The Elder Scrolls series has captivated gamers for decades, with the latest mainline game, Skyrim, released over 15 years ago. Since then, the world of Tamriel has been frozen in the year 2011 of the Fourth Era, leaving many questions about its future unanswered. Who will win the Skyrim Civil War? Can the races of men overcome the rising threat of the Thalmor Dominion? This article delves into the current state of Tamriel and speculates on what the future might hold for its diverse peoples and provinces.
The Fourth Era: A Time of Upheaval
The Fourth Era began in the ashes of the Oblivion Crisis, which ended the Third Era in fire and flame. The invasion by the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon was thwarted by the sacrifice of Martin Septim, ending the bloodline of the Septim emperors and mankind's pact with Akatosh. The Empire was left weakened, losing control over peripheral provinces.
Key Events Shaping the Fourth Era
- The eruption of Red Mountain devastated Morrowind, the homeland of the Dunmer (Dark Elves).
- The Argonians launched a vengeful invasion of Morrowind, reclaiming their lands.
- The Thalmor, a fundamentalist faction of High Elves, seized control of the Summerset Isles, renaming it Alinor.
- The Aldmeri Dominion expanded by orchestrating a coup in Valenwood, uniting High Elves and Wood Elves.
- The Empire, under the Colovian warlord Titus Mede I, struggled to maintain control amid internal strife and external threats.
- The assassination of the Khajiit's spiritual leader by Thalmor agents plunged Elsweyr into chaos.
- The disappearance and return of Nirn's moons, Masser and Secunda, deeply affected Khajiit culture and religion.
- The Thalmor launched the Great War aiming to end the Ages of Men and usher in an Elven era, resulting in the White-Gold Concordat treaty.
- Hammerfell seceded from the Empire, refusing to comply with the treaty's terms.
- The Skyrim Civil War erupted, led by Ulfric Stormcloak against the Imperial loyalists.
The Skyrim Civil War: Two Possible Futures
The main story of Skyrim ends canonically with the defeat of Alduin, the World-Eater. However, the civil war between the Empire and the Stormcloaks remains unresolved, with two possible outcomes:
Imperial Victory
- The Empire is likely to adopt a conciliatory approach toward Skyrim's people.
- The worship of Talos, though officially banned, may be tolerated quietly.
- Loyalist Nords who fought alongside the Empire expect to continue the fight against the Thalmor.
Stormcloak Victory
- An independent Skyrim would maintain diplomatic and military ties with the Empire.
- Ulfric Stormcloak, despite animosity toward the Empire, would recognize the Thalmor as the true enemy.
- The Nords' deep-seated hatred for the elves would fuel resistance against the Aldmeri Dominion.
Regardless of the outcome, the Thalmor prefer the civil war to continue, as a united front against them would be more challenging.
High Rock and the Bretons
Often overshadowed by other provinces, High Rock is home to the Bretons, a people with elven blood who have historically sided with humanity against the Aldmeri Dominion.
- The Bretons fought loyally during the Great War.
- Client kingdoms like Daggerfall and Camlorn may seek greater autonomy or independence amid the Empire's decline.
- The Bretons are unlikely to accept a return to elven overlordship.
Orsinium and the Orcs
The Orcs, or Orsimer, are a resilient people whose homeland, Orsinium, has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times.
- The Empire's legions helped establish a new Orsinium between Skyrim and Hammerfell.
- The Orcs are expected to remain loyal to the Empire in future conflicts against the Aldmeri Dominion.
Hammerfell and the Redguards
Hammerfell seceded from the Empire after rejecting the White-Gold Concordat.
- The Redguards fought the Thalmor to a standstill, forcing their withdrawal.
- The province remains war-torn and depleted.
- The Thalmor consider southern Hammerfell their ancestral right and may attempt to reclaim it.
- Internal political rivalries between the Crowns and Forebears could be exploited by the Thalmor.
- Hammerfell is a likely setting for the next Elder Scrolls game, potentially featuring a hero destined to save the Redguards.
Cyrodiil: The Heart of the Empire
Once a flourishing cosmopolitan center, Cyrodiil has suffered two centuries of conflict.
- The Imperial City still bears scars from the Great War.
- The Empire is weakened, with provinces slipping away and another war looming.
- A mysterious figure named Wolf, believed to be an avatar of the deified Tiber Septim, suggests the Empire may need change and new leadership.
- The trickster god Lorkhan (Lorcan) may guide humanity through a period of transition.
The Aldmeri Dominion: Rising Power with Vulnerabilities
The Dominion, composed of the Summerset Isles, Valenwood, and Elsweyr, is the dominant power in Tamriel.
- The Thalmor have consolidated power through purges and political control.
- Resentment among subject peoples and within the High Elves themselves could lead to insurrection.
- The Dominion's authoritarian rule may collapse under its own weight before achieving total conquest.
Argonia and Morrowind: Isolation and Recovery
Argonia
- The Argonians remain isolationist, focusing on their own affairs.
- Their invasions have been defensive responses to external threats.
Morrowind
- The Dunmer have suffered greatly but are beginning to recover under House Redoran.
- With the Empire and Dominion distracted, Morrowind is slowly rebuilding.
Conclusion
Tamriel stands at a crossroads. The future of its peoples and provinces is uncertain, shaped by ongoing wars, political intrigue, and ancient rivalries. Whether the Empire can survive, the Dominion will dominate, or new heroes will rise remains to be seen. The Elder Scrolls universe continues to offer a rich tapestry of stories and possibilities for fans to explore.
What do you think the future holds for Tamriel? Share your thoughts and join the discussion as we await the next chapter in this epic saga.
