became an independent state, composed of the northern Kingdom of Anequina and the southern Kingdom of Pelletine. Due to economical ties with the Empire, Imperial influence remained strong in Elsweyr. -
Potentate Ocato assassinated
Potentate Ocato was assassinated by the Thalmor. His death fractured the Empire and led to the Stormcrown Interregnum, a period of civil war and strife within the Empire. As no new heirs of Septim came to the forefront, the Ruby Throne sat empty. During this time, the Elder Council collectively assumed control over the Empire and its internal affairs. There were countless of pretenders to the Ruby Throne, but none lasted long enough to solidify their rule. -
Solstheim given to the Dunmer
The High King of Skyrim, concerned over the Red Year and the influx of refugees from Morrowind, decided to gift the island of Solstheim to the Dunmer, as a place for settlement and expansion. Although Dunmer began settling Solstheim and restarted ebony mining operations, the East Empire Company retained ultimate power over Solstheim's economy. -
The curious tale of Ambros the Half-Wit
Ambros the Half-Wit was a fisherman from the Imperial Waterfront. As he shared his name with Ambros II Degenisios, one of the pretenders to the Ruby Throne, Ambros the Half-Wit was accidentally proclaimed to be the Emperor of Tamriel. Emperor Ambros's first decree was to declare 12th Rain's Hand to be a national holiday called the Yummy Fish Day. Also, Emperor Ambros banned the fish-happy Argonians from living in the Imperial City. He was executed after the Elder Council realized their mistake. -
The Thalmor Coup in the Summerset Isles
Anxious to seize power, Thalmor performed a military coup and eradicated the ancient monarchy of Summerset Isles. Renaming the islands Alinor, Thalmor declared martial law and began purging its political opponents. Masses of anti-Thalmor Altmer departed from Alinor to escape political violence. Close to 70,000 Altmer fled to Anvil and Skingrad, giving Colovia a large Altmeri minority. The Thalmor declared itself to be the new government of the Isles. -
Aldmeri Dominion recreated
The Thalmor, who had solidly gained control over Alinor, backed a nationalist coup in Valenwood. Defeating the ancient Bosmeri monarchy and their Imperial token garrisons, Thalmor united the two provinces under their dictatorial command. The Aldmeri Dominion was established. All contact with mainland Tamriel was severed while the Thalmor solidified their power through the annihilation of their opponents. During this time, the Altmeri refugee flows to Colovia were violently stopped. -
End of the Stormcrown Interregnum
Titus Mede, a Colovian warlord from Chorrol, invaded and occupied the Imperial City, where he crowned himself the new Emperor of Tamriel. During a period of ten years, he squashed resistance and united the Empire under his command. Although he successfully convinced the Elder Council to back him, the general Imperial public saw him as a usurper. As a result, the Empire further fragmented under his leadership, with military revolts taking place in the provinces. -
The Void Nights
For two years, the two moons of Masser and Secunda vanished due to unknown reasons. While most races on Tamriel saw the Void Nights as a simple manifestation of the turbulence of Aurbis, the Khajiit were gripped by panic. Masser and Secunda played a major role in Khajiiti religion and their positions determined the prevalence of Khajiiti breeds. Moon sugar consumption increased dramatically during the Void Nights. -
Masser and Secunda reappear
After two years of moonless skies, Masser and Secunda reappeared. The Thalmor took credit for the restoration of the two moons, claiming that they had used an obscure type of wizardry called Dawn Magic. Independent researchers from the Empire couldn't determine if the Thalmor truly did restore the two moons and suggested fakery. Nevertheless, the Khajiit idolized the Thalmor for their efforts and Altmeri influence in Elsweyr grew. -
Elsweyr joins the Aldmeri Dominion
The Thalmor used their newfound popularity in Elsweyr to make a territorial grab. After a period of fabricated civil unrest, two military coups were performed in Pelletine and Anequina, backed by Thalmor. Imperial merchants and immigrants were driven from Elsweyr by the vengeful Khajiit. The kingdoms of Anequina and Pelletine joined the Aldmeri Dominion as client states. Intense Khajiiti nationalism was promoted by the Thalmor as a way to end Imperial influence over Elsweyr. -
The Thalmor Miracle
Although the Thalmor were morally bankrupt and ruled with an iron fist, their economic policies were successful. During the Thalmor Miracle, Alinor entered a golden age of splendor. Magic was used to construct large crystalline towers in Alinor. The Aldmeri Dominion began selling luxury goods and arcane supplies to the Empire, earning the Thalmor a lot of money. The Dominion's military was reformed and quickly become the strongest force on Tamriel. -
Coffee popularized in Hammerfell
A plant native to Hammerfell, the energizing berries of the coffee tree were consumed by Alik'r shamans to keep themselves awake during long rituals. Visitors from other areas of Hammerfell observed this custom and embraced it. In Forebear lands, it was discovered that roasting the berries and boiling their seeds made for a drink with miraculously stimulating properties. Tourists and merchants from other areas of the Empire spread news of the Redguard beverage of coffee. -
Titus Mede II ascends to the throne
In the year of 4E 168, Titus Mede II rose to become the Emperor of Tamriel. At the time of his ascension, the Empire was economically collapsing, politically unstable and technologically stagnant. Four provinces had already either declared independence or joined the Aldmeri Dominion. The Imperial Legion had lost its military edge to the armies of the Dominion. The Elder Council had grown kleptocratic and corrupt. Titus Mede II inherited a failed state, broken along sectarian lines. -
Establishment of the College of Whispers
The destruction of the Mages Guild in the beginning of the Fourth Era led the Empire towards a crisis. Lacking a united front of mages, independent colleges and guilds sprung up in the Empire, most under the influence of the Thalmor. Finding this unacceptable, Titus Mede II chartered an alliance of Imperial colleges, research institutions and independent arcane guilds. The College of Whispers served to educate young mages, perform arcane research and advance the fields of science. -
Thalmor ultimatum refused
On 30th Frost Fall, the Aldmeri Dominion sent an ambassador to see Emperor Titus Mede II. The ambassador, who arrived with a gift, demanded the Empire to ban the worship of Talos, disband the Blades and give the Dominion large areas of coastal Hammerfell. The Emperor refused the demands. The ambassador, who had brought with him a cart, removed its cover. Hundreds of heads rolled onto the floor, all belonging to murdered Blades agents. This was taken by the Empire as a declaration of war. -
The Great War begins
After the Empire refused the Dominion's ultimatum, the Great War began. The Dominion had trained for years in anticipation of warfare. From their hidden camps in Northern Elsweyr, Elvish armies marched out. They were led by Lord Naarifin, a high-ranking Thalmor general. The Dominion crossed into Southern Cyrodiil and split into two army groups. One moved towards Leyawiin, the other marched onto Bravil. -
The Western Campaign launched
A second Dominion army group, commanded by Lady Arannelya, invaded from Valenwood. The Empire coalesced its legions near Kvatch. In a moment of tactical brilliancy, the Dominion armies completely bypassed the Imperial Legion and marched through Colovia, laying waste to the countryside. Lady Arannelya led her armies to cross into Hammerfell. The Western Campaign was launched after smaller Dominion army detachments invaded coastal Hammerfell, simultaneously with Arannelya invading from the east. -
The Fall of Leyawiin
While Lord Naarifin besieged Bravil, a smaller army detachment invaded Leyawiin. It was led by Lord Alvelorn, a Bosmeri member of the Thalmor. The siege of Leyawiin was brief, only lasting for a month. Alvelorn's armies entered the city after Leyawiin's defenders surrendered. Alvelorn decided to be merciful and kept his armies from committing massacres. After a week of mild looting, Alvelorn departed with the bulk of his army and marched northwards. -
Coastal Hammerfell occupied
The Western Campaign was a success for the Dominion. A marine assault, led by Lord Ungaan, led to the fall of Stros M'Kai and Taneth. The armies of Hammerfell were disunited and unprepared for warfare. Lady Arannelya's armies successfully conquered Rihad and Elinhir. After his successful offense, Lord Ungaan was ordered to conquer Anvil. Lady Arannelya took over the Western Campaign. The weakness of Imperial forces in Hammerfell surprised the Dominion and led to a change of plans. -
Dominion changes its course
The Thalmor launched the Great War with the intent to conquer Southern Cyrodiil and coastal Hammerfell. Lord Naarifin's and Lady Arannelya's successful campaigns, however, surprised the Dominion. The Imperial Legion offered almost no resistance, as it was desperately undermanned. The Thalmor acquired a new objective: the complete destruction and annexation of the Empire of Tamriel. Lord Naarifin was ordered to march towards the Imperial City. -
The March of Thirst
As they were outnumbered, the Imperial Legion fled from the advancing Elvish armies. They crossed the Alik'r Desert. The unforgiving heat, dangerous wildlife and a critical lack of food/water supplies led to a bulk of the Legion soldiers dying. Their bodies, glistening in the sunlight, left a morbid trail into the Alik'r Desert. The survivors of the March of Thirst regrouped in Northern Hammerfell and waited for reinforcements. -
Anvil and Bravil fall
The siege of Bravil ended with a Dominion victory. The city was thoroughly looted by Lord Naarifin's forces. Meanwhile, Lord Ungaan's armies invaded Anvil. As the city was left defenseless by the Legion, it fell quickly. Anvil was also looted by Dominion's forces. A large percentage of its Altmeri population was mercilessly slaughtered by the Dominion, as they believed the Cyrodiilic Altmer to be traitors. -
Siege of Imperial City begins
The Imperial City was besieged by Lord Naarifin's forces. The city was valiantly defended by the Imperial Legion. Due to the impenetrable walls of the City, Naarifin was forced to use siege machines. Naval battles took place in Lake Rumare between the navies of the Empire and the Dominion. The population of the City lived in constant fear as the Altmeri invaders dropped massive stones on the city. -
Nordic armies arrive
General Jonna of the Imperial Legion led a draft campaign in Skyrim. She found hundreds of thousands of loyal Nords willing to die for the Empire. Under Jonna's command, legions were conscripted and trained in Skyrim. They arrived to Cyrodiil and were used to bolster the defense of the Imperial City. Although Jonna's troops fought fiercely, they failed to stop the Altmeri advances. The Elvish forces crossed the Niben and conquered its eastern bank. -
Battle of Skaven
In an effort to crush the last Imperial armies in Hammerfell, Lady Arannelya led an army to cross the Alik'r Desert. Near the city of Skaven, she met with General Decianus and the survivors of the March of Thirst. In the Battle of Skaven, General Decianus was dislodged and forced to retreat. Even though Arannelya won a decisive victory, her troops were exhausted and unable to move forwards, leaving the Western Campaign in jeopardy. -
The Miracle at Hegathe
The Dominion's siege of Hegathe, the capital of the Crowns, entered its second year. The Crowns asked the Forebears for help. Even though the two factions had been fighting for thousands of years, the tragic circumstances of the war gave birth to a spirit of reconciliation. A Forebear army advanced from Sentinel and successfully lifted the siege of Hegathe. Emboldened by this victory, Redguard resistance to the Dominion grew. -
Dire situation in the Imperial City
The Aldmeri Dominion was preparing its armies to launch an assault on the Imperial City. The city was encircled from three sides. Only its northern flank remained free. Titus Mede II, still inside the city, used his personal charisma to rally the Legion. Although the situation was dire, the Empire did not consider giving up to be an option. In the Imperial Sewers, Altmeri saboteurs were caught attempting to infiltrate the City. -
Reachmen take over Markarth
The Reachmen, people of mixed Bretonic/Altmeri/Nordic heritage living between Skyrim and High Rock, sensed an opportunity to reclaim their ancestral homeland of the Reach. After Imperial garrisons left the area to join the Great War, the Reachmen assembled into militia groups and overwhelmed Markarth's defenses. The rule of the Reachmen was stable and secure, with little violence committed against ethnic Nords. -
Battle of the Imperial City
Lord Naarifin ordered his troops to coalesce around Lake Rumare. After he gave out a signal, Elvish troops marched onto the Imperial City. The city was surrounded from three sides as Naarifin's troops battled with the Imperial Legion. Emperor Titus Mede II, going against the advice of his advisers, decided to abandon the city and escape with his life. He successfully broke out from the city's northern flank and joined up with General Jonna. -
The Fall of the Imperial City
After the Emperor had fled from the City, its defense was kept up by the Eight Legion. They faced the full force of the Aldmeri Dominion. Lord Naarifin's troops destroyed a section of the city's wall and poured in. The Imperial City fell to the Dominion after its defenders were slaughtered on the streets. The Dominion had achieved a decisive major victory over the Empire. -
The Sack of the Imperial City
Lord Naarifin gave his troops full impunity to ransack the city. As a result, the Sack of the Imperial City occurred. The Imperial Palace was burned down, killing the Elder Council in the process. The White-Gold Tower was looted. The Altmeri troops committed terrible violations on the populace of the City. An ethnic genocide occurred, during which the human inhabitants of the City were murdered, raped, tortured and forced to give up their possessions. -
Hammerfell abandoned by the Empire
General Decianus, who was preparing to liberate Skaven from Lady Arannelya's weakened troops, was ordered by march back to Cyrodiil. As Decianus was unwilling to abandon Hammerfell to the Dominion, he developed a plan to discharge large numbers of his legionnaires as "casualties". After Decianus's army marched eastwards, these "injured" legionnaires formed an army group and marched to meet with Lady Arannelya. On their way to Skaven, they picked up numerous Redguard volunteers. -
The Great War reaches its fourth year
By 4E 174, most of Cyrodiil had fallen to the Aldmeri Dominion. The Thalmor were confident in their victory and offered the Empire a chance for peace. Emperor Titus Mede II feigned interest in the offer. Actually, he was planning a massive campaign to regain the Imperial City. General Jonna had just returned from Skyrim with her legion of battle-hardened Nords. General Decianus arrived to Cyrodiil with his army of Redguards and Bretons. The Empire had regained its strength and its will to live. -
Second Battle of Skaven
The forces of the Empire, led by Legate Sextanian, met with the forces of Lady Arannelya near the city of Skaven. The Empire won a decisive victory and defeated the Dominion's army. Arannelya was forced to retreat back across the Alik'r Desert. Her troops took crippling blows from Redguard partisans. Although parts of Southern Hammerfell remained in the Dominion's hands, the Western Campaign had failed its objective of conquering Hammerfell. -
The Red Ring Strategy set in motion
Emperor Titus Mede II drew up a plan to regain the Imperial City. The Red Ring Strategy was three-pronged. First, General Decianus would launch a surprise attack from the Colovian Highlands. General Jonna would attack the Dominion's forces from the east, fighting through Lord Naarifin's forces to meet up with General Decianus. The final stage would see Emperor Titus II himself launch a massive attack from Bruma and recapture the Imperial City. -
Battle of the Red Ring begins
General Decianus launched a surprise attack on the Imperial City. The Dominion had not detected his presence in Cyrodiil, as they believed him to be in Hammerfell. Decianus's legions struck hard against Lord Naarifin's troops, forcing them to fall back onto the Red Ring Road, a few dozen miles north of the Imperial City. General Decianus's attack was devastatingly successful, allowing the second part of the Strategy to take place. -
General Jonna's offensive
While Lord Naarifin and General Decianus were fighting, General Jonna led her Nordic troops to an offensive. A problem arose after Naarifin called for reinforcements from Bravil and Leyawiin. These additional troops gave hell to Jonna's troops. After two days of fighting, Jonna's legionnaires successfully outmaneuvered Naarifin's troops and met up with Decianus's legions. The Dominion's troops were flanked from three sides. -
Battle of Red Ring ends
Emperor Titus II led an army to attack Lord Naarifin from Bruma, completely flanking the main Dominion army. The Emperor's legionnaires ripped apart their enemies, delivering crippling blows to Naarifin's troops. After this initial offensive, the Emperor led his troops to successfully recapture the Imperial City. Lord Naarifin's remaining troops were eradicated by Jonna and Decianus. The Battle of Red Ring ended with a tremendous victory for the Empire. -
The Imperial City recaptured
As Emperor Titus II liberated the Imperial City, they were greeted by enthusiastic crowds. The Altmeri garrison of the city were disarmed and executed. According to rumors, Lord Naarifin was hung on top of the White-Gold Tower and died after a winged Daedra carried him into Oblivion. However, most historians agree that he was likely killed during the Battle of Red Ring. -
Negotiations for peace begin
Although the Empire was victorious, it was in no shape to continue warfare. There were serious shortages of manpower in the Imperial Legion. The Aldmeri Dominion had likewise been decimated by the Empire and lacked the necessary resources to continue warfare. Diplomatic negotiations began between Emperor Titus II and the Thalmor. The Dominion's demands were harsh and almost identical to the ultimatum issued at the very beginning of the war. -
The White-Gold Concordat signed
After negotiations between the Empire and the Dominion, the White Gold Concordat was signed. The treaty prohibited the worship of Talos, demanded the relinquishing of Southern Hammerfell and ordered the Blades to be disbanded. Although unnaturally harsh, Emperor Titus II had no other choice but to accept, as the Empire had been crippled in the war. Thus ended the Great War, a conflict which came to define the history of Tamriel in a great manner. -
The Hammerfellian War begins
The White-Gold Concordat ordered the Empire to secede Southern Hammerfell to the Dominion. Redguards refused to give even an inch of their land to the Dominion. This forced Titus Mede II to renounce Hammerfell as an Imperial province, an act seen by the Redguards as betrayal. Elvish troops invaded Hammerfell, sparking the Hammerfellian War. Hoping for a quick victory, the Dominion was dragged into a protracted war of attrition in unfamiliar terrain with the ferocious Redguards. -
The Markath Incident
The capture of Markarth by the Reachmen created many problems for Igmund, the future Jarl of Markarth. Ulfric Stormcloak, the son of the Jarl of Windhelm, was brought to put down the revolt. Ulfric smashed the rebellion with excellence and in exchange, Igmund allowed him to worship Talos within the city limits. This did not sit well with the Thalmor, who were aware of Ulfric's little deal with Igmund and threatened with war. With no other choice, Ulfric was again forbidden to worship Talos. -
The Hammerfellian War ends
The Hammerfellian War had left the Dominion and its army in tatters. Although Southern Hammerfell had been decimated, the Redguards showed no signs of giving up resistance. Due to the prolonged war, the Aldmeri Dominion suffered an economic collapse and was unable to continue the war. Negotiating with Redguard monarchs, the Second Treaty of Stros M'Kai was signed. The Dominion vowed to respect Hammerfell's independence and paid reparations for the damages caused to Redguard cities. -
The Great Reconstruction
After the Great War, the formerly magnificent provinces of Cyrodiil and Hammerfell laid in ruins. The Aldmeri Dominion was bankrupt, and Morrowind struggled to build a functioning society after the Red Year. During the Great Reconstruction, a twenty-year period of time, cities and infrastructure of Tamriel were rebuilt and repaired. During this time, the Empire rebuilt all of the cities of Cyrodiil to excellence. -
Piracy in the Abecean Sea
Abecean Sea was the center of maritime trade in Western Tamriel, with numerous important ports dotting its coastline. Pirates seized its economic significance to harass merchants. Abecean pirates, mostly of Redguard and Imperial ethnicity, raided merchant ships and parted with valuable loot. Both the Empire and the Dominion tried to curb piracy through military action. The island of Stros M'Kai near Hammerfell and the island of Stirk near Cyrodiil became safe havens for pirates. -
Establishment of Synod
In response to the Thalmor and their arcane proficiency, Titus Mede II chartered the establishment of Synod. A semi-secret multi-ethnic collection of wizards loyal to the Empire, the Synod was funded to perform highly dangerous experiments and handle powerful magical artifacts. Over time, Synod acquired a belief in human supremacy and Elvish members of Synod were quietly sacked or assigned to dangerous missions. -
Penitus Oculatus formed
The White Gold Concordat outlawed the Blades secret service, crippling the Empire's special tactics and reconnaissance capabilities. Titus Mede II formulated the Penitus Oculatus (Inner Eye in Cyrodiilic) to serve as the guardians of the Ruby Throne. They operated in secrecy to uncover conspiracies, eliminate threats to the security of the Empire, perform black operations and protect the life of the Emperor. -
High King of Skyrim slain
Wishing to demonstrate the weakness of the Empire, Ulfric Stormcloak challenged High King Torygg to a duel. Using the skills Ulfric acquired from the Greybeards, he shouted Torygg to death. He was declared an outlaw by the Imperials and fled. Ulfric moved back to Windhelm and called Nords to rise up against the corrupt Empire. However, he fell to an ambush at the Darkwater Crossing. Brought to Helgen for an execution, he miraculously evaded death after a dragon attack. -
Dragon Crisis begins
After a dragon burned down Helgen, they began to appear all over Skyrim. Dragons hadn't been seen in Skyrim for many eras. A prisoner from Helgen, who had escaped from the attack, was discovered to be the Last Dragonborn. This person became a part of the prophecy of Alduin's Wall, meant to stop Alduin the World-Eater from destroying Tamriel. Throughout their quest, the Last Dragonborn studied in High Hrothgar, worked with the Blades and fought against the Thalmor. -
Civil War of Skyrim begins
The Civil War of Skyrim began after the Stormcloaks, a nationalist paramilitary force loyal to Ulfric Stormcloak, committed several hit-and-run attacks against Imperial garrisons in Southern Skyrim. The populace of Skyrim was divided as most Nords still supported the concept of an united Empire, but felt like current Empire was corrupt, unjust and defeated by the Thalmor. The Civil War dragged on for five bloody months, fought while the Dragon Crisis loomed over Skyrim. -
Titus Mede II assassinated
While he was moored on the Katariah in Solitude, an agent of the Dark Brotherhood managed to slay Emperor Titus Mede II. The Empire was momentarily thrown into disarray. Emperor Titus Mede II's illegitimate daughter, Demonda Mede, was declared the Empress of Tamriel. Demonda's rule was marred with internal conflicts due to the Elder Council's lack of faith in her governance. The Thalmor merrily bribed certain key members of the Elder Council to keep the Empire internally unstable. -
Dragon Crisis ends
After gaining access to Sovngarde, the Last Dragonborn slayed Alduin the World-Eater, averting the Dragon Crisis and saving Tamriel from potential destruction. After the Crisis, the Dragonborn retired from an active life of adventuring and returned to their favorite hobby: selling large amounts of low-grade weapons to merchants. During their post-Crisis travels, the Last Dragonborn became the favorite customer and best friend of Belethor in Whiterun. -
Civil War of Skyrim ends
The Imperial Legion, bolstered by paramilitary loyalists and local mustered armies, defeated the Stormcloaks and captured the city of Windhelm. Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak was killed during the battle. Torygg's widow, Jarl Elisif the Fair, was later chosen by the Nordic Moot as the new High Queen of Skyrim. The Stormcloaks were driven underground, where they continued a low-level insurgency campaign against the Empire. Their presence was most felt in the holds of Rift and Eastmarch. -
Second Arnesian War
During the events of the Red Year, Argonians had invaded Morrowind and occupied its southern regions, including the fertile Deshaan Plain. After regaining their strength, House Redoran launched a war against the Argonians. The Second Arnesian War commenced with the Battle of Narsis, a decisive victory for the Dunmer. After two years of warfare, the Redoran pushed Argonians back into Argonia and restored Southern Morrowind under their control. -
Redguard Civil War begins
The unity felt after defeating the Dominion invasion evaporated as the ages-old conflict between the Forebears and the Crowns restarted in Hammerfell. The Civil War pushed back the development of Hammerfell and turned the formerly prosperous province into a violent isolated region, seldom visited by other races. The Civil War assumed a proxy war status after the Empire began supporting the Forebears and the Dominion started to support the Crowns. -
Attempted coup in the Aldmeri Dominion
A clandestine order of powerful mages called the Psijic Order triggered a riot in Alinor after they openly slandered the Thalmor. The Order fought the Dominion forces for months and organized anti-Thalmor resistance to support their goals. In the end, the Psijic Order was defeated and the island of Artaeum, their home, disappeared from Tamriel. The attempted coup led to a new round of purges in the Dominion. -
The Dragon League is created
Afraid of losing political power to Thalmor-aligned forces, Empress Demonda Mede uplifted a small nationalist group called the Knights of Talos and gave them clandestine governmental support. The Dragon League was born, an ultra-nationalist Imperial political faction with vast monetary reserves, created to counter Thalmor influence in the Empire. Colovian aristocrats, Synod archmages and military officers of the Imperial Legion made up most of the Dragon League's membership. -
Calm Era takes over
For two hundred years, Tamriel remained calm and prosperous. Although tensions between the Empire and the Dominion were ever-present and the Redguard Civil War raged on, most provinces of Tamriel experienced an unprecedented period of stability. During the Calm Era, Tamrielic population grew to 150 million, which led to larger cities and larger armies. No major technological innovations were made and life on Tamriel continued as it had always been: primitive, mysterious and full of magic. -
The Lynpar Conflict begins
In the middle of the Calm Era, a troubling conflict arose in Valenwood. Khajiiti emigrants from Anequina began settling in the Lynpar March, a lush region in Eastern Valenwood. The local Bosmer felt disgust towards the feline immigrants and petitioned the Dominion to ban the Khajiit from Valenwood. Situation degenerated as Bosmeri bandits raided Khajiiti villages and committed several acts of ethnic cleansing. Anequinian drug lords sold skooma to Valenwood, making matters even worse. -
An agent departs from Alinor
The Thalmor response was to send a special agent to the Lynpar March. Their task was to negotiate with the King of Lynpar, the Queen of Anequina and the local partisans. Departing from Alinor, the unnamed agent crossed the Abecean Sea and entered Valenwood. A short ferry-ride later, they found themselves in the city of Lynpar, the capital of the Lynpar March. -
Adventures in the Lynpar March
The Thalmor agent spoke with the King of Lynpar, who had keenly encouraged the local Khajiit to leave. He refused to stop the ethnic cleansing of Khajiit in Lynpar March. The Agent visited several Bosmeri and Khajiiti villages in the area. Dirdinor, the leader of a group of nationalist Bosmeri partisans in Lynpar March, informed the Thalmor agent that he was planning to commit a major raid against Khajiiti skooma smugglers in Elsweyr. -
Arrival in Elsweyr
In order to gain information of Khajiiti positions, the Thalmor agent crossed the border and entered the Western Anequinian region of Verkarth Hills. In the town of Verkarth, they gained a chance to talk with Queen Xastavir of Anequina. She informed the agent that the Khajiit would not tolerate any attacks against their brethren in Valenwood. With this in mind, the Thalmor agent collected more information through speaking with local crime lords, regional leaders and Verkarth's inhabitants. -
The raid commences
While in Verkarth Hills, the Thalmor agent was thrown in the middle of a Bosmeri warpath. With the blessing of King of Lynpar, Dirdinor led his partisans to raid Anequina and detain local skooma smugglers. Unfortunately, many innocent Khajiit died during the raid. Verkarth's guard defeated the partisans and forced them to retreat to Valenwood. The Thalmor agent returned to Lynpar March, where trouble was brewing. -
A solution emerges
In retribution for the Bosmeri raid, Queen Xastavir of Anequina was planning to declare war against Valenwood. This was unacceptable for the Thalmor, who ordered their agent to find a way to end the ethnic tensions in Lynpar March. Through arduous adventuring, the agent came across the ritual of the Wild Hunt: an ancient ritual created to protect Valenwood from invasions. The Wild Hunt would transform its participants into mindless monsters, who'd slaughter their enemies and then themselves. -
Carrying out the ritual
After learning of the ritual, the Thalmor agent explored the entirety of Lynpar March/Verkarth Hills for various artifacts. The Thalmor agent contacted Bosmeri shamans and communicated with Y'ffre, the main deity of the Bosmer. Through his counsel, the agent received divine instructions for the Wild Hunt. As Khajiiti soldiers from Anequina entered the Lynpar March, the Thalmor agent invited Dirdinor and his group of partisans to convene in an open field and proceeded with the ritual. -
The Wild Hunt
After the ritual was completed, Dirdinor and his partisans were turned into vicious animals and monsters. These beasts attacked everyone in sight and decimated the invading Anequinian soldiers. After they had defeated their foes, the monsters fought each other and perished, ending the Wild Hunt. Peace had arrived to Lynpar March as the Anequinian invasion failed and the Khajiit-harassing partisans laid dead. -
The Lynpar Conflict ends
After the Thalmor agent had successfully carried out the Wild Hunt and ended the Lynpar Conflict with little-to-no casualties, they returned to Alinor. The Thalmor congratulated them on their excellence and allowed the agent to retire with a hefty state pension. Interestingly enough, no historic records state the agent's name, appearance nor their eventual fate. After vanquishing their foes in Valenwood, the Thalmor agent had disappeared into thin air, as if they were from another realm. -
Calm Era ends
After 200 years of peace, the wars of the past seemed distant. The great rivalry between the Thalmor and the Empire continued, but the possibility of a Second Great War seemed slight. However, things weren't set to stay like that forever. After the Calm Era, two major wars were fought and a crucial discovery sparked an unprecedented revolution in science, magic and technology. -
The rise of House Redoran
After the events of the Red Year, House Redoran grew to become the most powerful of all the Great Houses of Morrowind. The Redoran promoted conservative Dunmeri nationalist policies and were supported by the Daedric priesthood of Morrowind. Over time, they cannibalized all of the other Great Houses, beginning with House Indoril and House Dres. Even the wealthy House Hlaalu was subjugated to the will of the Redoran. By 4E 400, only two Great Houses remained: House Redoran and House Telvanni. -
Use of magic on the decline
Although magic remained omnipresent in Alinor and Morrowind, its popularity in the other regions was on the decline. The general population distrusted magic and arcane research, believing it to be dangerous and unpredictable. The Oblivion Crisis and the magic-wielding Thalmor made the study of magic an even more unpopular choice in the lands of the Empire. As a result, the people of Tamriel began to look towards technology to free them from magic and its unpredictability. -
The Scinia Incident
A diplomatic incident occurred after an enormous skooma warehouse was discovered in an Imperial town called Scinia. The warehouse was owned by the Camonna Tong, a Dunmeri crime syndicate. The Tong were discovered to supply over 70% of Cyrodiilic skooma. Evidence suggested the involvement of the highest tiers of House Redoran leadership, who had allied themselves with Camonna Tong and profited from their activities. After the Scinia Incident, tensions between Redoran and the Empire grew. -
Unrest in Valenwood
Although Valenwood was a member of the Aldmeri Dominion, it remained in a precarious situation. The Bosmer didn't share the Elvish supremacist beliefs of their Altmeri cousins. Liberal elements remained within highest governmental tiers of Bosmeri government. After a new law required 10% of Valenwood's forests to be mowed down for housing development, the threshold of Bosmeri patience was crossed. An insurgency campaign was launched in Valenwood by anti-Thalmor groups. -
Emperor Titus Mede III poisoned
Titus Mede III, the sixth emperor of the Mede Dynasty, was different from his predecessors. His background as an educated physician gave his tenure a pacifistic, wise tone. Under his leadership, the Empire launched campaigns to build schools, raise literacy levels and build up trust between the government and the people. This sat poorly with the Dragon League, who poisoned him and removed his allies from power. -
Gaius Iconomacchus ascends to the Ruby Throne
Deceased Titus Mede III's daughter, Sophi Mede, was too young to rule. The Dragon League pulled strings and cut red tape to install their leader, Gaius Iconomacchus, as the official regent. An aggressive and ambitious man, Gaius ordered the rapid militarization of the Imperial Legion. Under his regency, the Empire grew a lot more authoritarian and powerful. -
House Redoran perform a coup
In the year of 2E 896, after a drawn-out war, Emperor Tiber Septim and Vivec signed the Treaty of the Armistice. For over 400 years, the Dunmeri province of Morrowind remained a province of the Empire, with vast self-rule rights. After the events of the Red Year and the Second Arnesian War, House Redoran gained primacy over Morrowind. In the year of 4E 403, the Redoran performed a military coup and deposed the Imperial administration in Mournhold. -
Union of Morrowind declares independence
After House Redoran took control over Mournhold, they declared Morrowind to be independent of the Empire. The Union of Morrowind was established, with its capital in Mournhold. It was an authoritarian aristocratic state, ruled by the Redoran alone. The Empire did not acknowledge the Union as a legitimate state and denounced the Redoran as usurpers. Warfare began as Dunmeri soldiers prepared themselves to fight for their independence. -
Dunmeri War of Independence begins
The armies of the nascent Union of Morrowind, called the United Squadrons, crossed the Valus Mountains and entered Cyrodiil. Led by General Voberos Rilel-Ryonul, the Eleventh United Squadron besieged the city of Cheydinhal. The Dunmeri soldiers, called oathsmen, were armed with pikes, swords, tantos and crossbows. The goal of the Eleventh United Squadron was to conquer Cheydinhal and then return it to the Empire, on the condition of Dunmeri independence. -
Siege of Cheydinhal begins
Cheydinhal was poorly defended and had no native legions. Regent Gaius Iconomacchus ordered four legions to break the siege of the city. Legio Primo, Legio Marius, Legio Falerfagus and Legio Draconis were ordered to march into Eastern Cyrodiil and defeat the Dunmeri invasion. Additionally, battlemages from Synod and wizards from the Dragon League were sent to the frontlines, as were Restoration mages from the College of Whispers. -
Invasion of Skyrim begins
The Eight and Third United Squadrons, led by General Vynyna Farooni, crossed the Velothi Mountains and invaded Skyrim. After conquering numerous small towns and villages, the Squadrons laid siege to Riften and Windhelm. High King Vikmar Olriksen ordered all of his Jarls to form warbands. Imperial Legion garrisons in Skyrim advanced towards Eastmarch and Riften. -
Battle of Harlun's Watch
Legio Marius, commanded by General Aulus Ricion, met with the Ninth United Squadron near the small city of Harlun's Watch. Telvanni battlemages used powerful spells to slaughter thousands of Imperial legionnaires. For two days, the battle raged with no clear end in sight. Imperial fortunes changed after siege machines arrived from the Imperial City. Catapults and ballistas were used to demolish Dunmeri oathsmen and the Battle of Harlun's Watch ended with a decisive Imperial victory. -
Redoran driven from Skyrim
With the help of Imperial Legion garrisons, High King Vikmar Olriksen mustered up Nords to free their homeland from the Dunmeri invasion. A spirit of unity, with the West coming to aid the East, united Skyrim for the first time since the Civil War. Nordic armies met the Third United Squadron near the city of Riften. The battle was decisively won by Nordic soldiers, who decimated the Dunmeri oathsmen. General Vynyna Farooni's surviving troops retreated back to Morrowind, depleted and demoralized. -
Valenwood insurgency grows
What began as a civil insubordination campaign had rapidly grown into an armed anti-Thalmor rebellion. Bosmeri paramilitary groups, such as the Liberation Army and the Green Brotherhood, rose to challenge Thalmor hegemony in Valenwood. With the province in full-blown conflict, the Dominion brought in forces from Elsweyr to crush the rebellion. As the Bosmer fought ferociously, the Khajiiti mercenaries failed to contain the insurgency. -
Siege of Cheydinhal ends
General Voberos Rilel-Ryonul and the strong Eleventh United Squadron upheld the siege of Cheydinhal for two years. Life in the besieged city was harsh and deadly, with starvation and diseases running wild. Legio Primo and Legio Marius, led by General Quintis Pupia, encircled the Dunmeri oathsmen and bombarded them with catapults. In 4E 405, the two legions assaulted the Eleventh Squadron. After three days of arduous battling, the Dunmeri invaders were defeated and forced to retreat. -
Third Arnesian War begins
Argonians were planning to reopen hostilities with Morrowind and wished to coordinate their moves with the Imperial Legion. The An-Xileel contacted the Elder Council and forwarded them a request of assistance. Regent Iconomacchus was ecstatic to hear from the Argonians and gave them war materiel and combat intelligence. After acquiring important military technology from the Imperials, the State of Argonia launched the Third Arnesian War and advanced into the Deshaan Plain. -
The Rape of Valenwood
Ten years of insurgency had worn down the patience of the Thalmor. At first, the local aristocracy of Valenwood was dethroned and executed. After the new leadership proved to be more "flexible", the Thalmor sent army detachments to Valenwood. They launched the Rape of Valenwood, during which tens of thousands of Bosmer were slain. Villages harboring insurgents were depopulated and destroyed. Rumors of Bosmeri genocide began to reach Alinor. -
The crossing of Valus Mountains
Under the command of General Aulus Ricion, Legio Marius and Legio Primo crossed the Valus Mountains. Their goal was to conquer Western Morrowind and set up a new Imperial administration, which would dethrone the Redoran and return the Dunmer under Imperial rule. Meanwhile, Argonian forces cut a path of destruction through the southern swamplands of the Deshaan Plain and besieged the major city of Tear. Morrowind was being assaulted on all fronts. -
Blacklight and Silgrad besieged
Legio Primo besieged Blacklight, while Legio Marius advanced towards Silgrad. Nordic mustered troops were used to bolster the Imperial legionnaires in Blacklight, where Dunmer resistance was the hardest. Both legions used massive siege machines to break down walls, inflicting casualties on Dunmeri civilians. House Redoran was in a state of panic and attempted to invoke their Daedric gods, in an effort to receive divine aid. -
Miracle of Blacklight
During the brutal Siege of Blacklight, Dunmer prayed towards the Daedra and asked guidance from Lord Azura. Much to their surprise, she answered their pleas for help. During her day of summoning, Azura appeared in front of the defenders of Blacklight. She sent her Winged Twilights to deliver gifts and weapons. The Dunmeri defenders of Blacklight received pitch-black Daedric swords, infused with Azura's powers. Daedric beasts and soldiers joined the Dunmeri oathsmen in defending the city. -
Imperial sieges lifted
Azura's blessed weapons and her Daedric servants allowed Dunmeri oathsmen to gain a significant advantage over Imperial legionnaires. After five days of fighting, Redoran won two victories and forced the Legion to lift their sieges of Dunmeri cities. With their new-found Daedric strength, House Redoran regained their prestige as warriors. In Cheydinhal, peace negotiations started between the Union of Morrowind and the Empire. -
Dunmeri War of Independence ends
A peace treaty was drafted and signed between the Empire and the Union. The Treaty of Cheydinhal declared the Union of Morrowind to be an independent state, sovereign from the Empire of Tamriel. Furthermore, Empire recognized House Redoran as the legitimate rulers of Morrowind. In exchange, Morrowind was to pay reparations for the damage they caused to Cheydinhal and were forced to return the island of Solstheim to the Nords. Both sides declared the Treaty to be a major victory. -
Reformation of the Dominion
After the Rape of Valenwood became common knowledge, the public of the Dominion demanded a change of leadership. Afraid of losing their grip over Alinor and Valenwood, the Thalmor sacked their high command and deposed the monarchs of Valenwood. The controversial forestry law was overturned and genocidal generals were executed. In return, the Bosmeri insurgents laid down their weapons and rejoined the Aldmeri nation. The Dominion was saved, but the Thalmor lost some of their former prestige. -
The end of the Third Arnesian War
Using the gifts of Azura, Dunmeri oathsmen faced the invading Argonians. The Redoran drove the Argonians all the way back into the swamps of Argonia. Unwilling to venture into the treacherous and deadly swamps, the Dunmer stopped their warpath near the border. The Third Arnesian War ended without a peace treaty, as the Argonians weren't interested in surrendering. The Morrowind-Argonia border remained heavily fortified as the two states engaged in a vicious cold war. -
Solstheim declared a "closed island"
After regaining control over Solstheim, the first Nordic explorers to visit the island reported seeing vast uncovered ruins of strange nature. Penitus Oculatus and the College of Whispers were sent to investigate. A vast Dwemer ruin named Mildorth was found hidden within Solstheim. This ruin contained many unexplained mysteries. Solstheim was declared a closed island and its administration was taken over by Synod. -
Gaius Iconomacchus deposed, Sophi Mede ascends the throne
Regent Gaius Iconomacchus's unchecked jingoism turned into a liability. He drew up larger and bolder plans, including the invasion of Hammerfell and Valenwood. The end of the Dunmeri War of Independence made his warmongering agenda unpopular. Eventually, Sophi Mede ousted Regent Iconomacchus from power through the Elder Council. Iconomacchus was jailed and Sophi Mede assumed her rightful place as the Empress of Tamriel. -
Orsinium rebuilt by Lord Thulgeg
Orsinium, the legendary capital of Orcs, was destroyed in the Fourth Era by a combined force of Bretons and Nords. Under the leadership of an Orcish mercenary captain called Lord Thulgeg, Orsinium was rebuilt into the Wrothgarian Mountains. Facing local resistance, Orcs decided to go on the offensive by attacking their neighbors. The Kingdom of Orsinium became a state full of violence, slavery and misery, feared by Bretons and Nords alike. -
Vvardenfell claimed by the Telvanni
After the eruption of the Red Mountain, the island of Vvardenfell was left entirely depopulated. Dunmeri civilians refused to repopulate the island, as they believed it to be cursed. With no other options, House Redoran decided to gift the island to House Telvanni. The Telvanni used the island for arcane experiments and began to rebuild its derelict cities. -
Hammerfell Civil War reaches its aphex
300 years of warfare had turned Hammerfell into a failed state. In the year of 5E 435, Forebears attacked the Crown capital of Hegathe with catapults and trebuchets. An unnecessarily large amount of civilians died as much of the city was destroyed during the siege. This galvanized the Crowns into action and they increased diplomatic contacts with both the Dominion and the Empire. -
The Nibenean Flu of 435
Cyrodiil, Skyrim and High Rock were struck by the Nibenean Flu, named after the region where it was first discovered. In the afflicted, the Nibenean Flu caused high fever, lethargy, diarrhea and breathing difficulties. Although it was highly contagious and infected 1/3 of all inhabitants of Cyrodiil, the Flu only killed 7,000 people. It was later discovered that the Nibenean Flu caused increased incidences of schizophrenia and depression in people who survived the disease. -
The Iliac Bay Incident
In the Iliac Bay region of High Rock, an incident occurred after a town guard attacked one of her colleagues. She was discovered to be a vampire. The guard was executed along with her victim by Wayrest's ruthless Duchess Carolyna. News of the execution reached all vampire clans of High Rock, who deemed Carolyna's actions to be oppressive. Hordes of vampires descended upon Wayrest, in order to gain revenge. They were followed by flocks of resurrected corpses, skeletons and wraiths. -
The Fall of Wayrest, the Black Duke invades Gavaudon
After the vampires overwhelmed the mercenary armies of Wayrest, they enslaved Wayrest's population and built a large shrine to Molag Bal. A vampire lord called the Black Duke proclaimed Wayrest to be the capital of a new empire, created for minions of Molag Bal. He organized an army, the Black Legion, and invaded the neighboring city of Gavaudon. News of the incident reached all corners of Tamriel. -
High Rock is overwhelmed by the Black Legion
Black Duke's army of vampires, ghosts and resurrected corpses occupied and enslaved 40 towns in the Iliac Bay area, prompting an united army to rise against them. Led by King Frovic of Daggerfall, the combined force was made up of 70.000 soldiers from various High Rock cities. In the Battle of Cumberland, Frovic's army was decimated and slaughtered by the Black Legion. After this terrible defeat, the Imperial Legion was called to restore order. -
Black Legion destroyed
Two Legions arrived in Daggerfall. Bolstered by the remains of King Frovic's army and led by aging Empress Sophi Mede herself, the Imperial Legion faced the Black Duke and his undead minions. In the Battle of Eadwyre, the Legion destroyed the Black Legion and reconquered Iliac Bay. Bretons formed vigilante groups to hunt down and kill the remaining vampires. Artifacts left behind by the Black Duke were claimed by the Synod for study. -
Archen Artifact discovered
A college study group performing excavations of ancient Altmeri battlefields in the city of Archen stumbled across a discovery of a dormant Dwemer machine, built to calculate mathematical equations. This discovery was hoarded by the Thalmor, who declared the Archen Artifact to be a state secret. It was brought to Firsthold and studied by Dominion's leading researchers. They failed to understand the principles behind its operation. -
Empress Sophi Mede dies, replaced by Janus Mede
Empress Sophi Mede, reigning over a long period of calm, passed away due to complications resulting from a vicious disease she caught while fighting the Black Duke. As Sophi never had children of her own, she was succeeded by Janus Mede, her nephew. A bawdy, unruly man ripe for scandalous behavior, Janus was despised by the Elder Council and became the laughing stock of the Empire. His first degree was to legalize brothels in Cyrodiil, for his own personal gain. -
Establishment of Archen Committee
After the Archen Artifact was declared a state secret and removed from its original location, the collection of Altmeri archaeology students who found the artifact banded together and formed the Archen Committee. The Committee demanded more transparency and clarity from the government of Dominion. They quickly found themselves allies among the fringes of Altmeri politics. -
Contacts made between the Thalmor and the Synod
Synod spent over a hundred years investigating Mildorth, a colossal Dwemeri ruin hidden below Solstheim. Unfortunately, the principles behind Dwemer technology were found to be near-impossible to decipher. The Thalmor, simultaneously studying the Archen Artifact, secretly passed on knowledge to the Synod about their own work. Synod responded positively and invited the Thalmor to Solstheim in order to discuss the two artifacts and their significance. -
The Aedonin Incident
High Justicar Aedonin, whose task was to suppress the divination of Talos in County Bravil, was found laying next to the graveyard of Bravil, nude and penniless. During questioning, he confessed that he had visited a local skooma den, where he had gambled and lost his Thalmor robes. He was promptly removed from Thalmor ranks and thrown into jail. The Empire enjoyed seeing the Thalmor try to withhold knowledge of a major functionary being caught with his pants down. -
Gunpowder discovered in Orsinium
Orcish alchemist Bugrol Badbmbak was hired by Lord Thulgeg to invent a new fertilizer for crops. After mixing saltpeter with sulfur, Badbmbak discovered black gunpowder. This discovery was used to bolster the nascent Orcish troops in their fights against their Bretonic neighbors. At first used to light the ground on fire, Orcish engineers later invented a way to use gunpowder to propel heavy rocks to strike the heads of Breton soldiers. These primitive cannons were appropriated by Bretons. -
Slavery legalized in Morrowind
The Union of Morrowind struggled to survive after the Empire instated an economic blockade. The Redoran attempted various ways to restart Morrowindian economy. Black market production was promoted and the Camonna Tong were used to sell illegal materials, like ebony and glass. Taking notes from their history, the Redoran decided to legalize slavery. Only Argonians and the Khajiit were enslaved, as the Redoran considered the beast races of Tamriel to be non-sapient. -
Thalmor and Synod join forces
At first skeptical of the perspective of working together with the Empire, the Thalmor met with representatives of the Synod in Solstheim. Comparing their notes, they came to the conclusion that the Archen Artifact seemed to be related to the ruins of Mildorth. Authorized by the Dominion and the Empire, the Archen Artifact was secretly brought into Solstheim and researchers from both sides started to look into the two Dwemer remnants. -
The establishment of the Federation of High Rock
After the Warp of the West, High Rock had been composed of five independent states: the Kingdom of Daggerfall, the Kingdom of Orsinium, the Duchy of Wayrest, the Kingdom of Camlorn and the Union of Northpoint and Evermore. Over time, power centralized towards Daggerfall, the wealthiest of Bretonic kingdoms. During a meeting led by Queen Alyhel of Daggerfall, the five kingdoms agreed to establish the Federation of High Rock: a federal state under the Empire's rule, with its capital in Daggerfall. -
Major discovery at Mildorth
After they inserted the Archen Artifact into a receptacle deep within Mildorth, the combined research team of Synod and the Thalmor made meaningful progress. The Dwemeri ruin lit up in lights as its dormant machines sprung back to life. The Artifact itself began printing out papers of weird calculations and poetic notes concerning a "colony on a black rock, beaming glowing magic at the Ehlnofey". -
First gun produced in High Rock
After the Orcs discovered gunpowder, it was used to construct primitive stone-throwing cannons. King Sintrose of Evermore took an interest in the invention and funded gunpowder research in his kingdom. Redric Maollosa, a researcher of Evermore, was the first to successfully use the principles behind explosive propulsion to build a gun capable of firing metal projectiles. He became the saint of gunsmiths and the first weapon he made, the Dragonmaw, later became a famous relic. -
Emperor Janus dies, Titus Mede IV ascends to the throne
Emperor Janus, who acquired a reputation of being a drunkard, a womanizer and a sleazebag, died in 4E 483 from gonorrhea. His son succeeded him as Titus Mede IV. An alumnus of the Arcane University, Titus Mede IV's reign was favorable towards mages of the Empire and he allocated funds to various arcane groups, such as the Synod and the College of Whispers. His nickname among the Imperials was the "Sexually Transmitted Emperor", a name Titus Mede IV utterly resented. -
Penitus Oculatus becomes the first group to experiment with firearms
The first guns produced by the smiths of Evermore were unstable, inefficient and expensive. King Sintrose presented the new fearsome weapons to the Elder Council. Although the King accidentally killed an Elder Councillor after one of his guns discharged, the Council nonetheless decided to arm the agents of Penitus Oculatus with gunpowder weapons. Using these new devices, Oculatus agents acquired a reputation of mystery and ruthlessness. -
College of Winterhold destroyed by the Stormcloaks
The Stormcloaks, who kept the memory of Ulfric alive in the mountains of Eastmarch and the Rift, resented the College of Winterhold and its influence over the High King of Skyrim. They bought a primitive gunpowder bomb from the Orcs and smuggled it inside the College. In a large explosion, the ancient College of Winterhold collapsed into the Sea of Ghosts. Fifty years after its destruction, the formerly-independent College of Winterhold was rebuilt under the aegis of the College of Whispers. -
Camonna Tong takes over drug trafficking in the Empire
Camonna Tong, the largest drug syndicate in Tamriel, used its influence to bend the will of minor crime syndicates in Cyrodiil and Skyrim. Using their ties with the House Redoran, Camonna Tong ruthlessly eradicated their opposition. By 4E 488, they controlled 90% of the Empire's drug trade. Profits from Camonna Tong's operations made their way into the wallets of House Redoran, which alarmed the Empire enough to take action. -
King of Alinor assassinated
In the summer of 489, while inspecting the Alinori Gardens of Auriel, King Larethael of Alinor was shot through chest with an arrow. His assassin was caught, but committed suicide while in custody. Thalmor detectives gathered enough clues to conclude that the assassin was a member of the Dark Brotherhood. The Brotherhood, long thought to be extinct, was declared a terrorist organization in Dominion lands. -
Discovery at Mildorth
A bored Synod researcher, working overtime with the Artifact, began attacking the Artifact with novice-level spells. After she shot a spell of Open Very Easy Lock at the machine, it made beeping noises. The Artifact activated itself and was responsive to commands. The Artifact's design, featuring a keyboard, a screen and a lot of wires, made no sense to the Synod. After this major breakthrough, hundreds of new researchers were sent to Mildorth. -
Republic of Hammerfell created
After three hundred years of civil conflict, Hammerfell was a province in ruins. Hundreds of thousands Redguards had emigrated, while others were left stuck in war zones. Eventually, the Crowns managed to turn the tide of the battle by occupying Sentinel, the capital of the Forebears. In 4E 492, the Crowns declared independence for Republic of Hammerfell, with its capital in Sentinel. The Republic was ruled collectively by an aristocratic Senate, drafted from the Crowns faction. -
Research into Eye of Magnus begins
The Dragon League recovered the Eye of Magnus from a Camonna Tong drug lord. They moved it into a safe location near Leyawiin and started to investigate the possibilities of unlocking its ancient secrets, to further the power of humanity. Enlisting certain rogue elements of Synod and the House Telvanni, they worked without informing the Empire of their intentions. -
Forebears contact the Aldmeri Dominion
After the Forebears began to decisively lose the Civil War, they turned towards the Dominion for help. Itching for a chance to install a client kingdom in Hammerfell, the Thalmor offered their resources to the Forebears. In exchange, they demanded loyalty to the ideals of the Thalmor. After swallowing their dignity, the Forebears agreed to the Altmeri requests and further negotiations were held. -
The Beautiful created
Archen Society, a ragtag group of intellectuals, citizens and college students, was formed a few decades ago to demand more transparency from the Dominion government. As their voices were silenced by Thalmori internal security, radical elements of the Society broke away and created The Beautiful, a anarchistic anticlerical terrorist group. The Beautiful's ideology rejected the existence of Aedra, the superiority of Mer over Men and the legitimacy of Thalmor governance. -
Accident at the Eye of Magnus
A Dragon League's research group studying the Eye of Magnus caused an incident after they tried to break down the Eye with high-powered spells. Instead, it activated and consumed two hundred Dragon League researchers, creating a large crater into the forests of Blackwood. The Empire, embarrassed over the League's incompetence, suppressed information about the incident and sent Penitus Oculatus agents to escort the League away from Blackwood. -
The Secret War begins
Camonna Tong controlled the drug trade of the Empire, was supported by House Redoran and used violent tactics to destroy its opponents: all worrying circumstances for the Empire. Unwilling to risk its precarious relationship with the Union of Morrowind by declaring open war on the Camonna Tong, Emperor Titus Mede IV authorized the Penitus Oculatus to wage a clandestine war against the criminal organization. -
Aldmeri Dominion issues firearms to its higher ranks
Observing the success the Orcs, the Bretons and the Penitus Oculatus had with firearms, the Aldmeri Dominion began to tinker and experiment with the original concept. Turning the unsightly Imperial hand cannon into a sleek, lightweight, magically enhanced Elvish variant, the Dominion started arming the higher ranks of its army with these new ornate weapons, called muskets. -
College of Whispers takes over the Arcane University
While the Synod was preoccupied with gathering old relics and undertaking dangerous experiments, the College of Whispers dealt with education, science and politics. They managed to convince Emperor Titus Mede IV to grant them primacy over the Arcane University, an independent institution of utter prestige. Their request was granted, and the College of Whispers became the administrators, staffers and caretakers of the most prestigious university in Tamriel. -
The Annihilation War begins
After the Forebears suffered a staggering defeat in the Battle of Rihad, the Dominion finally agreed to send military help. In a public announcement, the Guardian of the Dominion declared war upon the Republic of Hammerfell, citing violations of the Second Stros M'Kai Treaty and security concerns over the Civil War as their justifications. The Dominion armies landed in coastal Hammerfell and marched to meet with Redguard armies. -
Invasion of Hammerfell successful
The Dominion's main attack was a resounding success. They defeated Republican troops in the Battle of Hnes Rax and captured Gilane and Taneth. In the occupied areas of Hammerfell, the Forebears established a client state called the Dominion of Hammerfell. With Hegathe and Rihad under siege, the Dominion felt confident enough to give the Crowns a chance to surrender and become vassals to the Dominion. -
Resistance grows in Hammerfell
While the occupation of coastal Hammerfell only took half a year, the Dominion found that the local populace refused to be pacified. Altmeri soldiers suffered staggering casualties as Crown militias carried out fearless guerrilla attacks. For working with the Thalmor, the Forebears were branded as traitors by their former supporters. Caldindil, the Guardian of the Dominion and de facto leader of the Thalmor, personally led a fresh army into the wastes of Alik'r Desert. -
The Fire at the Fourth Pier
Alysenne Onisette, the informal leader of Penitus Oculatus, was slaughtered by the Camonna Tong. The Oculatus decided to act in retribution. In the Imperial Waterfront, there was an upscale hotel called the Fourth Pier, used by Camonna Tong leaders and their families as transient homes. The Oculatus agents set fire to the hotel and killed the highest tiers of Camonna Tong leadership, along with their families. This brutal attack turned the tide of the Secret War. -
Queen of Anequina outed as a Dragon League sympathizer
Queen R'jiradh of Anequina made several questionable decisions, such as allowing Imperials the preferential usage of the oasis of Orcrest and banning Bosmer from her domain. The Thalmor investigated her activities. After her ties to the Dragon League were discovered, she was captured and executed. How such a high-level Dominion regional lord, let alone a Khajiiti, became a believer of human supremacist theories remained a mystery. -
The Alessian Order formed
After the accident with the Eye of Magnus, a plot of land disappeared near Leyawiin, along with a 200-strong research team. Three years after their disappearance, the team reappeared. They were unharmed and healthy. The team spoke of having visited Aetherius and brought back stories of apocalypse and the coming of an end. Shunned by the Dragon League, the group disappeared into Argonia and began calling itself the Alessian Order, an ultra-religious apocalyptic order of zealots. -
Battle of Thorstad
Caldindil, the Guardian of the Dominion, led an army deep into the Alik'r Desert to face down the brunt of Crown forces. Instead, his troops were sniped by Redguard archers, attacked by local wildlife and killed by the unforgiving desert. After his forces finally reached the city of Thorstad, the Republic attacked. The Dominion army was decimated and Caldindil was captured as a prisoner of war. As the news spread, riots against the occupation erupted all over Hammerfell. -
Republic of Hammerfell prepares for an invasion
After defeating the Dominion's armies and capturing the Guardian of the Dominion, the Redguards gained the upper hand in the Annihilation War. The Republic of Hammerfell began building a fleet, alarming the Dominion up to no end. The Crowns made an chilling announcement, promising to bring the chaos of Hammerfell into the streets of Alinor. Terrified, the Dominion mustered troops from Elsweyr and Valenwood to counter this potential seaborne invasion. -
Ceasefire between the Dominion and the Republic
After suffering a staggering defeat in Hammerfell, Dominion representatives arrived in Sentinel, ready to do whatever it took to retrieve Caldindil and end the war. The Crowns decided to be merciful and disregarded most of their positions in exchange for the Dominion promising to never again meddle in the affairs of Hammerfell. Negotiations to draw up a peace treaty were held. -
The Treaty of Sentinel
The Aldmeri Dominion and the Republic of Hammerfell signed a peace treaty to end the Annihilation War. The Treaty of Sentinel ordered the Dominion to respect the neutrality of Hammerfell, pay war reparations, turn in all escaped members of Forebears and give Hammerfell hundreds of miles of territorial waters. In exchange, Redguards returned Caldindil unharmed. This treaty was seen as a victory for the Redguards and a humiliation of the Thalmor, further weakening their prestige in Tamriel. -
Rising social and economic inequality in High Rock
The Federation of High Rock was the poorest and the most backwards province of the Empire. The Bretonic society was divided into a royal elite, a wealthy middle class of merchants, an untouchable class of Eight Divines clergy and destitute peasantry. A highly problematic situation occurred when new federal laws allowed Bretonic nobility and clergy to abstain from paying taxes, something that Bretonic peasants could not do. -
Most Tamrielic ruins looted
By 4E 499, most of Tamriel's caves, crypts, mausoleums and ancient ruins had been emptied. Dashing heroes and opportunistic adventurers had cleared nearly all undiscovered locations of their monsters and taken the loot. Thanks to their endeavors, villages and towns were protected from monster attacks. Some places, most notably Ayleid ruins, Dunmeri strongholds and underground Dwemer cities, were declared heritage sites and left untouched. -
Blueprints recovered at Mildorth
In the ruins of Mildorth, a blueprint containing instructions on building a steam machine was discovered. Construction work began in Solstheim, led by a 5000-strong team of engineers, scientists, researchers and architects of both Elvish and human backgrounds. For the first time in history, a Dwemeri machine had been successfully reverse-engineered. -
Stormcloaks kidnap the son of High King Torvisorsen
The Stormcloaks were ecstatic when Torygg's great-great-grandson Lenbith Torvisorsen was chosen as the High King of Skyrim. Lenbith's son, Igmund Torvisorsen, was kidnapped from Solitude and brought into a Stormcloak base in Haafingar. He suffered weeks of torture in captivity. Eventually, Igmund was killed and his corpse was thrown over the walls of Solitude's Blue Palace. This act of violence cost Stormcloaks their public support and the anguished High King mustered troops to wipe them out. -
The Temple of the One renovated
The Temple of the One, in disrepair due to budget cuts, was renovated after Titus Mede IV was convinced by clerics to allocate the required funds. Using expensive marble from High Rock, the new Temple of the One became a widely-visited tourist attraction. It featured individual temples to all of the Eight Divines. Mischievously, it also had a half-finished temple served for Talos, to be finished "when the time is right". -
The Secret War ends
After attending a religious ceremony in Mournhold, Fevran Neloth, the leader of Camonna Tong, was assassinated by the Penitus Oculatus. The whole organization unraveled. Vicious power struggles between different dynasties were held. The Penitus Oculatus helped the Veraro family to become the new leaders of Camonna Tong. In exchange, they promised to stop all drug trafficking in the Empire. This served to end the Secret War and brought the Oculatus much fame. -
Alessian Order outlawed after commiting a genocide
A town in Argonia called Soulrest was attacked by the Alessian Order. They slaughtered the town guards and rounded up the civilians. After claiming that Zenithar wanted Soulrest cleansed of lizards, the Argonians were marched into the nearby swamps and murdered. State of Argonia demanded revenge for the heinous act. The Empire responded by outlawing the Order and issued arrest warrants against its disturbed members. -
Crowns take over Hammerfell
After the Annihilation War, the Crowns faction of Hammerfell solidified their power and hunted down remaining Forebear sympathizers. Unlike the cosmopolitan Forebears, the Crowns were supporters of isolationism, nationalism, self-sufficiency, militarism and conservative politics. Under their aegis, Hammerfell became a major Tamrielic military and economical power and their martial values began to shape the Redguard race as a whole. -
The Steam Machine is built
After countless manhours of assembly and construction, the research team at Solstheim constructed a Dwemeri steam machine. The machine used an array of soul gems to heat up water, which produced steam as a working fluid to perform mechanical work. After some recuperation, the research team came to terms with the fact that they had just built a steam machine and made their discovery official. -
The Dwemeri Miracle
After studying the steam machine, the researchers discovered that the Dwemeri machine they built was a large engine, utilizing steam power to move around pistons. This discovery, along with the discovery of numerous other blueprints, astounded the researchers. Now called the Dwemeri Miracle, the discoveries made at Mildorth gave birth to the Industrial Revolution in the Fifth Era and changed the face of Tamriel permanently. It had finally happened: Tamriel had figured out Dwemeri technologies. -
