Transcription
The lands of Tamriel, home to a variety of races and diverse geographical features, have witnessed great losses and the collapse of Empires multiple times. If you ask anyone who has ever lived in these lands at any point in time, they will tell you the same thing: surviving in Tamriel is no easy task.
Over the centuries, different powers have ruled these harsh lands. In the earliest days, it was the near deities we know as the Aedra and Daedra. Then, during the ancient eras, it was the High Elves, known as the Aldmer, who emerged as a reflection of these Gods. Later, humans arrived on these shores as slaves, only to eventually spread across the entire continent and establish their own dominion.
So here I've given you a brief history of Tamriel's power struggles, a tale that could take hours to fully recount. But I must also tell you that these struggles are far from over. On the contrary, as a new era dawns, an even greater conflict looms on the horizon. Tamriel is calling us, the Elder Scrolls fans, to the brink of a new age, a time of monumental change, and we're certain of it.
As my followers, you're probably aware that I've been creating video content for a while now to prepare for the Elder Scrolls VI. As I've mentioned in previous videos, even though we don't know the exact plot of the sixth game, we can make some educated guesses based on leaks and the structure of previous Elder Scrolls games. If you want to dive deeper into these assumptions, you can check out my earlier videos.
In this video, however, assuming that the sixth game will pick up where the fifth left off, we will examine the political state of the Tamriel continent in the year 2E 201 of the 4th Era. This analysis will focus on the political and geographical status of the major races and regions of Tamriel during the time of Skyrim. By doing so, we can create a foundation to discuss what might await us in the sixth game and what kind of stories we might encounter.
Before we dive into the video, if you enjoy my content, please don't forget to like this video and subscribe to my channel. If you'd like to support my work financially, you can buy me a coffee using the link in the description. Additionally, I thrive on your thoughts and ideas about the topics I cover and the future of the sixth game, so feel free to share your opinions with me in the comments section. Enjoy the video.
Part One: Introduction
In the year 2E 201 of the fourth era, Tamriel had entered a cold peace following a great war. However, all the people of Tamriel, and we players included, know that this fragile peace won't last long. We're all aware that peace between the Thalmor, an organization with an Elven supremacist ideology and a deep-rooted hatred for humankind and the Empire, is impossible. I should clarify that when I use the term Thalmor, I'm not referring to all elves; after all, there are High Elves, or Aldmer, living peacefully alongside humans in the lands of Tamriel. But since the Thalmor currently holds power in Summerset Isles, the homeland of the elves, I'll mostly be referring to elves who share the Thalmor's ideology in this video.
Now, where were we? In the year 2E 201 of the 4th era, a peace treaty called the White-Gold Concordat was signed between the Empire, which once ruled all of Tamriel thanks to the legendary conquests of Tiber Septim, and the Thalmor, marking the beginning of a period of peace. But what had happened before that to make such a treaty necessary? You already know the answer: the Great War. First, we'll examine the background of this war and the state of Tamriel just before Skyrim, so we can understand the root causes of the continent's political situation as we head toward the sixth game.
Part Two: Oblivion Crisis
The Oblivion Crisis, which was also the main focus of the fourth game in the Elder Scrolls series, caused a massive loss of power across the continent, particularly for the Empire. The Daedric armies from Oblivion, a hellish realm, launched a war between the living and the evil Gods, threatening all of Tamriel. This war led to the devastation of many regions and countless lives lost. In fact, many citizens of Tamriel believed that the end of the world, as foretold in prophecies, had come.
During this time, the Empire was still a significant power, ruling over nearly all of Tamriel. The Septim Dynasty was still in charge, with Emperor Martin Septim at the helm. Those who played the fourth game will remember Martin Septim with a sense of sorrow. In the end, to stop the Oblivion Crisis, Martin Septim used the Amulet of Kings to transform into the Avatar of Akatosh, the chief deity, and defeated Mehrunes Dagon, the leader of the Daedric armies responsible for the crisis. In doing so, Martin Septim, the last member of the divinely blessed Septim Dynasty, sacrificed himself to save Tamriel without leaving an heir. This act closed the gates of Oblivion and saved the lives of all Tamriel citizens, but it also marked the beginning of a long and arduous struggle for the Empire.
Now let's take a quick look. While all of Tamriel was united under one banner before the Oblivion Crisis, what happened to the Imperial provinces after this great devastation? The capital, Cyrodiil, became the main front of the Oblivion Crisis; all the major destructive battles took place there. Additionally, Imperial records lack detailed information about what exactly happened in the other provinces during the crisis. Many cities in Cyrodiil were ruined and destroyed, with Kvatch being one of the most well-known examples. It's also the city where the hero of the fourth game made their first major stand.
The war spread to other provinces as well, and dozens of Oblivion Gates opened across Tamriel. The forces of Dagon that emerged from these Gates began their invasion, carrying out massacres in these regions. According to Imperial records, Skyrim was hit particularly hard. Reports from Skyrim indicate that massive numbers of Daedra overwhelmed the local Nords. In fact, during the fifth game, it's possible to see many forts that were destroyed due to the Oblivion Crisis. By the time of Skyrim, these ruins are often occupied by bandits or vampires, with Imperial soldiers no longer stationed in these crumbling structures.
Morrowind, the homeland of the Dunmer and the setting of the third game, was also severely affected, much like Skyrim. However, the political instability and internal conflicts in Morrowind were arguably a bigger problem than the Daedric invasion itself. During this period, House Hlaalu and House Dres formed an alliance and attacked House Redoran. At the same time, the Nords of Skyrim had laid siege to House Redoran territories. The situation became even more complicated when two powerful Morrowind figures disappeared: Vivec, the last living God of the Tribunal that ruled Morrowind, vanished mysteriously, and the legendary hero known as the Nerevarine, whom we know from the third game, embarked on an expedition to Akavir. As a result, House Redoran was devastated in the great battle known as the Fall of Ald'ruhn, losing its city in the process. House Redoran claimed that the Empire had abandoned the Dunmer by withdrawing all its forces from Morrowind to defend Cyrodiil. This detail is important because I believe it played a significant role in the Empire's fragmentation by the time of Skyrim. After these events, a deep resentment toward the Empire grew among the Dunmer. However, according to Imperial records, the legions did not withdraw from Morrowind; the Imperial presence there was already minimal, and without reinforcements from the besieged Cyrodiil, they were simply unable to withstand the Daedric onslaught.
In the homeland of the reptilian Argonians, Black Marsh, the story was quite different. As you know, information about this province is extremely limited. The Argonians live deep within the swamps, in a place known in legends as the Black City. The harsh, nearly uninhabitable environment makes it nearly impossible for outsiders to gather reliable information. During the Oblivion Crisis, the Argonians rallied around a political group called the An-Xileel to fight back against the Daedric armies. Thanks to this unified effort, they not only defended their homeland but also pushed the war into Oblivion itself. They fought with such ferocity that the Daedra were forced to close their own gates in this region. Black Marsh remained standing until the end of the war, and the An-Xileel gained significant political influence shortly after the crisis. Black Marsh seceded from the Empire and declared its independence. While little is known about the An-Xileel, understanding their ideology can give us some insight into their motivations. I'll revisit this topic later in the video.
In Summerset Isles, the homeland of the High Elves, the Daedric armies launched their attack at a time when the Altmer were already boycotting Imperial goods due to their deep-seated hatred for the Septim Dynasty and Tiber Septim. Although the Aldmer are a powerful and resilient race, the Daedric forces caused significant disruption. The Aldmer held out for an admirable amount of time at their last line of defense, the Crystal Tower. Many refugees fleeing from other provinces even sought shelter there. However, as the devastating Daedric siege intensified, the elves' resistance weakened, and the Crystal Tower eventually fell. This led to the brutal slaughter of many elves and marked the beginning of the Thalmor's rise to power.
So I've tried to outline the state of the provinces during the Oblivion Crisis, which laid the foundation for Tamriel's current political landscape. Unfortunately, there's almost no information about how provinces like High Rock, Elsweyr, Valenwood, and Hammerfell were affected by the invasion, so I can't comment on their experiences. However, we do have some information about their current states, which I'll discuss later in the video. The Oblivion Crisis is considered a pivotal event in Tamriel's history, as it marked the end of the Septim Dynasty and reshaped the political map of the continent. It also signaled the end of the Third Era. Now let's move forward in the timeline and take a look at the Fourth Era, which began after the Oblivion Crisis, and examine the events leading up to Skyrim, particularly the Great War.
Part Three: The Great War
After the Oblivion Crisis, anti-imperial sentiments began to rise in certain regions of Tamriel. The largest and most dangerous of these movements emerged in the Aldmer homeland of Summerset Isles. During the Oblivion Crisis, the Crystal Tower had been under siege, and the elves, along with refugees, had taken shelter there as their last line of defense. A fierce resistance took place, but the tower ultimately fell. Just as the elves were beginning to lose hope, thinking their end was near, a miracle occurred: the Daedric armies vanished completely. I believe this was due to Martin Septim's sacrifice, which banished Dagon from Tamriel. However, in Summerset Isles, a different narrative took hold. Many began to believe that the Thalmor had miraculously saved the elves. The Thalmor seized this idea and used it as propaganda, convincing the populace that they were the ones who had delivered them from the Daedric threat. The victory over the Daedra was now attributed to the Thalmor. While many elves disputed the Thalmor's miraculous claims, they were systematically discredited and exiled from the Isles by the Thalmor.
The Thalmor didn't stop there; they orchestrated assassinations against those who were exiled. One of the most famous victims was the great Elven Mage, Randor the Bold, who had led the defense of the Crystal Tower and was considered one of the greatest heroes of the Oblivion Crisis. Taking advantage of the chaos within the Empire, the Thalmor staged a coup against the Aldmer king and queen, overthrowing them in a violent uprising. With this, Summerset Isles was no longer part of the Empire. The newly independent nation was renamed the Aldmeri Dominion. The Thalmor's first act in power was brutal; anyone without pure Aldmeri blood, and many remaining dissidents, were slaughtered. The Thalmor wasted no opportunity to solidify their control.
Having established a strong and authoritarian regime, the Thalmor turned their attention to Valenwood, the homeland of their cousins, the Wood Elves. At the time, Valenwood was an Imperial province, and the Thalmor successfully annexed it, marking the first time they had taken control of an Imperial territory while the Empire was still embroiled in succession conflicts following the end of the Septim Dynasty. The Thalmor had no intention of stopping; they set their sights on their next target: the Elsweyr Confederate homeland of the Khajiit, which was already struggling with internal political strife. Using a mix of superstition and manipulative propaganda, the Thalmor convinced Elsweyr to join the Aldmeri Dominion. Now the Thalmor had become a more powerful and diverse force, posing a significant threat to the other peoples of Tamriel.
Meanwhile, the power struggle within the Empire had finally concluded, and the Mede Dynasty emerged as the new ruling family. However, the rise of the Aldmeri Dominion had already shifted the balance of power in Tamriel, setting the stage for the conflicts to come. The Empire was unable to supply the Valenwood rebels resisting the Thalmor because Thalmor agents had infiltrated the entire Imperial structure. It was now abundantly clear that the Aldmeri Dominion's ultimate target was the human-led Empire. Recognizing that a new era of war was on the horizon, the Mede Dynasty began preparing for the inevitable conflict.
Seeing the Empire in a weakened state compared to its former glory, the Thalmor launched the Great War against Emperor Titus Mede II. This war would become one of the largest and most devastating conflicts Tamriel had ever seen. The Aldmeri Dominion marched on the Imperial capital, Cyrodiil, and successfully captured the city for a brief moment. Emperor Mede even lost his throne. The Dominion also opened a second front by attempting to invade Hammerfell, the homeland of the Redguards. These two fronts became the major theaters of the war. Though it seemed like the end for the Empire, Titus Mede demonstrated resolute leadership. The powerful Nord armies from Skyrim joined forces with the Imperial Legions, recalled from Hammerfell near Skyrim. Instead of being trapped in the city, Emperor Mede made the bold decision to fight his way out of Cyrodiil, a move no one believed possible, and succeeded, breaking through the northern gates of the city. Titus Mede linked up with reinforcements from Skyrim and decided to make one final stand. Meanwhile, the elves had destroyed the Imperial Palace and began looting the city.
In 2E 175 of the 4th era, the Battle of the Red Ring took place, a conflict that would be remembered for generations as a model of flawless strategy. In this bloody battle, the Aldmeri Dominion's forces in Cyrodiil were completely annihilated, and the city was reclaimed by the Empire. The Mede Dynasty stood firm, and the Empire survived. However, the cost of victory was immense, and the war was far from over. The Great War had reshaped Tamriel's political landscape, setting the stage for the tensions and conflicts that would follow, including the events leading up to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Later, in 2E 175 of the 4th era, the White-Gold Concordat was signed, officially ending the Great War. Realizing that the Empire could not sustain the war any longer, Emperor Titus Mede II agreed to sign what was, in essence, a defeat for the Empire. The Concordat initiated a ceasefire, giving the Empire time to recover and regroup. However, this treaty laid the foundation for many of the events we experience in Skyrim. One of the most controversial terms of the Concordat was the outright ban on the worship of Talos. Talos, also known as Tiber Septim, was the first emperor to unite all of Tamriel. A Nord by birth, he was revered as a god by the Nords for his legendary feats, including his mastery of the Thu'um (the Voice) and his conquest that began with the armies of Skyrim. To the Nords, Talos was not just a hero but a divine figure. The ban on Talos worship struck at the heart of Nord religious beliefs, effectively outlawing their faith. Additionally, the Concordat forced the Empire to cede a significant portion of Hammerfell to the Thalmor. This decision was met with fierce resistance from the Redguards, who refused to surrender their homeland. To avoid breaking the treaty, the Empire officially renounced Hammerfell as a province, effectively abandoning it. This move was seen as a betrayal by many, especially considering Hammerfell's critical role in the war. The Redguards, left to fight alone, waged a grueling five-year war against the Thalmor. By 2E 180 of the fourth era, the Redguards achieved a miraculous victory, driving the Thalmor out of Hammerfell entirely. This left the Thalmor to focus their attention on the Empire and the politically unstable Skyrim.
And so we arrive at the time period of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, which I consider the present day of the Elder Scrolls universe. From this point on, when I refer to the present day, I'm talking about the era in which Skyrim takes place. Using information from in-game books, dialogues, and lore research, I can now outline the political state of all the provinces in Tamriel. This will help us discuss what to expect in the sixth game and what kind of stories might unfold.
Before moving on to the next section, I'd like to share an interesting detail. In Skyrim, Thalmor correspondence refers to the Great War as the "First War" with the Empire. This suggests that the Thalmor not only anticipate a second Great War but are already planning for it. On the other hand, various members of the Imperial Legion heavily imply that the Empire is also preparing for this inevitable conflict. Considering all this, I see no reason why the sixth game wouldn't continue the story from where Skyrim left off. My assumptions are based on this premise, and I'm excited to explore what the future holds for Tamriel.
Part Four: The Political State of Tamriel's Provinces Before the Sixth Game
When talking about the period during which the fifth game takes place and the era before the sixth game, it makes sense to first turn our attention to the lands of Skyrim. This is because, among the provinces we'll discuss, it's the one we have the most information about. That's why the Skyrim section will be a bit longer compared to the others. I know many players are already familiar with the events in Skyrim, so if you don't want to hear about them again, you can skip this part and move on to the next section.
Skyrim: At the time when the fifth game begins, Skyrim is an Imperial province. However, Torygg, the High King of Skyrim, who was loyal to the Empire, was killed by Ulfric Stormcloak, the leader of the Stormcloaks, who advocate for Skyrim's independence and worship Talos, the former Emperor who ascended to godhood. As a result, Torygg's wife, Elisif the Fair, was appointed to the throne of Skyrim. To end the internal conflict in Skyrim and bring the province back under Imperial control, the Empire sent General Tullius to the region. However, Tullius does not have a legion strong enough to immediately quell the rebellion because the Empire has deployed most of its forces to the southern border with the Aldmeri Dominion. Similarly, the elves have also stationed their armies there, preparing for a second Great War with the Empire. Of course, it's worth mentioning that all these events are taking place during a period of peace between the two major powers.
An event known as the Markarth Incident opened the door for Thalmor judges and agents to enter Skyrim. Markarth, one of Skyrim's cities, was seized by the Breton-descended Forsworn during the Great War. Taking advantage of the absence of Imperial Legions in Skyrim at the time, the Nords were driven out of the city. During this period, Ulfric Stormcloak, who had not yet killed the King, was asked for help. Ulfric, with his loyal soldiers, retook Markarth and executed the Forsworn. Later, Ulfric, contrary to the terms of the White-Gold Concordat, allowed the worship of Talos in the city and demanded a promise from the Jarl of Markarth to guarantee this freedom before handing the city back. However, when the Thalmor learned of this, they issued an ultimatum to the Empire, pressuring them to rectify the situation. Ultimately, the Empire, unwilling to risk an open conflict, banned the worship of Talos in Markarth and issued a warrant for Ulfric Stormcloak's arrest. It was during this process that the Thalmor sent their judges into Skyrim to monitor the situation and capture Ulfric. Thus, a civil war broke out in Skyrim, and anti-imperial rebellions began to spread. At the same time, dragons, which had not been seen in Skyrim for a thousand years, suddenly reappeared alongside Alduin, the god, and began spreading terror. It is at this moment that we, as the Dragonborn, begin our journey in Skyrim, and through our choices, we determine the fate of Skyrim.
As you know, in Elder Scrolls games, some stories do not reach a definitive conclusion, and through a phenomenon called Dragon Breaks, dual outcomes can occur. Therefore, depending on our choices, we won't have a clear answer as to whether the Empire or the Stormcloaks won in Skyrim. I expect that we'll only learn this information in the sixth game, though it's not certain. This leaves us with two possible scenarios:
If the Stormcloaks win, Skyrim will become an independent province, much like Hammerfell, which was abandoned by the Empire but miraculously resisted the elves. I've already examined the potential outcomes of such a scenario in detail in my previous video, so I won't go into depth here. If the Stormcloaks win and Skyrim declares independence, the Mede Dynasty will suffer a significant loss of power and become even more vulnerable to the Thalmor. However, in my personal opinion, the fall of the Empire seems inevitable because, apart from Skyrim, other provinces are also accelerating their movements to break away from the Empire, and the Thalmor are actively supporting this trend.
In the scenario where the Empire wins, the Nord army of Skyrim will bolster the Empire's chances in the war against the Thalmor. However, even with Skyrim's support, the Empire's chances of resistance may still be slim, as they lack strong allies like Hammerfell and Black Marsh. In the end, no matter who wins, Skyrim will have suffered heavy losses from both Alduin's attack and the Civil War, and it will need time to recover. As a result, when we move into the sixth game, we'll encounter a Skyrim that is just beginning to stabilize politically and one where Thalmor agents are running rampant across its lands.
Cyrodiil: Cyrodiil is a far cry from its former glory during the Empire's golden days. During the Oblivion Crisis, Cyrodiil suffered massive damage, and some cities were completely destroyed. Before it could recover from this crisis, the Great War broke out, and the remaining settlements were burned and plundered by the Thalmor. Emperor Titus Mede II managed to retake the city through fierce resistance, but he was forced to make significant concessions by signing the White-Gold Concordat. The ban on the worship of Talos imposed by this treaty has sparked considerable backlash among the people of Cyrodiil. Talos, whose real name is Tiber Septim, is considered the greatest emperor in Tamrielic history; he was the first ruler to unite the entire continent under a single banner and is deeply beloved by the human races. Since Cyrodiil is an Imperial city, the number of Talos supporters here is quite high. However, Thalmor agents sent to enforce the White-Gold Concordat are hunting down those who worship Talos in the city, and the Empire is turning a blind eye to this. Additionally, the Blades, the Emperor's loyal special forces established during the Septim Dynasty and headquartered in Cyrodiil, have been disbanded. It's likely that some surviving members, like Delphine in Skyrim, are conducting covert operations and resisting in Cyrodiil. Another threat in Cyrodiil comes from the nobles who are dissatisfied with Titus Mede and are reportedly preparing an assassination attempt against him. As you know, this is something we encounter in Skyrim as well; depending on your choices, you can even orchestrate the Emperor's assassination through the Dark Brotherhood, potentially bringing down the Mede Dynasty. If this were to happen, the resulting power vacuum in Cyrodiil would likely plunge the city into further internal chaos. Finally, in cities like Bravil and Cheydinhal, conflicts and violent incidents among merchant traders have been on the rise. This is a clear indication of how the economic devastation caused by the war has spilled over into the streets, manifesting as violence and lawlessness.
Morrowind: Morrowind is, in my opinion, one of the most fascinating and chaotic regions in all of Tamriel. I had the chance to explore these lands in the third game, and I was utterly captivated. I know many players feel the same way. The Morrowind we remember was a place rife with political intrigue and religious turmoil. Unfortunately, I fear that Morrowind remains much the same, only worse. Morrowind is still technically part of the Empire; however, as I mentioned earlier in the video, anti-imperial sentiment has been growing. The Dunmer people feel abandoned by the Empire during the Oblivion Crisis. Just when it seemed like peace might finally settle over Tamriel after the Oblivion Crisis, a massive disaster struck Morrowind: the Red Year. This catastrophe occurred in the fifth year of the fourth era. During this time, Vivec, the last remaining member of the Tribunal, mysteriously vanished. Vivec's disappearance had dire consequences; the Baar Dau meteor, which had been suspended above Vivec City by Vivec's power, began to lose its magical hold. Eventually, it crashed directly into the city of Vivec, triggering the eruption of Red Mountain at the heart of Vivec City. The eruption spewed ash and destruction across the land, devastating cities like Balmora, Ald'ruhn, Gnisis, and Sadrith Mora, reducing them to ruins or burying them in ash. The destruction wasn't limited to Vivec City; even parts of the mainland suffered from constant earthquakes and floods caused by the eruption. Many Dunmer lost their lives, while others were forced to flee to Skyrim. The refugee Dunmer we see in Skyrim are a direct result of this tragedy. After the eruption, Morrowind became far less habitable; the air grew…
Thick with ash, making it difficult to breathe, even 200 years later, in the present day. The waters of the ghost sea are so polluted with ash that fish can no longer survive. New wild creatures emerged from the wreckage of the eruption, further complicating life in Morrowind.
In the 16th year of the Fourth Era, the High King of Skyrim offered Soul Cairn to the Dunmer as a gesture of support. Many Dunmer relocated to the island, but Morrowind itself remained in turmoil in the years that followed.
While Morrowind struggled to recover, the newly independent Argonians of Black Marsh took advantage of the Dunmer's weakened state, seeking revenge for centuries of enslavement. The Argonians launched an invasion of southern Morrowind, the An-Xile leading the Argonian forces. They slaughtered hundreds of innocent Dunmer and seized control of southern Morrowind, pushing further inland. However, they were eventually halted by the armies of House Redoran.
As the Argonians retreated, they cursed the waters near the ruins of Vivec City, turning the area into a boiling, inhospitable wasteland. While Morrowind remains an official province of the Empire, its governance is largely symbolic. The king appointed by the Empire holds little real power; true authority lies with the Great Council and the Great Houses, who govern through debate and consensus. However, the Argonian invasion has disrupted this system. House Redoran, attempting to establish a new government in the north, has created political instability. Additionally, the fall of the Tribunal and the disappearance of Vivec have sparked a profound religious shift among the Dunmer. Many have turned back to the worship of Daedric Princes like Azura and Mephala, abandoning the Tribunal's teachings.
High Rock, the homeland of the Bretons, has historically been known as a land of chaos, where hundreds of small kingdoms constantly fought over territory and resources. However, by the end of the Third Era, a mysterious natural disaster, whose origin remains officially unknown, caused significant devastation across the region. Twenty years later, at the start of the Fourth Era, only five kingdoms remained in High Rock. The southernmost kingdom, Daggerfall, expanded dramatically by conquering much of the southern region. Later, through strategic marriages, it united with the northern and eastern kingdoms, signaling the rise of a vast kingdom that would come to dominate the Iliac Bay and most of High Rock by the time of the sixth game. Honestly, if the sixth game is set in this region alongside Hammerfell, I believe we'll learn a great deal about this unified kingdom.
High Rock is also home to a significant Orc population. The historical capital of the Orcs, Orsinium, lies largely within High Rock. The Orcs have petitioned the Empire to recognize Orsinium as an official province, but this request is still under review. For now, Orsinium is considered a district of High Rock, even though part of it extends into Hammerfell. Although Orsinium was destroyed in the past by an alliance of Breton and Redguard armies, the Orcs are now quietly rebuilding and regaining their strength. In the sixth game, we might witness heated conflicts in this region, or conversely, a more peaceful resolution. After all, these peoples face a much greater threat: the Thalmor.
Another significant political event involves the Forsworn, a group of Bretons waging a guerrilla war against the Nords and Imperial Legions in the Reach, a region of Skyrim that includes the city of Markarth. This conflict stems from the Bretons' belief that the Reach rightfully belongs to them. I'm eager to see how this city might spark a political crisis between the two major provinces in the next game, or how such a crisis might be resolved. Of course, this depends on whether Bethesda decides to address it in the sixth game. It's also worth noting that despite internal struggles among kingdoms like Daggerfall and Wayrest, High Rock remains an official Imperial province. In fact, High Rock has generally been a stable and loyal part of the Empire, and it is one of the wealthiest and most trade-rich regions in all of Tamriel. Its economic strength and strategic location make it a key player in the Empire's stability, or its potential downfall, depending on how the political winds blow.
Hammerfell: The Fourth Era has been a tumultuous period for Hammerfell. After Valenwood and Elsweyr were officially ceded to the Thalmor by the Empire, Hammerfell found itself abandoned and alone as the Empire struggled against the Thalmor. The Redguards suddenly faced the full force of the Elven invaders. In their initial encounters, the Redguards lost the entire southern coastline of Hammerfell to the Thalmor. However, during the Great War, with the support of High Rock forces, the Redguards regrouped in northern Hammerfell and prepared to resist. By the end of the Fourth Era, 174, Hammerfell armies managed to repel the Elven forces advancing through the Elara desert, forcing them to retreat. A year later, the war ended with a treaty, but one of its terms required Hammerfell to cede a large portion of its territory to the Aldmeri Dominion. The Redguards refused to accept this. As a result, Titus Mede II revoked Hammerfell's status as an Imperial province to preserve the treaty with the Thalmor, effectively cutting ties with the region. Hammerfell was now an independent kingdom, and it stood alone against the Thalmor. The Redguards saw this as a betrayal by the Empire. For five long years, the Aldmeri Dominion attempted to conquer Hammerfell, but the Redguards resisted fiercely. Southern Hammerfell was devastated by the violence of the war. However, in the Fourth Era, 180, their miraculous resistance paid off, and the Thalmor were driven out of Hammerfell. This war also helped unify the various political factions within Hammerfell. Despite the treaty, we learned from dialogues in Skyrim that the resistance against the Thalmor in Hammerfell remains alive and well. Additionally, we see Redguard refugees in Skyrim supporting the Stormcloaks in their fight for independence. This leads me to believe that in a scenario where the Stormcloaks win and Skyrim becomes an independent state, an alliance between Hammerfell and Skyrim against the Thalmor could be possible. I would truly love to see something like this in the sixth game.
From what I've gathered so far, Hammerfell seems to be the most stable province within the former Empire at this point. They've successfully resisted two major invasions, and the external threat of the Thalmor has fostered internal unity. I'm sure you've also seen the leak suggesting that the sixth game will be set in Hammerfell. I've covered this in detail in my previous videos. In this video, I'll just say that I believe Hammerfell's political situation makes it relatively well-positioned to stand against the Thalmor compared to other provinces. Its resilience, unity, and strategic location could make it a key player in the ongoing struggle against the Aldmeri Dominion. If the next game does take us to Hammerfell, I'm excited to see how its story unfolds and how it might shape the future of Tamriel.
Somerset Isles: For thousands of years, the Altmer have lived with an unwavering belief in their superiority over all other races and cultures in Tamriel. However, the Empire's conquest of the Summerset Isles and their increased interaction with other cultures led to a shift in perspective among some Altmer youth. Many began to critically question the rigid hierarchy and xenophobia of Altmer society. While there had always been dissenting voices against racism within Altmer culture, such opposition was often met with exile. Nevertheless, a significant social change was brewing. Young elves began revolutionary actions against their past, even attempting to destroy some of their ancient monuments and statues. Additionally, the shores of the Summerset Isles started to welcome more foreigners, signaling a gradual opening of their society. However, the Oblivion Crisis served as a wake-up call for the Elven supremacists, who realized the danger of this societal shift. In response, they formed an organization to counteract these changes, and thus the rise of the Thalmor began. Seizing power, the Thalmor reestablished the Aldmeri Dominion for the third time in Elven history and declared war on the Empire, nearly destroying it. In this regard, they can be somewhat compared to Germany during World War II. Ultimately, the two powers signed the White-Gold Concordat, and the elves began laying the groundwork for their future plans, pursuing an expansionist policy. The Thalmor brought Valenwood and Elsweyr under their control. They also launched an invasion of Hammerfell, but as I mentioned earlier, this campaign ended in failure. For now, they have turned their attention to Skyrim. Their goal is to secretly support the Civil War there, aiming to fragment the Empire. According to the Altmer, an independent Skyrim and an Empire without Skyrim would stand no chance against the Dominion.
But is there no opposition to the Thalmor within their own ranks? We see hints of this in Skyrim. If you complete the Winterhold College quest line, you'll encounter the Psijic Order, a group of magical experts who are conducting covert operations against the Thalmor. While the full extent of their activities remains unclear, it's safe to say that dissenting voices still exist within the Summerset Isles. I believe this dynamic will become even more significant in the sixth game. Honestly, as of the fifth game, our knowledge of the Thalmor, the primary antagonist, is still quite limited. We've seen their influence in Skyrim, but we still lack crucial information about their structure and operations in their homeland, the Summerset Isles. In Skyrim, the outcome of the Civil War—whether the Dragonborn supports the Imperial Legion or the Stormcloaks—shapes the Thalmor's influence in the region. However, the full impact of these choices will remain uncertain until the sixth game. For now, this is the state of affairs in the Summerset Isles as we prepare for the next chapter in the Elder Scrolls saga. The Thalmor's dominance, internal descent, and their grand ambitions will undoubtedly play a central role in the conflicts to come.
Black Marsh: Black Marsh, the homeland of the Argonians, is one of the most mysterious regions in the Elder Scrolls universe. After the Oblivion Crisis, the An-Xile regime gained significant power, leading to Black Marsh declaring its independence. Due to their isolationist diplomacy and the Argonian secretive nature, we know very little about what truly happens within these lands. However, it is believed that the majority of the population lives in the depths of the region, particularly in the city of Hist, a place so riddled with disease that it is nearly impossible for non-Argonians to survive there. One of the most significant events in Argonian history during the Fourth Era was their invasion of Morrowind. Historically enslaved by the Dunmer, the Argonians, likely under the leadership of the An-Xile, a political or military group, launched an invasion into Morrowind. As a result of these conflicts, southern Morrowind fell under Argonian control. During the events of Skyrim, the Argonians maintained a neutral stance in the war between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion. This neutrality can be attributed to the near-impenetrable nature of their populated territory, which provides a natural defensive barrier against invasion. Black Marsh remains an enigmatic and self-contained region, with its people fiercely protective of their homeland and culture. Their actions in Morrowind and their strategic neutrality in the larger conflicts of Tamriel suggest a calculated approach to survival and independence. As we look to the future, the role of Black Marsh and its people in the ongoing struggles of Tamriel remains a fascinating and largely untold story.
Valenwood and Elsweyr: In Valenwood, the homeland of the Wood Elves, a Thalmor-backed coup took place in the Fourth Era 29, leading many Bosmer to adopt anti-Imperial policies aligned with their Altmer cousins. As a result, Valenwood joined the Aldmeri Dominion. However, not all of Valenwood accepted Thalmor rule, leading to uprisings. These rebellions were funded by the Penitus Oculatus, but despite their efforts, most of the uprisings were brutally suppressed. According to Imperial sources, there is still a significant Thalmor resistance movement in Valenwood. Rumors in Skyrim suggest that the Thalmor are violating the Bosmer sacred Green Pact by cutting down trees in the region, calling it cleansing. The Green Pact is a vow made by the Bosmer to their forest god, Y'ffre, in exchange for his blessing. Under this pact, the Bosmer are forbidden from harming, eating, or cutting any plant life. The Thalmor's destruction has sparked resistance from nomadic tribes who fiercely oppose this violation of their sacred oath.
In Elsweyr, the homeland of the Khajiit, rebellion began shortly after the Oblivion Crisis. The city of Rimmen was the first to declare independence from the Elsweyr Confederacy, becoming a sovereign state. Later, the assassination of the king led to prolonged political instability until the region was reintegrated into the Empire. The exact timing of Elsweyr's re-entry into the Empire is unclear. However, after Valenwood joined the Aldmeri Dominion, Elsweyr became a neighboring territory to the Dominion. Khajiit religion is deeply tied to Masser and Secunda, the two moons of Nirn, the Elder Scrolls universe. These moons determine the forms Khajiit are born into, making them central to their culture and beliefs. Between the Fourth Era 98 and 100, the two moons mysteriously disappeared for two years. Given the importance of the moons to the Khajiit, this event caused widespread panic and unrest across Elsweyr. The Elsweyr Confederacy sought help from both the Thalmor and the Empire to restore the moons. After two years, the moons reappeared on their own. During this time, the Thalmor claimed to have used previously unknown Dawn Magics to restore the moons, earning them immense respect and gratitude from the Khajiit. To the Khajiit, the Thalmor became saviors, while the Empire suffered a significant loss of reputation. Capitalizing on this newfound favor, the Thalmor orchestrated a coup against the Elsweyr Confederacy, overthrowing its government and establishing two puppet states: Anequina and Pelletine. As a result, Elsweyr fell under the control of the Aldmeri Dominion. It is widely believed that the Khajiit people support the Dominion's expansionist policies, seeing the Thalmor as their protectors and benefactors. In summary, both Valenwood and Elsweyr have been deeply affected by Thalmor influence, with resistance movements simmering beneath the surface in Valenwood and the Khajiit largely aligning with the Dominion in Elsweyr. These regions' complex dynamics will likely play a significant role in the ongoing conflicts of Tamriel.
As we near the end of the video, I've realized that Tamriel's political landscape can be divided into three main factions: the Empire, the Aldmeri Dominion, and the independent kingdoms. These three factions represent the ideological structures vying for control over Tamriel's future. And as you've probably noticed, chaos isn't confined to Skyrim; it's spread across all of Tamriel, even in the most seemingly stable regions. It lurks in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to emerge. There's also an undeniable truth we must acknowledge: what might seem like a regional conflict, the Civil War in Skyrim, has evolved into a pivotal event that will shape the future of the entire continent. Will the Thalmor succeed in achieving their idealized Merethic Era, eradicating humanity and establishing Elven dominance? Or will the Empire, following in the footsteps of Tiber Septim, reunite Tamriel under one banner and restore peace and prosperity? Moreover, given the critical importance of the Dragonborn's choices, will we see them in the sixth game, or will they, like the unnamed heroes of previous games, fade into the dusty pages of history, making way for a new protagonist?
As we wrap up, it's clear that we're left with many questions, and that's one of the reasons I love the Elder Scrolls universe so much. It's a sprawling, interconnected web of events and a deeply rich history that keeps pulling you in. Bethesda truly deserves credit for creating such a captivating world. What are your thoughts on these questions? Share them with me in the comments section below. I'd love to hear your perspectives and engage in some brainstorming together. If you enjoyed this video, don't forget to hit the like button and subscribe to my channel. Your support gives me the motivation to keep creating content like this. Until the next video, take care, and see you soon. [Music]