Tamriel — The Elder Scrolls RPG

THE ELDER SCROLLS — ROLEPLAYING WORLD BOT

The Elder Scrolls universe presents one of gaming's most intricate and compelling mythologies, spanning millennia of history across the continent of Tamriel and beyond. This comprehensive guide explores the fundamental lore that shapes this beloved fantasy world, from its cosmic origins to the diverse cultures that inhabit it.

"Ask an Altmer, a Khajiit, a Nord, a Dunmer, a Yokudan, or an Imperial, and you'll get a different version of how the world began and what it means. Each account is told with conviction, yet each undermines the others."

The beauty of Elder Scrolls lore lies in its complexity and contradictions—multiple creation myths coexist, historical accounts vary by culture, and truth itself becomes subjective based on perspective and belief.

Cosmology & Creation

The Primordial Forces

At the foundation of Elder Scrolls cosmology stand two opposing primordial forces: Anu and Padomay. Anu represents order, stasis, and light, while Padomay embodies chaos, change, and darkness

These forces are not merely philosophical concepts but active cosmic principles that shaped reality itself.

From these primordial beings emerged their souls: Anui-El (from Anu) and Sithis (from Padomay). The interplay between these forces created the Aurbis—the universe itself, which in the ancient Ehlnofex language translates to "Arena"

The Birth of Time and the Et'Ada

The first major divine beings to emerge were Auri-El (from Anui-El) and Lorkhan (from Sithis). Auri-El brought the concept of time into existence, stabilizing the chaotic Aurbis and allowing other divine beings, known as the Et'Ada ("Original Spirits"), to form distinct identities

The Creation of Mundus

The most pivotal event in Elder Scrolls cosmology is the creation of Mundus (the mortal realm). According to most accounts, Lorkhan convinced many Et'Ada to participate in creating a mortal world. This act required the divine beings to sacrifice portions of their power, fundamentally changing their nature.

Those who participated became the Aedra ("our ancestors"), while those who refused became the Daedra ("not our ancestors"). The Aedra became bound to creation itself, while the Daedra retained their full divine power but were excluded from the mortal realm

The Divine Pantheon

The Aedra and Nine Divines

The Aedra are revered as the primary gods of most human cultures in Tamriel. The Nine Divines represent the most widely worshipped pantheon, established by Empress Alessia as a synthesis of Nordic and Aldmeri religious traditions:

Akatosh: The Dragon God of Time, chief deity of the Imperial pantheon Arkay: God of the Cycle of Life and Death Dibella: Goddess of Beauty and Love Julianos: God of Wisdom and Logic Kynareth: Goddess of Air, Wind, and Sky Mara: Goddess of Love and Compassion Stendarr: God of Mercy and Justice Zenithar: God of Work and Commerce Talos: The ascended Emperor Tiber Septim, controversial ninth divine

The Daedric Princes

The seventeen known Daedric Princes represent the most powerful Daedra, each ruling their own realm of Oblivion

Unlike the Aedra, they maintain their full divine power and actively interfere in mortal affairs:

Major Daedric Princes include:

Azura: Prince of Dawn and Dusk Mehrunes Dagon: Prince of Destruction and Change Molag Bal: Prince of Domination and Corruption Sheogorath: Prince of Madness Hermaeus Mora: Prince of Knowledge and Memory

Each Prince embodies specific concepts and spheres of influence, from Meridia's association with life energy to Nocturnal's dominion over shadows and luck.

Races & Cultures of Tamriel

The Races of Men

Nords: The hardy inhabitants of Skyrim, descended from Atmoran settlers. Known for their resistance to cold and prowess in battle, Nords value honor, tradition, and the worship of their ancient pantheon.

Imperials: The cosmopolitan people of Cyrodiil, builders of the great Empire. Skilled in diplomacy, trade, and governance, they've unified Tamriel multiple times throughout history.

Redguards: The warrior-poets of Hammerfell, originally from the lost continent of Yokuda. Renowned for their curved swords and martial traditions.

Bretons: The magical inhabitants of High Rock, descended from both human and elven ancestry. They excel in spellcasting and have a complex feudal society. The Races of Mer (Elves)

Altmer (High Elves): The proud inhabitants of the Summerset Isles, considering themselves the most direct descendants of the divine Aedra. They possess natural magical abilities and long lifespans.

Dunmer (Dark Elves): The ash-skinned people of Morrowind, shaped by their harsh volcanic homeland. They follow the unique Tribunal faith and have a complex caste-based society.

Bosmer (Wood Elves): The forest-dwelling inhabitants of Valenwood, bound by the Green Pact that forbids harming plant life. They're renowned archers and have cannibalistic traditions.

Orsimer (Orcs): The transformed followers of the corrupted god Trinimac, now called Malacath. They live in strongholds and value strength above all else. The Beast Races

Khajiit: The feline inhabitants of Elsweyr, whose forms vary based on the phases of the moons during their birth. They're skilled traders, thieves, and follow unique lunar-based religious traditions.

Argonians: The reptilian people of Black Marsh, connected to the mysterious Hist trees. They possess natural resistance to disease and can breathe underwater.

Major Historical Events The Dawn Era and Merethic Era

The Dawn Era represents the mythical time before linear history, when gods walked among mortals and the laws of reality were fluid. The Merethic Era saw the arrival of the Aldmer (ancient elves) to Tamriel and the establishment of the first civilizations.

The First Era (1E 1 - 1E 2920)

1E 243: The Alessian Rebellion, where Saint Alessia led a slave revolt against the Ayleid (Wild Elf) rulers of Cyrodiil 1E 700: The founding of the First Empire of the Nords 1E 2703: The Battle of Red Mountain, where the Chimer defeated the Nords and Dwemer

The Second Era (2E 1 - 2E 896)

2E 582: The Planemeld crisis, when Molag Bal attempted to merge Tamriel with his realm of Coldharbour 2E 864: Tiber Septim begins his conquest of Tamriel

The Third Era (3E 1 - 3E 433)

3E 417: The Warp in the West (Dragon Break), a temporal anomaly affecting the Iliac Bay region 3E 427: The Nerevarine prophecy fulfilled in Morrowind 3E 433: The Oblivion Crisis, when Mehrunes Dagon invaded Tamriel through Oblivion Gates

The Fourth Era (4E 1 - Present)

4E 5: The Red Year, when Red Mountain erupted, devastating Morrowind 4E 201: The return of dragons to Skyrim and the Last Dragonborn's emergence

Magic Systems The Schools of Magic

Elder Scrolls magic is traditionally divided into several schools, each focusing on different aspects of magical manipulation:

Destruction: The school of offensive magic, dealing with elemental damage (fire, frost, shock) and direct harm to enemies.

Restoration: Healing magic and protection against undead, focusing on preserving and restoring life force.

Illusion: Magic that affects the mind and perception, including invisibility, charm effects, and fear spells.

Conjuration: The summoning of creatures and objects from other planes, including bound weapons and Daedric entities.

Alteration: Magic that changes the properties of objects and beings, including protective spells and transmutation effects.

Mysticism: A school focusing on the manipulation of magical forces themselves (present in earlier games but later absorbed into other schools).

Magicka and Its Sources

Magic in the Elder Scrolls universe draws from Magicka, a force that flows from Aetherius through the sun and stars (which are actually holes torn in reality by the Magna Ge when they fled creation). This connection explains why magic is more powerful during certain celestial events and why mages often study astronomy alongside their arcane arts.

The Elder Scrolls universe presents a rich tapestry of interconnected mythologies, cultures, and histories that continue to evolve with each new installment. From the cosmic struggle between order and chaos to the daily lives of Tamriel's diverse inhabitants, this lore creates a living, breathing world where {{user}}'s actions have meaning within a greater narrative framework.

The beauty of Elder Scrolls lore lies not in its definitive answers, but in its questions and contradictions. Multiple truths coexist, historical accounts conflict, and the very nature of reality remains subject to interpretation. This complexity mirrors our own world's mythologies and histories, making Tamriel feel authentic despite its fantastical elements.