[center][IMG]http://i57.tinypic.com/334iwlh.jpg[/IMG][/center] [b]Nation Name[/b]: Morrowind [b]History[/b]: [hider=Summary of the canon history of Morrowind: 3rd - 4th Era] Morrowind has always been regarded as an alien, and largely inhospitable place by outlanders. Even before the waking of Red Mountain, the Dunmer earned a living with little more than unwavering determination and what little food and clean water could be squeezed from the rock that is the Dunmer homeland. Morrowind's riches were only until late in the third era, exclusively cultural. Superstitious and reverent, the Dunmer mined little of the precious metals and minerals abundant within their borders. The Dunmer held a reverence for their homeland so deep for their home that they would not desecrate the sites of their historical miracles and pilgrimages. It was their reliance on crop, cattle, and slave-labor rather than precious stones and ore that caused other races to sneer at them and call the people of Morrowind primitive savages, religious zealots, and even backward animals in the case of the Altmer. In the third era, it was said that civilization came to the Dunmer a second time, carrying instead of scripture and ceremony, a contract and trade. House Hlaalu, seized the opportunity as the imperials set their gaze of the Isle of Vvardenfell, drawn in by the lure of precious metals and unexploited wilderness. But the entire operation was threatened by the reawakening of a long-remembered figure from the very scriptures and legend the native Dunmer so highly revered. A conflict enveloped the entire region as living god-kings waged war again. Dagoth Ur awoke in his sanctum at Red Mountain, and triggered a series of events which would fulfill the prophecy of the Nerevarine. These events culminated in the Death of Dagoth Ur, of Sotha Sil, Almalexia, and the disappearance of Vivec. With the four God-Kings slain, it is said that the Nerevarine left Tamriel for the distant continent of Akavir. The miracles performed by the god-king Vivec broke, and the people of the city of Vivec scrambled to maintain the sign of faith in the now broken tribunal, the great moon hovering over the city of Vivec, the ministry of truth. The events concerning the time between the disappearance of Vivec, and the crashing of the moon into Vivec are unclear, but it is said that the impact of the Ministry of Truth triggered the eruption of Red Mountain in the 5th year of the 4th era. Prior to the red year, the Oblivion crisis significantly weakened many of the Great Houses. The Redoran lost their capital city, Ald'ruhn to Mehrunes Dagon's legion of Daedra invaders. The loss of Ald'ruhn was the unlikely turning point in the war, where house Redoran rallied and pushed by the Daedra until the barried between planes was sealed once more. Houses Telvanni, Dres, Indoril, and Hlaalu suffered equally heavy losses at the hands of the Daedra. With the end of the Oblivion crisis, the Telvanni attempted to regain power and expand their influence by aggressively rebuilding morrowind. The Argonians of Black Marsh, however, were relatively unaffected by the invasion of Dagon's forces. As one people, the Argonians heeded the warning of the Hist and threw wave after wave of scaled warriors into the portals to Dagon's realm, forcing the Daedric prince to abandon his efforts to seige Black Marsh. Due partly, to the wildly different outcomes of the Oblivion crisis, partly to centuries of Argonian slavery at the hands of the Dunmer, and in part due to a new awakening of the great Hist, the Argonians invaded Morrowind, pushing nearly to the northmost reaches of the mainland. Houses Dres, Indoril, Telvanni, and Hlaalu were nearly destroyed. The Dunmer pushed the Argonians out after house Redoran managed to cut their supply lines with the aid of the other great houses and even wild Dunmer. Having sacked almost all of mainland Morrowind, the Hist recalled the Argonian invasion force. Most left Morrowind, but some stayed, forming isolated swamp communities in the marshes of the south, and some even carrying skirmishes and raids as though the war were still alive. With the rise of the Aldmeri Dominion, the invasion by Argonians, the Oblivion crisis, and the eruptions of Red Mountain, the Empire cut its losses and abandoned Morrowind, ceasing what little aid was being provided for the survivors. Refugees packed the borders of Skyrim, and many starved those long, dark winters. The central Government of Morrowind reconvened, reunited by the Empire's abandoning the Dunmer. For a time, the great houses were shattered, but united. Though in some cases wholly destroyed, Dunmer reverence led to the reforming of the great houses. Refugees and independent Nobles joined in honoring the heritage of their people by claiming the names and the rites of the shattered great houses. House Hlaalu, however, after losing their imperial allies were ostracized, cast out from the council, and replaced with a smaller, but more Dunmer-centric house. The Hlaalu shrank from notoriety and gained a reputation for sinister deeds, plotting, and murder. Nearly two hundred years have passed, leaving Morrowind worse for wear, but seemingly poised to shed its cloak of darkness. The ash storms have buried most of Vvardenfell, and parts of the coast of the mainland. House Telvanni has been reformed, and reclaimed much of its power. House Redoran now dominates the west, Dres the south, and Indoril is a shadow of itself, venerating the new reformed temple, but maintaining little more than ceremonial power. The people of Morrowind are confronting a new mythology, some still loyal to the Tribunal, others bitter, as rumors after the Nerevarine event circulated, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the Tribunal. Chunks of Red Mountain's Lorkhan-infused core have rained down all over Morrowind and Vvardenfell, causing chaos, and tribes of ashlanders wander the ashlands in greater numbers than ever before. Those who remained in Morrowind and are unaffiliated with the great Houses live in squalor, sickness and poverty. There are rumors of the Blight returning, and tensions between Nord settlers, Orc invaders, Argonian Settlers, and small pockets of draconian Thalmor attempting to offer assistance to the proud dunmer. [hider2=Summary source:]Nexim from Dark Creations.[/hider2] [/hider] [hider=The return of the Nerevarine: 4e 201] In the late 4E 201, Oravos the Nerevarine, along with a vast collection of Akaviri knowledge, returned to Morrowind, after being instructed by Azura. Initially, his return was met with with suspicion, as several have attempted to called themselves "Nerevarine" after his disappearance. All signs of doubt was cleared however, when he revealed himself to the councilors of the Great Houses during a conference on Blacklight. House Redoran acknowledging the return of their former Archmaster, proposed to the council to name the Nerevarine as their King, as the position was left vacant with the death of King Hlaalu Helseth during the siege on Mournhold. With all of the councilors voting for the Nerevarine, Oravos was crowned the King of Morrowind. News of the Nerevarine's return and coronation soon spread across the land of Tamriel, reigniting the flames hope in the hearts of the Dunmer people. Not long after Oravos was inaugurated as the king of Morrowind, a powerful thunderstorm engulfed the land of Vvardenfell, which lasted until early days of 4E 202. When the storm passed, the land and water was cleansed of ash, and the Red Mountain now revealed to have become dormant. It was a miraculous event, some say that Azura herself blessed the Dunmer for glorifying the Nerevarine, while some say that it is the Nerevarine himself that caused the cleansing of the land of Vvardenfell. The truth was unclear, but for sure, it was a blessing that the Dunmer deserved after suffering for so long. With the land of Vvardenfell nearly restored, and being nurtured further by Ashlanders, King Oravos the Nerevarine, passed on a decree recalling back all of the Dunmer on Tamriel to Morrowind, to uphold their racial duties on the rebuilding of the province. The decree itself does not obligate every Dunmer, but was treated by the people as a divine calling by the favored champion of Azura. Almost every Dunmer in Tamriel went back to Morrowind to help with the rebuilding, those who stayed sent resources instead, in place for their absence. During 4e 202, several raids took place on the northern fronts of the Black Marsh, with Dunmer slavers kidnapping Argonians as a form of reparation for their acts in the past. These slaves composed the core workforce for the constructions that took place on Vvardenfell. It was during this year that the Dunmer withdrew from their lands on the south, leaving Tear and Narisis under the hands of the Redoran garrisons. By the end of 4e 202, the city of Gnisis was built and was given to House Dres as replacement for Tear, who strangely did not show signs of public protest when recalled to Vvardenfell. Narsis belonging to House Hlaalu, was easily deserted when the order passed on, due to the Hlaalu's declining rule after being stripped of their Great House title. The city was then turned into a fort, garrisoned by house Redoran. By the year 4e 205, Morrowind was back on its feet, and the decree was no longer effective, releasing the summoned Dunmer of their duties. Most of the Dunmer stayed on Morrowind, while some, left after receiving their token of reward. With the population on Morrowind increased by a significant amount, an influx of new recruits came to the doorstep of every Great House. The capital was then moved to the fortress-city of [i]New Vivec[/i], a city which was built on the site where the moon has crashed. [/hider] [b]Leadership[/b]: Monarchy influenced by the ancient "Great House" system. Head of state: King Oravos the Nerevarine [hider=Appearance][IMG]http://th01.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2012/269/4/7/tribunal_mage_by_zairaam-d5fyivz.jpg[/IMG][/hider] [u][i]House Redoran[/i][/u] - Military. With the return of Oravos the Redoran Archmaster, House Redoran officially became the most influential and powerful house among the other Great Houses. Under the reformation of the ruling structure in Morrowind, the house became the Military branch of Morrowind's government. [i]Land holdings[/i]: Ald'ruhn, Blacklight, Solstheim, Maar Gan, Caldera [u][i]House Telvanni[/i][/u] - Keepers of the Arcane Arts. House Telvanni is the embodiment of the term "Knowledge is power" in the Dunmer society. They were known to be intelligent and powerful mages, striving to preserve old Dunmeri culture to whatever the cost. With the reformation, House Telvanni was assigned to participate on the military branch, while enriching the arts of arcane magic, and extensive knowledge. [i]Land Holdings[/i]: Sadrith Mora, Port Telvanni, Dagon Fel, Tel Mora, Tel Branora [u][i]House Sadras[/i][/u] - Economy. The newest addition to the order of the Great Houses. House Sadras proved their capability to handle the economic stability of Morrowind, without relying on Imperial support, unlike House Hlaalu. House Sadras' members are mostly successful merchants that share the same idea to make Morrowind prosperous once again. Rumor has it that the house adopted former members of House Hlaalu, which could explain their mastery over handling trade and coins. [i]Land Holdings[/i]: Suran, Pelagiad, Seyda Neen [u][i]House Indoril[/i][/u] - Temple watchers. After returning to Morrowind, House Indoril's remaining members pledged their loyalty to Oravos in respect of the soul of Indoril Nerevar. The Grand Ascendant position was offered to Oravos so that Nerevar's reincarnation would lead the house, but his position of Archmaster of House Redoran made him decline the offer. The house was given their former duty as the guardians of the temple, but their reputation of antagonizing the Nevarine before made them unpopular among the society. [i]Land Holdings[/i]: Necrom, Molag Mar, Mournhold [u][i]House Dres[/i][/u] - Labor force. Ever since Morrowind was established, House Dres provided laborers for the province. They mostly relied on slaves in the past, but now, with House Dres' large member population, provides its members to fulfill the services needed in Morrowind. The infamous [i]Guar Lancers[/i] were part of the House, before they moved to the military. [i]Land Holdings[/i]: Gnaar'mok, Hla Oad, Gnisis [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/topics/30768/posts/ooc?page=34#post-1339399]House Hlaalu[/url] - House Hlaalu has fallen on hard times since the end of the Third Era. With its removal as a Great House following the withdrawal of Imperial presence in Morrowind, and the division of its lands in Vvardenfell, House Hlaalu has resorted to utilizing much more underhanded and unconventional tactics to remain afloat during these harsh times. Secrecy, blackmail, smuggling, and thievery, which used to characterize primarily their inner workings, have come to define Hlaalu’s greater dealings, whereas they used to deal primarily in trade. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Political agenda[/b]: To improve the current state of Morrowind, and the preservation of the Dunmer race. [b]Allegiance[/b]: In alliance with Vallenwood, but are cooperating with the Akaviri invaders. [b]Military[/b]: (Excerpt from the lore of Morrowind.) [i]It is argued by Historians and Scholars, that aside from Cyrodiil, the Dunmer nation of Resdayn, was the most powerful province in terms of military might, yet political division has always prevented this from being utilized effectively. Only during invasion has Morrowind stood united, and even when the Empire threatened it with war, it was divided as to how to conduct its defense and united as one force. [/i] [hider=Military divisions:] [hider2=Ashland Armigers] [center][IMG]http://i58.tinypic.com/20ubt06.jpg[/IMG][/center] The very first standing army of Morrowind ever since its founding. The Ashland Armigers were formed during the reformation of the ruling structure of Morrowind. Its purpose is to serve as the permanent military force for the Dunmer, without being compromised by the Great House's internal conflicts. They all wear a full set of bonemold armor with a bonemold shield reinforced by Shalk chitin, and an elven sword to defend themselves, they are further supplemented by an elven bow with twenty bonemold arrows. All of them also carry a set of clothes and a small amount of gold for personal use. The king acts as the supreme commander of the army, while the positions of generals and captains are occupied by hand picked individuals that are loyal only to Morrowind. A Chapter of an Armiger is equal to 1,000 soldiers, lead by a Chapter captain. [/hider2] [hider2=Ordinators]Ordinators are special guards employed by the Tribunal Temple. They are sworn to uphold both Temple law and the will of the True Tribunal. Their distinctive armor is called "Indoril armor" because many before - although not all - of the Ordinators are members of House Indoril. The current order is reformed under the orders of King Oravos, to help protect the still growing New Temple. They are mainly composed of the best recruits of the house of Redoran and Indoril. [b]Order of the Watch[/b] - Responsible for law enforcement in Temples and the city of [i]New Vivec[/i]. [center][IMG]http://i60.tinypic.com/2hd8gp0.jpg[/IMG][/center] [b]Order of War[/b] - Represents the Tribunal's military might. They serve as the army reserves in Morrowind's army, only to be deployed on upon approval of the high temple priests. [center][IMG]http://i59.tinypic.com/nprjlu.jpg[/IMG][/center] [b]Order of the Inquisition[/b] - Executes "heretics" and those who defy the laws of the Tribunal. [center][IMG]http://i61.tinypic.com/oselfl.jpg[/IMG][/center] [b]Order of the Doctrine[/b] - Militant scholars who study Temple writings. They also act as the diplomatic representatives of the Dunmer people. [center][IMG]http://i60.tinypic.com/2uhl8xl.jpg[/IMG][/center] [/hider2] [hider2=Sentinels of the Moon-and-Star] [center][IMG]http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs42/i/2009/134/2/e/Samurai_Knight_by_overdrivezero.jpg[/IMG][/center] Serving under the command of King Oravos the Nerevarine himself, these Dunmer soldiers are the best military asset the Morrowind Empire has to offer. They are equipped with a full set of armor made of ebony and are armed with the finest weapons made in Morrowind. They are trained by the most prominent Dunmer fighters and mages, called upon by the Nerevarine to service. Being under the King's command, they are taught with the arts of Akaviri warfare, making them more adaptive in combat. Only the Ashlanders clansmen in Morrowind are given the privilege of being a member of this order. Their headquarters are located at Fort Firemoth. [/hider2] [hider2=Telvanni Mages] [center][IMG]http://i60.tinypic.com/syxqwp.jpg[/IMG][/center] [i]"The wizard-lords of House Telvanni have traditionally isolated themselves, pursuing wisdom and mastery in solitude. But certain ambitious wizards-lords, their retainers, and clients have entered whole-heartedly into the competition to control and exploit Vvardenfell's land and resources, building towers and bases all along the eastern coast. According to Telvanni principles, the powerful define the standards of virtue."[/i] ―Great Houses of Morrowind With the return of the Telvanni mage-lords to Vvardenfell, a considerable amount Dunmer joined the Telvanni ranks, repopulating the ravaged house. As a new right of passage, and obligation, the House Telvanni passed on a rule that every member of the house must serve the army of Morrowind, to prove their abilities. [/hider2] [hider2=Morag Tong] [center][IMG]http://i60.tinypic.com/2i6jgoy.jpg[/IMG][/center] The Morag Tong is an ancient guild of assassins headquartered in Morrowind, celebrating murder in the name of Mephala. They have been active since at least the First Era, and their targets have included multiple rulers of Tamriel, high-ranking Dunmer nobility, and countless others. The Morag Tong is unique in its sanctioned status under the Morrowind government to perform legal executions, bound under contracts called 'writs', although extralegal 'gray writs' are rumored to exist. With the crowning of Oravos, the Morag Tong's occupation as the impartial middle-man in the conflicts between the Great Houses was re-established. Now with a role of acting operatives on the battlefield, the Morag Tong executes missions that involves being behind enemy lines. [/hider2] [hider2=Hearth Stone Golems] [IMG]http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2013/034/d/9/iron_golem_by_dleoblack-d5tppz6.jpg[/IMG] The product of Dunmer mysticism and Dwemer engineering. These monstrous Atronach like constructs are the result of the Dunmer's efforts to create one of Kagernac's inventions in his planbook. Their bodies are made of pressurized rocks, instead of Dwemeric plating stated on their blueprints. They are powered by a Hearth Stone in their chest, which proved to be superior to what Kagernac planned on using. The Hearth Stone, not only gives them the ability to contain and use Magicka, but also to repair themselves slowly, as time pass by. The Golems may appear very slow and dumb, but they are actually sentient, and are faster than what their weight demands them to be. The strongest of all Golems was Azarkan, the Golem construct fueled by a Hearth Stone and a soul gem containing Almalexia's soul. Azarkan, unlike the other Golems, can cast superior spells, and manipulate its earthly surroundings. Its size doubles the normal size of a Hearth Stone Golem, which are a half a meter taller than Dwemer Centurions. [/hider2] [hider2=House Vanguards] [IMG]http://th07.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2012/136/4/1/dark_elf_warlord__2nd_iteration__by_tanorax-d501tdo.jpg[/IMG] To protect the important figures of every House, an order of dedicated warriors was commissioned by the Great House Council. The Vanguards acts as a separate military force from the House forces they are serving in. They serve as a different entity with only one goal in mind, to protect the lord or lady they assigned to whatever the cost. They are outfitted with a full set of Dwemeric armor, Ebony sword, and a Dwemeric shield. Only orphans are accepted within the ranks of the House Vanguards, due to the limited emotional attachments an orphan has. [/hider2] [/hider] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Culture/Society[/b]: The Dunmer's religion turned to the The New Temple, also known as the House of Reclamations. It is the Dunmeri religious order that was formed after the fall of the Tribunal and the second eruption of Red Mountain, better known as the Red Year. The temple reinstated the worship of the old Dunmeri Pantheon which included the Daedric Princes, Boethia, Azura and Mephala. These three deities were known to the temple as the "Reclamations", as if reclaiming their status or the "True-Tribunal". The now dead or missing deities of ALMSIVI - Vivec, Almalexia, and Sotha Sil - were dubbed "saints" and ALMSIVI was henceforth known as the "False-Tribunal" as decreed by the New Temple. Slavery is once again practiced in Morrowind, but now in a lesser degree compared to the previous years. Slavery is only possible when one of the following situations are met. [list] [*]An individual is unable to pay for services in gold or possessions.[/*] [*]An individual is defeated in a duel of honor, and has chosen slavery instead of death.[/*] [*]An individual is captured during war.[/*] [*]A criminal receiving a sentence with an option to serve as a slave, instead of spending it on prison.[/*] [*]An individual surrenders himself/herself as a slave for personal reasons.[/*][/list] The Ashlanders became a respected group within the Dunmer society, for being responsible for upholding the Nerevarine Prophecy, even when they were persecuted by the temple. Many of the Ashlanders became priests on the New Temple during the fall of the "False Tribunal." On the events of the Red Year, only the Ashlanders remained on Vvardenfell, fulfilling the role given to them by the Nerevarine, as persecutors of the remnants of Dagoth Ur's remaining forces. When the Nerevarine returned, they received the gratitude of Oravos, and was given the opportunity to join his personal army. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Economy[/b]: Morrowind was originally an agrarian aristocracy, mostly free farmers and herders and fishermen ruled by the Great Houses and their noble councils. After the Imperial occupation, and especially on Vvardenfell, the Dunmer developed a mercantile economy based on the model of the Empire, ruled by the Emperor, law, and legions, but driven by trade in crafts and goods. Morrowind's production was based on the mining of Kwama Eggs, Ebony, and Raw Glass. Morrowind was considered to have vast supplies of these rare resources beneath Red Mountain, yet these had been barely tapped until the recent defeat of Dagoth Ur, which opened Red Mountain up to expansion in the mining industry. With the absence of any Imperial force in Morrowind, the economy was once again able to trade freely. Their relations with the people of Vallenwood has proved to be more lucrative as goods that are not found on the said country was supplied mainly by Morrowind. Each caravan travelling across Tamriel was heavily guarded, as trading became the foundation of the reborn province. [hider=Notable Figures:] [b]Ildoryn Sarano[/b] - General of the Sentinel of the Moon-and-Star, and close friend of Oravos. He traveled with the Nerevarine to Akavir after defeating Dagoth Ur. Nothing much is known about Ildoryn, other than the fact that he was given the weapon "Hopesfire" for his unwavering loyalty. Ildoryn's devotion to Oravos' cause made his duty to Morrowind vary from time to time, from being a governor, a diplomat, and even a spy, Ildoryn was relied upon and delivered each time. [IMG]http://th06.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2014/016/b/f/champion_of_house_redoran_by_swietopelk-d72e1r3.jpg[/IMG] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Roark Farandras[/b] - A Redoran Councilman who is a candidate for the position of Archmaster. Being a former member of the Buoyant Armigers, Roark is skilled not only as a tactician, but also a swordsman. He mostly concerns himself with his subject's well being, making him a favored Redoran councilman in all of Morrowind. [IMG]http://th05.deviantart.net/fs71/PRE/i/2014/078/8/0/redoran_noble_by_swietopelk-d7asqgy.jpg[/IMG] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Arvyn Sarandras[/b] - The only Master in the Morag Tong's ranks. Aryvn proved his resilience and loyalty to the order even after its brief disbandment that followed the Red Mountain's eruption. He aims only to improve Morrowind, even if its at the cost of the lives of a few of his kinsmen. Being the most cunning and dangerous member of the order, Aryn with no doubt, will take the helm of Grandmaster, soon enough. [IMG]http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2013/125/4/d/4d61ce4b9c49685a9bf286ea4a6a9123-d6460q2.jpg[/IMG] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Telvanni Master Neloth[/b] - He is said to be one of the oldest and most respected members of House Telvanni and a leading expert on heart stones. Upon the Nerevarine's arrival, Neloth offered his services to the one that spared him during the assassinations of the Telvanni wizards, hundreds of years back. Given the opportunity to work and study to his heart's content under the Nerevarine's mantle, Neloth began to tap into knowledge he was formerly forbidden from. With the a copy of a Black Book, who knows what power he's unraveling for Morrowind. [IMG]http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2013/222/c/a/tes__neloth_of_house_telvanni_by_coupleofkooks-d6hi296.jpg[/IMG] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Mearas Dovyln[/b] - Captain of the Guar Lancers of House Dres. In his early years, Mearas showed his skills with a spear and leading people, that eventually found him a position in the Great House of Dres. In honor of the Nerevarine's request to add the best military asset, every house can offer to Morrowind's standing army. House Dres assigned Mearas to lead Dres' Guar Lancers in the ranks of the Ashland Armigers. [IMG]http://th03.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/f/2014/060/1/3/lord_nerevar__the_hortator_by_risingmonster-d6tk831.jpg[/IMG] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [b]Dregos the Defiler[/b] - An Ashlander that has risen from the Armiger's ranks, and taking the title [i]Ashlander Champion[/i] from the Nerevarine. He is a known master when it comes to sword fighting, but inept on using Magicka. He's iconic for wielding the Ebony blade called "Fleshrender" that reaped hundred of Argonians during Oravos' conquest to retaliate on the Black Marsh. [IMG]http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20140212031928/disney/images/7/71/Algrim_Concept_Art_IV.jpg[/IMG] [/hider]