Hey, all. Let's discuss one of my absolute favorite settings in games, the continent of Tamriel. A place where gods are real, vampires run amok, dragons travel through time, and humans become so self-aware they can essentially glitch themselves out of the Matrix and become a god themselves.
The continent is so huge that entire games take place in ONE of the provinces that you see. Until Elder Scrolls Online, we didn't see most of Tamriel - and much of it still remains unexplored. Let's take a look at the provinces that have been fleshed out in the series proper, shall we?
For the sake of this thread, I'll keep my explanations/flavor text as simple as possible. If you want to know more, check out the links to the wiki. Each province has heaps of lore to read!
Elder Scrolls 1 had us exploring...
The entire continent!?
Yes, but sadly, the presentation and story, while well received at the time, is primitive in how it compares to the rest of the series, and is no longer representative of its respective provinces. In fact, I know of few who played this game, and fewer who recommend it. So let's move on to...
Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall
Iliac Bay area (High Rock and Hammerfell)
The upper half is the province of High Rock.
The lower half is the desert province of Hammerfell.
High Rock is probably the most stereotypical fantasy setting of the lot. With the Bretons living there, there's a lot of focus on political machinations, castles, magic, etc. I personally recognize it by its somewhat dreary atmosphere, with deep emerald fields of grass and overcast skies, as well as a stuffy populace.
Hammerfell is a vast desert inhabited by the Redguards. The culture here is one that reflects its rough geography, a hardy people who are physically strong (enough to resist poison) and set in their ways, with the ancient Redguard religion prevalent throughout the province.
Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind
Vvardenfell (Morrowind)
The first game, in my opinion, to really make its province "pop."
Morrowind is home to the Dark Elves, and is chock full of extremely unique flora and fauna, such as tree-sized mushrooms, giant insects, and other alien-esque creatures. It has a fairly large amount of Dwemer (Dwarven) ruins in the area, and its religion is focused around the Tribunal, three gods who have a real, physical presence among the populace.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Cyrodiil
The imperial province, where the emperor resides smack dab in the center of Tamriel.
When I think of Cyrodiil, I think of vast rolling plains, breathtaking sunrises, peaceful towns... and bandits, vampires, and GATES TO HELL. Cyrodiil is a geographically idyllic province that can be described as the most "vanilla" place in Tamriel, but I personally love its down-to-earth atmosphere. During the Oblivion crisis it was a particularly interesting place to be, as there were oblivion gates popping up everywhere... regardless, Cyrodiil is arguably the most important province, or one of them, due to it being the seat of the empire.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim
The land of the Nords, located at the very roof of Tamriel, far to the north.
When I think of Skyrim, I think of vikings, snow, and dragons. And that's basically what it is. It has its fair share of forests and plains, too, but it's mostly a wintery place, full of pine trees and ice and cold things. During the time of Skyrim (the game), it's also chock full of dragons.
Which was your personal favorite, and why?
The continent is so huge that entire games take place in ONE of the provinces that you see. Until Elder Scrolls Online, we didn't see most of Tamriel - and much of it still remains unexplored. Let's take a look at the provinces that have been fleshed out in the series proper, shall we?
For the sake of this thread, I'll keep my explanations/flavor text as simple as possible. If you want to know more, check out the links to the wiki. Each province has heaps of lore to read!
Elder Scrolls 1 had us exploring...
The entire continent!?
Yes, but sadly, the presentation and story, while well received at the time, is primitive in how it compares to the rest of the series, and is no longer representative of its respective provinces. In fact, I know of few who played this game, and fewer who recommend it. So let's move on to...
Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall
Iliac Bay area (High Rock and Hammerfell)
The upper half is the province of High Rock.
The lower half is the desert province of Hammerfell.
High Rock is probably the most stereotypical fantasy setting of the lot. With the Bretons living there, there's a lot of focus on political machinations, castles, magic, etc. I personally recognize it by its somewhat dreary atmosphere, with deep emerald fields of grass and overcast skies, as well as a stuffy populace.
Hammerfell is a vast desert inhabited by the Redguards. The culture here is one that reflects its rough geography, a hardy people who are physically strong (enough to resist poison) and set in their ways, with the ancient Redguard religion prevalent throughout the province.
Elder Scrolls 3: Morrowind
Vvardenfell (Morrowind)
The first game, in my opinion, to really make its province "pop."
Morrowind is home to the Dark Elves, and is chock full of extremely unique flora and fauna, such as tree-sized mushrooms, giant insects, and other alien-esque creatures. It has a fairly large amount of Dwemer (Dwarven) ruins in the area, and its religion is focused around the Tribunal, three gods who have a real, physical presence among the populace.
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Cyrodiil
The imperial province, where the emperor resides smack dab in the center of Tamriel.
When I think of Cyrodiil, I think of vast rolling plains, breathtaking sunrises, peaceful towns... and bandits, vampires, and GATES TO HELL. Cyrodiil is a geographically idyllic province that can be described as the most "vanilla" place in Tamriel, but I personally love its down-to-earth atmosphere. During the Oblivion crisis it was a particularly interesting place to be, as there were oblivion gates popping up everywhere... regardless, Cyrodiil is arguably the most important province, or one of them, due to it being the seat of the empire.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Skyrim
The land of the Nords, located at the very roof of Tamriel, far to the north.
When I think of Skyrim, I think of vikings, snow, and dragons. And that's basically what it is. It has its fair share of forests and plains, too, but it's mostly a wintery place, full of pine trees and ice and cold things. During the time of Skyrim (the game), it's also chock full of dragons.
Which was your personal favorite, and why?
