View source for Lore:Empires

<noinclude>{{Lore History Trail}}</noinclude>
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Numerous '''empires, kingdoms and dynasties''' have risen and fallen in [[Lore:Tamriel|Tamriel]] and beyond. The largest and most notable empire in history was the [[Lore:Third Empire|Third Empire]] established by [[Lore:Tiber Septim|Tiber Septim]]. An empire can be defined as a centralized state that extends political or military control over many territories. The processes by which empires rose on [[Lore:Nirn|Nirn]] depended on their goals and circumstances and were rarely the same across different empires. Some reasons included military conquest, political alliances or religious motivation.

The following is an approximate chronological account of all the notable empires, kingdoms and dynasties that have existed on Nirn.

==Kingdom of Pyandonea==
[[File:ON-banner-Sea Elves.png|right|100px]]
<div>'''Early Merethic Era &mdash; Unknown'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Kingdom of Pyandonea|Kingdom of Pyandonea]]''
Very little is know about the [[Lore:Kingdom of Pyandonea|Kingdom of Pyandonea]], one of the first ruling kingdoms on Nirn, other than scant details discerned from interactions with the [[Lore:Maormer|Maormer]], hearsay and legends. According to long-untranslated tapestries within the [[Lore:Crystal Tower|Crystal Tower]], the kingdom was established in the Early [[Lore:Merethic Era|Merethic Era]] after a phenomenally wealthy [[Lore:Aldmer|Aldmer]] nobleman named [[Lore:Orgnum|Orgnum]] attempted to instigate a rebellion against the rulers of Aldmeris - the ancestral homeland of the Aldmer. The coup failed and Orgnum and several other clans was exiled from Aldmeris to an island continent surrounded by an impenetrable mist, known as Pyandonea.{{Ref|name=TFRM|{{Cite Book|The False Revanchism of the Maormer}}}}{{Ref|name=PGE3OL|{{Cite Book|PGE|3|Other Lands}}}}{{Ref|{{Cite Book|The Wolf Queen, v4}}}}

It was on Pyandonea that Orgnum styled himself as king and "Voice of the Free Maormer People" over the other exiled clans most loyal to him. He then began marshalling his organized and well-disciplined forces in preparation for a triumphant return.{{ref|name=TCPA|{{Cite Book|The Chosen People of Aldmeris}}}}{{Ref|name=TFRM}} Not all Maormer remained part of his kingdom and over time some breakaway clans descended into near-barbarism.{{Ref|name=CM64:PS|{{Cite Book|Crafting Motif 64: Pyandonean Style}}}}

The veil of mist surrounding Pyandonea prevented Orgnum from ever disturbing Aldmeris, but that changed when the Aldmer migrated from their homeland and settled on the Summerset Isles, located north of Pyandonea.{{Ref|name=PGE3OL}} The Kingdom of Pyandonea made countless attempts to invade the Summerset Isle backed by a strong revanchist policy.{{Ref|name=TFRM}} For almost every year of the [[Lore:First Era|First]] and [[Lore:Second Era|Second]] eras, Pyandonean forces led by King Orgnum harassed the coastlines of Summerset.{{ref|name=PGE3OL}}{{ref|name=PGE3SI|{{Cite Book|PGE|3|Summerset}}}} They were also known to have pushed further north, as well, and harassed the coastline of [[Lore:Valenwood|Valenwood]] during the [[Lore:Interregnum|Interregnum]].{{ref|name=PGE3V|{{Cite Book|PGE|3|Valenwood}}}}

The extent of the kingdom's territory outside of the island continent remains unknown, but they have been known to sign treaties with independent states. One such treaty was with Khenarthi's Roost in the mid-Second Era whereby the Maormer Enforcement Squadrons agreed to not perpetrate unprovoked acts of aggression towards merchant ships in or around the port city of Mistral, in return for fifteen percent of all registry fees and excises.{{Ref|name=ToKR|{{Cite Book|Treaty of Khenarthi's Roost}}}} Orgnum has supposedly ruled the kingdom as its sole monarch since its founding in the Merethic Era until at least {{Year|3E 110}}, partly due to his purported status as "a deathless wizard" who grows more youthful by the century.{{Ref|name=PGE3OL}}

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==Kingdom of Alinor==
[[File:LO-map-Summerset Isle (Oblivion Codex).jpg|thumb|The Summerset Isles]]
<div>'''Early Merethic Era &mdash; {{Year|4E 22}}'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Kingdom of Alinor|Kingdom of Alinor]]''
{{Lore:Kingdom of Alinor|Kingdom of Alinor}}ki

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==Snow Elf Empire==
[[File:SR-place-Inner Sanctum (Vale).jpg|thumb|right|The Inner Sanctum of the Chantry of Auri-El - the last known remnant of the Snow Elf empire.]]
<div>'''Middle Merethic Era &mdash; Early First Era'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Snow Elf Empire|Snow Elf Empire]]'' 
Little is known about the empire of the [[Lore:Snow Elves|Snow Elves]] other than what has been derived from scholarly works, legends and myths. Given that the religious pantheon of the Snow Elves overlaps significantly with the [[Lore:Aldmer|Aldmeri]] pantheon (which itself was first established on the [[Lore:Summerset Isles|Summerset Isles]]) suggests the Snow Elves split from their Aldmer brethren on Summerset in the Middle [[Lore:Merethic Era|Merethic Era]].{{ref|name=DGGelebor|[[SR:Knight-Paladin Gelebor|Gelebor]]'s dialogue in ''[[SR:Skyrim|Skyrim]]''}}{{ref|name=VOF|{{Cite Book|Varieties of Faith...}}}} When they arrived in the land known today as [[Lore:Skyrim|Skyrim]], they founded their empire and prospered greatly, and according to some scholars possessed a degree of sophistication and power unparalleled in [[Lore:Tamriel|Tamriel]] at that time.{{ref|name=NOT|{{Cite Book|Night of Tears (book)}}}} Its unknown the extent to which their borders reached, as virtually no Snow Elf structures or cities remain in Skyrim, [[Lore:Fort Greenwall|except one that was discovered underground]] near the city of [[Lore:Riften|Riften]].

When the [[Lore:Atmora|Atmora]]ns migrated to their lands in the Late Merethic Era, the two races live in relative peace for some time, and the Atmorans thrived, summoning more of their kin from Atmora to build the city of [[Lore:Saarthal|Saarthal]].{{ref|name=PGE1S|{{Cite Book|PGE|1|Skyrim}}}} The peace didn't last and soon the Snow Elves found themselves in constant conflict.{{ref|name=DGGelebor}} The catalyst that would lead to the destruction of the Snow Elf Empire was the infamous [[Lore:Night of Tears|Night of Tears]]. Why the elves instigated the massacre of Saarthal is disputed; attributed motives include fear, religious and military provocations, territorial disputes, and a desire to possess [[Lore:Eye of Magnus|an ancient power]] the humans had uncovered.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=NOT}}

The elves drove the Atmoran survivors from their shores, but [[Lore:Ysgramor|Ysgramor]] soon returned with his [[Lore:Companions|Five Hundred Companions]] and began his onslaught on the elven empire. It is unknown how long the conflict, known as [[Lore:The Return|the Return]], lasted but by the beginning of the First Era the elves built the [[Lore:Chantry of Auri-El|Chantry of Auri-El]] in the isolated [[Lore:Forgotten Vale|Forgotten Vale]] to serve as the epicenter of their religion.{{ref|group=nb|According to [[Skyrim:Kodlak Whitemane|Kodlak Whitemane]], the Companions are "nearly 5000 years old", which would indicate that the Return occurred sometime in the last five centuries of the Merethic Era. Similarly, the memorial plaque for [[Lore:Harald|High King Harald]] in Windhelm proclaims him as 13th in the line of Ysgramor, which if referring to generations, would indicate Ysgramor being alive around the second century before the end of the Merethic Era.}} Whatever resistance the elves put up was no match for the Atmoran horde and the war continued in their favor.{{ref|name=DGGelebor}} After wiping out organized elven resistance in Skyrim, the Nordic armies sought their enemy out on the island of [[Lore:Solstheim|Solstheim]]. The elves made a last stand in the [[Lore:Battle of the Moesring|Battle of the Moesring]]: after an intense battle, their leader, the [[Lore:Snow Prince|Snow Prince]], was killed, and the empire of the Snow Elves was destroyed.{{ref|name=FOTSP|{{Cite Book|Fall of the Snow Prince}}}} The survivors fled underground to hide and those who remained on the surface were exterminated in the following decades, even as late as {{Year|1E 140}}.{{ref|name=SSSJ|{{Cite Book|Skorm Snow-Strider's Journal}}}}{{ref|name=DOFA|{{Cite Book|Diary of Faire Agarwen}}}}

Around three centuries passed until the Dwemer arrived in Skyrim sometime after {{Year|1E 420}}.{{ref|name=DI1|{{Cite Book|Dwemer Inquiries Vol I}}}}{{Ref|name=AP|{{Cite Book|Arkngthamz-Phng (book)}}}}. They Dwemer established their own kingdom [[Lore:Blackreach|under Skyrim itself]], and many Snow Elves turned to their underground brethren for help.{{ref|name=TFAS|{{Cite Book|The Falmer: A Study}}}}{{ref|name=JOMA|{{Cite Book|Journal of Mirtil Angoth}}}} The Dwemer offered to provide them a haven, but forced their wards into servitude, only allowing them to consume a toxic fungus which rendered them blind. Over time, the servants became slaves, but despite this the Snow Elves would rise up against their Dwarven Masters waging the unseen War of the Crag, which was at a standstill for centuries until the dissapearance of the dwarves. Unfortunately winning the war against the Dwarves by default did not stop the death knell of the Snow Elves, as they still degenerated into the bestial race known today as the [[Lore:Falmer|Falmer]].{{ref|name=TFAS}}
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==Ayleid Empire==
[[File:OB-place-Imperial City.jpg|thumb|right|The White-Gold Tower]]
<div>'''Middle Merethic Era &mdash; {{Year|1E 243}}'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Ayleid Empire|Ayleid Empire]]'' 

The [[Lore:Ayleid Empire|Ayleid Empire]] began in the Middle [[Lore:Merethic Era|Merethic Era]] when [[Lore:Aldmer|Aldmer]] from the [[Lore:Kingdom of Alinor|Kingdom of Alinor]] left the [[Lore:Summerset Isles|Summerset Isles]] and settled the [[Lore:Heartlands|Heartlands]] of what is now modern-day [[Lore:Cyrodiil|Cyrodiil]]. The Ayleid settlements initially remained as tribute-land to the High King of Alinor, however the long lines of communication from the Summerset Isles afforded them a degree of isolation and many had even taken to Daedric worship - although this itself sometime led to internal conflict. The Ayleids remained subservient to the Kingdom of Alinor until at least {{Year|1E 1}}, when the [[Lore:White-Gold Tower|White-Gold Tower]], known then as the Temple of the Ancestors, was established as an independent city-state.{{Ref|name=BTAOM|{{Cite Book|Before the Ages of Man}}}}{{ref|name=PGE3SI}}

Although it was been described as "first Tamrielic empire",{{ref|name=WGTAP|{{Cite Book|White-Gold: The Ayleid Perspective}}}} the term "Ayleid Empire" itself is a misnomer as there was never one King of the Ayleids. Instead the empire was divided into independent city-states, each ruled by a sorcerer-king. Each sorcerer-king's power waxed and waned over the course of the Empire,{{ref|name=Herminia|[[OB:Herminia Cinna|Herminia Cinna]]'s dialogue in ''[[OB:Oblivion|Oblivion]]''}} and city-states often did not allow their neighbors within their walls.{{ref|name=MTCKN|{{Cite Book|Meet the Character - King Narilmor}}}} The position of sorcerer-king was known to be passed hereditarily upon death,{{ref|name=ALoSaS|{{Cite Book|A Life of Strife and Struggle}}}} but reign rarely passed to heirs without some kind of arcane intrigue.{{ref|[[ON:Jeweled Skull of Ayleid Kings|Jeweled Skull of Ayleid Kings]] antiquity codex entry in [[ESO:Online|ESO]]}}

The Empire, though united at times, warred within itself on multiple occasions, with some notable conflicts being the [[Lore:Narfinsel Schism|Narfinsel Schism]],{{ref|name=ASIV|{{Cite Book|Ayleid Survivals in Valenwood}}}} the war between [[Lore:Abagarlas|Abagarlas]] and [[Lore:Delodiil|Delodiil]],{{ref|name=TWoD|{{Cite Book|The Whithering of Delodiil}}}} and the rampage of [[Lore:Celemaril|Celemaril Light-Bringer]].{{ref|name=Saashi|[[Blades:Saashi|Saashi]]'s dialogue in ''[[Blades:Blades|Blades]]''}} Over time the Aylieds went from a society that worshipped the Aedra, to both Daedra and Aedra, until the Daedraphiles gained complete political dominance, pushing out the remaining Aedra-aphiliated Aylieds into Black Marsh. While the Aylieds had long enslaved the Nedic population of Cyrodiil (and potentially the beastfolk races) the shift of power to the Daedraphilic Aylieds lead to decadent and unspeakable horrors heaped upon the enslaved populations, backed by armies of undead and Daedra. 

The Ayleid Empire ultimately fell after [[Lore:Alessia|Alessia]], a [[Lore:Nede|Nedic]] slave of the Ayleids, launched a [[Lore:Alessian Slave Rebellion|rebellion]] against her slavemasters in {{Year|1E 242}}.{{ref|name=SATD|{{Cite Book|Shezarr and the Divines}}}}{{ref|name=TLST|{{Cite Book|The Legendary Sancre Tor}}}} This in turn resulted in the [[Lore:Ayleid Diaspora|Ayleid Diaspora]] and the eventual extinction of the Ayleids.

'''See the [[Lore:Ayleid Empire|main article]] for more information.'''
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==Lefthand Empire==
[[File:RG-map-West Tamriel-1024x768.png|thumb|Yokuda, homeland of the Lefthanded Elves]]
<div>'''Middle Merethic Era &mdash; Late Merethic Era'''</div>
Very little is known about the empire of the [[Lore:Lefthanded Elves|Lefthanded Elves]] that existed on [[Lore:Yokuda|Yokuda]] in the [[Lore:Merethic Era|Merethic Era]]. It is best remembered from its conflict with the ancient Yokudans, who were said to have fought with them for a thousand years.{{Ref|name=ONLoad|[[ON:Ash'abah Pass|Ash'abah Pass]] and [[ON:Nilata Ruins|Nilata Ruins]] [[Online:Loading Screens|Loading Screens]] in [[Online:Online|ESO]]}}

While most sources deduce that they were a variant of [[Lore:Mer|Mer]] (presumably from [[Lore:Aldmer|Aldmer]] stock), others question this narrative and claim this was a Yokudan transcription error where "Elf" and "enemy" are essentially the same, and that Lefthanded Elves were simply Lefthanded enemies.{{Ref|name=SH2|{{Cite Book|Systres History: Volume 2}}}}{{ref|name=LHbelt|[[ON:Lefthander's Aegis Belt|Totambu Chrysocollas]] antiquity codex entry in [[ESO:Online|ESO]]}}

Regardless, it is said their vast empire was four times the size the [[Lore:Third Empire|Third Empire]] under [[Lore:Tiber Septim|Tiber Septim]], which itself accounted for the entirety of [[Lore:Tamriel|Tamriel]].{{Ref|name=LVSMCtR|group=UOL|{{Cite Book|ns_base=General|Lord Vivec's Sword-Meeting With Cyrus the Restless}}}} Eventually the Yokudans defeated the Lefthanded Elves and drove them out of Yokuda in the Merethic Era, although some remnants briefly settled on [[Lore:Amenos|Amenos]] in {{Year|1E 660}} before being wiped out by the encroaching [[Lore:Ra Gada|Ra Gada]] in {{Year|1E 785}}.{{Ref|name=SH2}}{{Ref|name=SoA|{{Cite Book|Secrets of Amenos}}}}
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==Sixteen Kingdoms of Elsweyr==
[[File:ON-misc-Pieces_of_History.jpg|thumb|A tapestry depicting the tribes of Khajiit]]
<div>'''Merethic Era &mdash; {{Year|1E 2260}}'''</div>
During the [[Lore:Merethic Era|Merethic Era]] the province now called [[Lore:Elsweyr|Elsweyr]] was inhabited by sixteen [[Lore:Khajiit|Khajiiti]] tribes that eventually grew into sixteen kingdoms ruled by a single [[Lore:Moon-Emperor|Moon-Emperor]].{{ref|name=ESOAPAI|{{Cite Book|Anequina and Pellitine: An Introduction}}}} These were not comparable to the kingdoms of Men and Mer in terms of attaching tribal names to ownership over certain locations, rather the clans moved as they needed to across the province. The kingdoms didn't initially fight each other for power or land, rather they existing in harmony and complemented each other. Each kingdom was specialized in providing goods or services and shared it with their neighbors.{{ref|name=EGTE|{{Cite Book|EGT|Elsweyr}}}}{{ref|name=ESOAPAI}} [[Lore:Ne Quin-al|Ne Quin-al]], also known as [[Lore:Anequina|Anequina]], for example provided their excellent trained fighters of the [[Lore:Two-Moons Dance|Two-Moons Dance]] to [[Lore:Torval|Torval]] in exchange for fish and other goods from the sea. Influence and power shifted constantly, and the dominance of the regions cycled through the kingdoms depending on the phases of [[Lore:Masser|Masser]] and [[Lore:Secunda|Secunda]]. For example, Ne Quin-al was in power at full moons, while [[Lore:Torval|Torval]] was when both moons were half, or [[Lore:Senchal|Senchal]] when they were both new.{{ref|name=PGE3E|{{Cite Book|PGE|3|Sugar and Blood}}}}{{ref|name=PGE1E|{{Cite Book|PGE|1|The Elsweyr Confederacy}}}}

These early kingdoms faced external threats however, such as when [[Lore:Kaalgrontiid|Kaalgrontiid]] and his horde of [[Lore:Dragon|dragons]] attempted to dominate the land{{Ref|name=KatD|{{Cite Book|Khunzar-ri and the Demons}}}} or when [[Lore:Pelinal Whitestrake|Pelinal Whitestrake]] led a pogrom against the Khajiit, having mistaken them for another strain of [[Lore:Aldmer|Aldmer]].{{ref|name=VOFTK|{{Cite Book|Varieties of Faith: The Khajiit}}}}. In {{Year|1E 461}} the Golden Beast of Anequina, [[Lore:Darloc Brae|Darloc Brae]], expanded the territory of Ne Quin-al in the process of the [[Lore:Anequine Conquests|Anequine Conquests]] until it ranged from [[Lore:Khaj Rawlith|Khaj Rawlith]] in the west, over [[Lore:Arenthia|Arenthia]], up to the north at [[Lore:Larsius River|Larsius River]], and [[Lore:Rimmen|Rimmen]] in the east.{{ref|name=RTR|{{Cite Book|Rislav The Righteous}}}}{{ref|name=LSKR|[[ON:Loading Screens|Loading Screen of Khaj Rawlith]] in [[ON:Online|ESO]]}}

The political balance in the sixteen Khajiiti kingdoms proved stable enough for thousands of years. Neither the [[Lore:Alessian Empire|Alessian Empire]] nor the [[Lore:Bosmer|Bosmer]] of [[Lore:Valenwood|Valenwood]] dared to extend their borders too far into the lands of the Khajiit, but caused increasing animosity between the Khajiiti realms.{{ref|name=PGE3E}}{{ref|name=EGTE}} This balance of the sixteen kingdoms changed drastically in the aftermath of the [[Lore:Thrassian Plague|Thrassian Plague]] in {{Year|1E 2260}}.{{ref|name=EGTE}} Expanding along the trading routes deep into the realm of the Khajiit, the plague caused a mass mortality and decimated the sixteen kingdoms, forcing the survivors into roles they did not choose. Of the original sixteen kingdoms, only two remained: The northern [[Lore:Anequina|Anequina]] with its many warrior clans, and the wealthy southern [[Lore:Pellitine|Pellitine]]. Both kingdoms fought for centuries, but none of both could ever gain the upper hand.{{ref|name=PGE3E}}{{ref|name=EGTE}}

At some point in the First Era, the role of Moon-Emperor as a ruler of the Khajiit disappeared from the historical record and was seemingly replaced by the [[Lore:Mane|Mane]]. Although it is unknown exactly when the role of Mane was established, Mane [[Lore:Jinninji-ri|Jinninji-ri]] was known to have ruled towards the very end of the First Era in {{Year|1E 2902}}, centuries before the supposed "First Mane" [[Lore:Rid-Thar-ri'Datta|Rid-Thar-ri'Datta]].{{ref|name=ONShazah|[[Online:Shazah|Shazah]]'s dialogue in [[Online:Online|ESO]]}}

With the rise of the [[Lore:Reman Dynasty|Reman Dynasty]] in {{Year|1E 2703}}, the newfound [[Lore:Second Empire|Second Empire]] began to expand. The two kingdoms of Anequina and Pellitine could not resist the Empire's power and were conquered following the Reman Conquests.{{ref|name=MBHAYQ|{{Cite Book|Moon Bishop Hunal Answers Your Questions}}}} The kingdoms remained intact and their forces were absorbed into the Empire and even fought under its banner. For example when [[Lore:Naghea|Queen Naghea]] of [[Lore:Riverhold|Riverhold]] lead the left flank for the Empire in the [[Lore:Four-Score War|Battle of Bodrum]].{{ref|name=2920FS|{{Cite Book|2920, First Seed (v3)}}}} Also in the same year the King of Senchal, [[Lore:Dro'Zel|Dro'Zel]], became appointed advisor to the court of [[Lore:Reman III|Reman III]].{{ref|name=2920SD|{{Cite Book|2920, Sun's Dusk (v11)}}}} Despite being part of the Second Empire, Anequina and Pellitine never stopped rebelling against it at times.{{ref|name=PGE3E}} The Empire was also unable to stop the conflicts between the two Khajiiti kingdoms.{{ref|name=PGE1E}}{{ref|name=EGTE}} The two kingdoms eventually resolved their differences, albeit temporarily, when they merged to form the [[Lore:Elsweyr Confederacy|Elsweyr Confederacy]] in {{Year|2E 309}}.

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==Nedic Kingdoms==
[[File:ON-place-Skyreach Pinnacle.jpg|thumb|right|Skyreach]]
<div>'''Merethic Era &mdash; ~{{Year|1E 808}}'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Duraki|Duraki]]'' 
Sometime during the [[Lore:Merethic Era|Merethic Era]], the [[Lore:Duraki|Duraki]] tribe of Nedes established one of the first human kingdoms in [[Lore:Craglorn|Craglorn]]. Little is known about the their early history, but by the early [[Lore:First Era|First Era]] Nedic culture in Craglorn was said to be fading. The Nedes of Craglorn were scattered and broken and most had long since migrated and intermingled with the other races of Tamriel, virtually fading from existence.{{ref|name=NOTDL|{{Cite Book|Nedes of the Deathlands}}}} Around this time the kingdom was ruled by a High King [[Lore:Durac|Durac]] whose seat of power was in Skyreach.{{ref|name=Explorer|{{Cite Book|Skyreach Explorer}}}} Eight other Nedic vassals-kings swore fealty to him, and were known to have ruled in and around the region. This council was comprised of the kings of Blood, Flame, Forest, Frost, Shadow, Spirit, Storm, Sun.{{Ref|name=Souls|Events of [[ON:Souls of the Betrayed|Souls of the Betrayed]] in [[ESO:Online|ESO]]}}{{ref|name=Virm|{{Cite Book|Virmaril's Journal}}}} Separate Nedic tribes, such as the [[Lore:Perena|Perena]], were part of the Duraki high kingdom.{{ref|name=Watchers|[[Online:Craglorn Antiquities|Watcher's Ritual Stole]] antiquity codex entries in [[ON:Online|ESO]]}}

When the [[Lore:Yokuda|Yokuda]]n [[Lore:Anka-Ra|Anka-Ra]] invaded around {{Year|1E 808}}, the Nedic kings convened at Skyreach at the behest of High King Durac to hear out his [[Lore:Altmer|Altmer]] advisor's plan to repel the invasion. Although the kings believed that this plan would beat back the Yokudan army, his advisor betrayed the entire council. Without their leadership, the Nedes could not stand against the Yokudans and ultimately this led to the kingdom's fall.{{ref|name=Crusader|[[ON:Crusader Dalamar|Cursader Dalamar]]'s dialogue in [[ESO:Online|ESO]]}}{{ref|{{Cite Book|Warlords of the Ra Gada}}}}

'''See the [[Lore:Duraki|main article]] for more information.'''

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==Dwemer Kingdoms==
[[File:MW-place-Arkngthand.jpg|thumb|Arkngthand on Vvardenfell]]
[[File:SR-place-Mzulft.jpg|thumb|Mzulft in Skyrim]]
<div>'''Late Middle Merethic Era &mdash; {{Year|1E 700}}'''</div>
The earliest [[Lore:Dwemer|Dwemer]] settled on the land known today as [[Lore:Morrowind|Morrowind]] around the Middle [[Lore:Merethic Era|Merethic Era]]. According to some legends, the Dwemer originated from the [[Lore:Chimer|Chimer]], and were treated as another tribe, and later, as a secular [[Lore:Great Houses|Great House]].{{ref|name=TWOTFC|{{Cite Book|The War of the First Council}}}}{{Ref|group=UOL|[[General:Gary Noonan|Gary Noonan]] {{TIL|explained|GTNoonan}} the Dwemer and Dunmer's shared origins}}{{Ref|group=UOL|According to [[General:Michael Kirkbride|Michael Kirkbride]] during the {{TIL|Redguard Forum Madness|redguardforummadness}}, the Dwemer were also considered a tribe during the time of the nation of Veloth}} Other sources however claim they already occupied the northeast of Tamriel when [[Lore:Veloth|Veloth]] and his people arrived there.{{ref|name=PGE3S|{{Cite Book|PGE|3|Skyrim}}}} Regarless of their origin, by the Late Middle Merethic Era they had established underground cities in the [[Lore:Velothi Mountains|Velothi Mountains]] and the Kingdom of Dwemereth was born. During this time the Dwemer frequently warred with their Chimer neighbors, who provoked them with minor raids and territorial disputes for centuries.{{Ref|name=BTAOM}} Some claim these battles were fueled by the conflicting religious beliefs while others claim it was due to territory and resources.{{ref|name=PGE1M|{{Cite Book|PGE|1|Morrowind}}}}{{Ref|name=BTAOM}}{{ref|name=PGE3M|{{Cite Book|PGE|3|Morrowind}}}}{{Ref|name=BTAOM}}

By the Late Merethic Era, High Velothi culture began to decline and the Chimer devolved into tribal cultures. This coincided with the founding of the earliest Dwemer freehold colonies on Vvardenfell, which by conflicting accounts was either a separate island or part of the mainland.{{Ref|name=BTAOM}}{{Ref|name=TSLT|{{Cite Book|36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 36}}}} Over the next few centuries the Dwemer flourished and established a wide network of cities that became known as the Kingdom of Vvardenfell,{{ref|name=PGE1M}} although its unclear if this was considered part of the Kingdom of Dwemereth or was an independent kingdom.

When the [[Lore:First Empire of the Nords|First Empire of the Nords]] invaded Dwemereth in {{Year|1E 222}}, the Kingdom of Vvardenfell was said to have been a united group with a collective identity. They were able to resist the Nordic conquest and remained independent. Conversely, the divided and feuding Chimer clans on mainland Morrowind fell to the Nords.{{ref|name=PGE1M}} After almost two hundred years of oppression under the Nords, the Dwemer and the Chimer put aside their differences and formed an alliance to fight back. [[Lore:Nerevar|General Indoril Nerevar]] of the Chimer and [[Lore:Dumac|King Dumac]] of Vvardenfell were successfull in driving the invaders out in {{Year|1E 416}} and went on to form the [[Lore:First Council|First Council]]. Under the joint-kingdom of [[Lore:Resdayn|Resdayn]], Nerevar and Dumac ruled and worked together to maintain peace, despite Nerevar's close allies pushing him to claim all Resdayn for the Chimer.{{Ref|name=NaRM|{{Cite Book|Nerevar at Red Mountain}}}}

In the following years, Lord [[Lore:Kagrenac|Kagrenac]] was known as the chief Dwemer architect of the great "'''Second Empire''' freeholds".{{Ref|name=GA|{{Cite Book|Guylaine's Architecture}}}}{{ref|name=Yagrum|[[Morrowind:Yagrum Bagarn|Yagrum Bagarn]]'s dialogue in ''[[MW:Morrowind|Morrowind]]''}} Exactly what empire this refers to is unclear, and implies a "first" Dwemer empire existed too - possibly referring to the previously mentioned Dwemer kingdoms of Dwemereth and Vvardenfell. By extension, this would place the joint-kingdom of Resdayn as their Second Empire. Regardless, while Resdayn prospered the Dwemer chieftain of the [[Lore:Rourken|Rourken]] Clan protested against an alliance with the Chimer. In {{Year|1E 420}} the Rourken Clan exiled themselves from Resdayn and traveled to the lands known today as [[Lore:Hammerfell|Hammerfell]] to establish their own independent kingdom named [[Lore:Volenfell|Volenfell]].{{ref|name=PGE3H|{{Cite Book|PGE|3|Hammerfell}}}}

Following the path laid out by the Rourken, other Dwemer clans began to migrate from Resdayn and establish their own freeholds and settlements where they could live in greater isolation. Indeed, some scholars suggest that the many Dwemer cities in Skyrim and Hammerfell were built only after the Rourken exodus.{{ref|name=DI1|{{Cite Book|Dwemer Inquiries Vol I}}}}{{Ref|name=AP|{{Cite Book|Arkngthamz-Phng (book)}}}} The [[Lore:Kragen|Kragen]] Clan were first to establish their presence in Skyrim with the founding of [[Lore:Arkngthamz|Arkngthamz]]. While migrating they discovered a considerable source of [[Lore:Aetherium|Aetherium]] and built the city to research it. The city flourished, so much so that it encouraged other clans to expand their own holdings to the west. The city-states of Bthar-zel, Raldbthar, and Mzulft joined them, and this loose alliance of clans effectively established a pocket empire within Skyrim. The Nords of course took exception to the Dwemer settling in their lands and regularly attacked them, but with little success. It was during this time their own empire had collapsed and they were in the midst of fighting the [[Lore:Alessian Empire|Alessian Empire]] and [[Lore:Direnni Hegemony|Direnni Hegemony]].{{Ref|name=AP}}{{Ref|name=TAW|{{Cite Book|The Aetherium Wars}}}}

Eventually, internal disputes would occur over the Aetherium, and the alliance between the city-states shattered. This conflict (which could have only occurred at some point between {{Year|1E 533}} and around {{Year|1E 580}} at the latest){{ref|group=nb|King Gellir could not have reigned any earlier than 1E 533. His chief accomplishment is the conquest of Skyrim's Dwemer city-states, and according to ''[[Lore:Arkngthamz-Phng|Arkngthamz-Phng]]'', those city-states were not established until the decades after Clan [[Lore:Rourken|Rourken]] founded [[Lore:Volenfell|Volenfell]] in {{Year|1E 420}}. Since the consecutive reigns of four other High Kings span the years between 1E 420 and 1E 533, Gellir could only have ruled sometime after 1E 533. ''[[Lore:The Aetherium Wars|The Aetherium Wars]]'' notes that the Dwemer reclaimed their lands "a century" after Gellir's conquests, and since the Dwemer had disappeared by {{Year|1E 700}}, it is likely that Gellir's reign occurred before the end of the 6th Century of the First Era.}} lasted decades and was known as the Aetherium Wars. This internal fighting weakened the Dwemer, which allowed King [[Lore:Gellir|Gellir]] of Skyrim to briefly conquer the city-states, although the Dwemer reclaimed most of their lands a century later.{{Ref|name=TAW|{{Cite Book|The Aetherium Wars}}}}

Ultimately, the peace between the Dwemer and Chimer back in Resdayn dissolved and sparked the [[Lore:War of the First Council|War of the First Council]]. It ended at the [[Lore:Battle of Red Mountain|Battle of Red Mountain]] in {{Year|1E 700}}, which saw the simultanious collapse of all Dwemer kingdoms on Nirn after the entire Dwemer race suddennly disappeared.{{ref|name=TBORM|{{Cite Book|The Battle of Red Mountain}}}}
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==Ysgramor Dynasty==
[[File:SR-place-Palace of the Kings.jpg|thumb|Ysgramor's palace in Windhelm]]
<div>'''Late Merethic Era &mdash; {{Year|1E 369}}'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Ysgramor Dynasty|Ysgramor Dynasty]]''
{{Lore:Ysgramor Dynasty}}

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==Camoran Dynasty==
[[File:LO-map-Valenwood (Oblivion Codex).jpg|thumb|right|[[Lore:Valenwood|Valenwood]], the realm over which the Camoran Dynasty ruled]]
<div>'''{{Year|1E 0}} &mdash; {{Year|3E 267}}'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Camoran Dynasty|Camoran Dynasty]]''
{{Lore:Camoran Dynasty}}

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==Kingdom of Orsinium==
[[File:ON-place-Orsinium 02.jpg|thumb|right|King Kurog's Orsinium circa {{Year|2E 582}}]]
<div>'''Early [[Lore:First Era|First Era]] &mdash; {{Year|1E 980}}, {{Year|2E 418}} &mdash; Late [[Lore:Interregnum|Interregnum]], {{Year|3E 399}}{{ref|name=HOPTTO|{{Cite Book|How Orsinium Passed to the Orcs}}}} &mdash; {{Year|4E 11}}''',{{ref|name=LoS|{{Cite Book|Lord of Souls}}}} ''' {{Year|4E 15}} — Present'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Orsinium|Orsinium]]''
Numerous incarnations of Orsinium have risen and fallen over the eras, but only three are known to history. The Kingdom of Orsinium was first built by [[Lore:Torug gro-Igron|King Torug]] in [[Lore:High Rock|High Rock]], straddling the boundary between western [[Lore:Wrothgar|Wrothgar]] and [[Lore:Rivenspire|Rivenspire]]. It was later bolstered by many goblin-ken migrations upon their emancipation from slavery, notably [[Lore:Thulgeg|Thulgeg]]'s migration in {{Year|1E 874}},{{ref|name=BSHR|{{Cite Book|Bangkorai, Shield of High Rock}}}}{{Ref|name=TM|{{Cite Book|Thulgeg's March}}}} before it was destroyed by [[Lore:Breton|Breton]] and [[Lore:Redguard|Redguard]] forces during the [[Lore:Siege of Orsinium|Siege of Orsinium]]. In the mid-[[Lore:Second Era|Second Era]], the city was relocated to eastern Wrothgar under King [[Lore:Kurog|Kurog]]. In {{Year|3E 399}}, it was relocated again to a site between [[Lore:Wayrest|Wayrest]], [[Lore:Menevia|Menevia]], and the [[Lore:Wrothgarian Mountains|Wrothgarian Mountains]], but among the chaos of the Stormcrown Interregnum was sacked between {{Year|4E 11}} and {{Year|4E 15}}.{{ref|name=LoS}} By {{Year|4E 201}}, Orsinium had moved once more, farther south to [[Lore:Craglorn|an area]] between [[Lore:Hammerfell|Hammerfell]] and [[Lore:Skyrim|Skyrim]].

Although Orsinium was accepted as a territory of the [[Lore:Second Empire|Second Empire]] during the reign of the [[Lore:Akaviri Potentate|Akaviri Potentate]], it largely remained as an independent state.

'''See the [[Lore:Orsinium|main article]] for more information.'''
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==Yokudan Empire==
[[File:RG-map-West Tamriel-1024x768.png|thumb|The remnants of Yokuda in the Third Era]]
<div>'''Early [[Lore:First Era|First Era]] &mdash; {{Year|1E 792}}'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Yokudan Empire|Yokudan Empire]]'' 
The Yokudans had existed on [[Lore:Yokuda|Yokuda]] since the [[Lore:Merethic Era|Merethic Era]] and during this time warred with the Lefthand Empire for a thousand years. The Yokudans eventually defeated the [[Lore:Lefthanded Elves|Lefthanded Elves]] and prospered in their own right, culminating in the establishment of their own empire.{{ref|name=RTHATH|{{Cite Book|Redguards, History and Heroes}}}}{{ref|name=VOF|{{Cite Book|Varieties of Faith...}}}}{{ref|name=ONloadNilata|[[Online:Nilata Ruins|Nilata Ruins]] [[Online:Loading Screens|loading screen]] in [[Online:Online|ESO]]}} The ruling body of the Yokudan people was known as the [[Lore:Na-Totambu|Na-Totambu]], a council of kings who represented the various nations of Yokuda.{{ref|name=TNTOY|{{Cite Book|The Na-Totambu of Yokuda}}}}{{ref|name=ONYokudan|[[Online:Yokudan King|Yokudan King]]'s dialogue in [[Online:Online|ESO]]}}

By the [[Lore:First Era|First Era]], Yokuda had become a vast empire, and developed a tradition of being ruled by a single emperor, however this was eventually abolished in {{Year|1E 376}}. Although each successive emperor remained as the figurehead of the empire, his powers were very much reduced. As a result, the nation descended into three hundred years of continuous civil war between the provincial lords, warrior monks, and brigands, all fighting each other for land and power.{{ref|name=RTHATH}} In {{Year|1E 609}}, [[Lore:Mansel Sesnit|Mansel Sesnit]] became the Elden Yokeda, or military dictator and waged many of the battles of unification and succeeded in gaining control of almost the entire empire until he was assassinated in {{Year|1E 617}}. His successor, [[Lore:Randic Torn|Randic Torn]], took over and continued the work of Sesnit, however by the time of his death in {{Year|1E 737}} internal disturbances still had not been completely eliminated. After his death, another vicious civil war broke out.{{ref|name=RTHATH}}

In the chaotic aftermath, the "Last Emperor" of Yokuda, [[Lore:Hira|Hira]], rose to power and attempted to wrestle control of the empire from the people by exterminating the [[Lore:Sword-singers|sword-singers]]. This conflict became known as the [[Lore:War of the Singers|War of the Singers]]. In {{Year|1E 780}}, it came to a climax at the foot of [[Lore:Hattu Mountain|Hattu Mountain]], where [[Lore:Frandar Hunding|Frandar Hunding]]'s army of singers crushed the emperor's forces.{{ref|name=DTS|{{Cite Book|Divad the Singer}}}}{{ref|name=RTHATH}}

While the Yokudan Empire in its original form fell in earnest after Yokuda sank into the ocean around {{Year|1E 792}}, the Na-Totambu ruling class who migrated to Hammerfell attempted to reproduce the culture and rule of Yokuda as close as possible, with mixed results. This meant that while the empire itself was gone, the Yokudans (and later the Redguards) continued the tradition of monarchic rule in some capacity.{{ref|name=ONloadTotambu|[[Online:Lost City of the Na-Totambu|Lost City of the Na-Totambu]] [[Online:Loading Screens|loading screen]] in [[Online:Online|ESO]]}} One notable example was a Yokudan noble named [[Lore:Tarish-Zi|Tarish-Zi]] who proclaimed himself emperor and led his warrior band to [[Lore:Craglorn|Craglorn]] in order to establish his own empire. While he ruled in the ancient Yokudan way, eventually his empire faded into obscurity in the years that followed.{{ref|name=ONTitus|[[Online:Titus Valerius|Titus Valerius]]' dialogue in [[Online:Online|ESO]]}} Another example was a [[Lore:Yokudan|Yokudan]] noble named [[Lore:Hubalajad|Prince Hubalajad]] who colonized [[Lore:Hew's Bane|Hew's Bane]] and established [[Lore:Abah's Landing|Abah's Landing]], from where his descendants would rule for several generations before fading away.{{ref|name=IDoPH|{{Cite Book|In Defense of Prince Hubalajad}}}}{{ref|name=Load|[[ON:Loading Screens|ESO loading screens]]}} Another example of parts of Hammerfell being ruled under a monarchy was the rise of Queen [[Lore:Afsar|Afsar]] of [[Lore:Alik'r|Alik'r]]. According to legend, the ruling king died in the late First Era with no heir, which led to squabbling between the Na-Totambu over succession to the throne. Afsar was said to have seized the throne the ancient way by killing the opposition and solidifying her rule. Despite its bloody start, her reign was supposedly very peaceful.{{ref|name=ONRAG|[[Online:Ramati at-Gar|Ramati at-Gar]]'s dialogue in [[Online:Online|ESO]]}} 

The last known monarch of Hammerfell during the First Era was High King [[Lore:Ar-Azal|Ar-Azal]] of the [[Lore:Phyllocid Dynasty|Phyllocid Dynasty]], who was best remembered for healing the rift between the [[Lore:Na-Totambu|Na-Totambu]] ruling class and the warriors of the [[Lore:Ra Gada|Ra Gada]] by marrying the daughters of their greatest Grandees.{{Ref|name=TWAAHD|{{Cite Book|The Worthy Ar-Azal, His Deeds}}}} When Hammerfell fell to [[Lore:Reman I|Reman I]] and was absorbed into the [[Lore:Second Empire|Second Empire]], the role of High King was seemingly abolished. Instead, the Na-Totambu and Ra Gada (now known as [[Lore:Crowns|Crowns]] and the [[Lore:Forebears|Forebears]] respectively) would go on to aid [[Lore:Cyrodiil|Cyrodiil]]'s administration of Hammerfell. The Crowns retained the rights of noble council and the Forebears were granted rights of ownership within their tribal districts.{{ref|name=EGTHammerfell|{{Cite Book|EGT|Hammerfell}}}} This however didn't last, and the [[Lore:Kingdom of Hammerfell|Kingdom of Hammerfell]] that emerged during the [[Lore:Interregnum|Interregnum]] almost seven hundred years later could be considered the successor to the Yokudan Empire, given the Na-Totambu ruling class took power and reverted back to a hereditary monarchy.{{ref|name=PGE1H|{{Cite Book|PGE|1|Hammerfell}}}}
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==First Empire of the Nords==
[[File:LO-map-Skyrim (Oblivion Codex).jpg|thumb|right|[[Lore:Skyrim|Skyrim]], the province in which the First Nordic Empire was based]]
<div>'''{{Year|1E 240}} &mdash; {{Year|1E 420}}'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:First Empire of the Nords|First Empire of the Nords]]'' 
{{Lore:First Empire of the Nords}}

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==Alessian Empire==
[[File:ON-misc-Alessian Empire Emblem.png|200px|right]]
<div>'''{{Year|1E 243}} &mdash; {{Year|1E 2331}}'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Alessian Empire|Alessian Empire]]'' 
{{Lore:Alessian Empire}}

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==Direnni Hegemony==
[[File:ON-banner-Direnni.png|200px|right]]
<div>'''{{Year|1E 355}} &mdash; {{Year|1E 498}}'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Direnni Hegemony|Direnni Hegemony]]'' 
{{Lore:Direnni Hegemony}}

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==Kingdom of Resdayn==
[[File:LO-map-Morrowind (Oblivion Codex).jpg|thumb|Kingdom of Resdayn]]
<div>'''{{Year|1E 416}} &mdash; {{Year|1E 700}}'''</div>
The Kingdom of [[Lore:Resdayn|Resdayn]] refers to the short-lived alliance between the [[Lore:Dwemer|Dwemer]] and [[Lore:Chimer|Chimer]] in the early [[Lore:First Era|First Era]]. The [[Lore:Nord|Nords]] had initially occupied [[Lore:Morrowind|Morrowind]] during the [[Lore:Skyrim Conquests|Skyrim Conquests]] in {{Year|1E 240}}, but this eventually led to a rebellion led by [[Lore:Nerevar|Indoril Nerevar]] of the Chimer and [[Lore:Dumac|Dumac]] of the [[Lore:Dwemer|Dwemer]]. An alliance was formed between them and the Nords were pushed out by {{Year|1E 416}}. This alliance born out of need formed the [[Lore:First Council|First Council]].{{ref|name=PGE1M}} 

Nerevar and Dumac ruled jointly over Resdayn. The peace between the Dwemer and Chimer brought prosperity, but the [[Lore:War of the First Council|War of the First Council]] broke out when relations went sour. It ended with the [[Lore:Battle of Red Mountain|Battle of Red Mountain]] in {{Year|1E 700}}, which saw the death of both leaders. In the aftermath, the Chimer changed into the Dunmer, while the entire Dwemer race suddenly disappeared,{{ref|name=TBORM|{{Cite Book|The Battle of Red Mountain}}}} and the golden era of the Tribunate began.{{ref|name=MWAne|[[MW:Ane Teria|Ane Teria]]'s dialogue during [[MW:The Path of the Incarnate|The Path of the Incarnate]] in ''[[MW:Morrowind|Morrowind]]''}}{{ref|name=MWIdrenie|[[MW:Idrenie Nerothan|Idrenie Nerothan]]'s dialogue during [[MW:The Path of the Incarnate|The Path of the Incarnate]] in ''[[MW:Morrowind|Morrowind]]''}}

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==Kingdoms of Skyrim==
<div>'''{{Year|1E 420}} &mdash; Present'''</div>
[[File:ON-load-Western_Skyrim.png|thumb|Solitude, the capital of Western Skyrim]][[File:SR-place-Windhelm2.jpg|thumb|Windhelm, the capital of Eastern Skyrim]][[File:LG-cardart-A Land Divided 02.jpg|thumb|right|A battle between the Legion and the Stormcloaks]]
:''Main article: [[Lore:Kingdoms of Skyrim|Kingdoms of Skyrim]]'' 
After the disastrous [[Lore:War of Succession|War of Succession]], the [[Lore:First Empire of the Nords|First Empire of the Nords]] crumbled as it lost control of its territories in [[Lore:High Rock|High Rock]], [[Lore:Morrowind|Morrowind]], and [[Lore:Cyrodiil|Cyrodiil]]. While Skyrim as a nation remained relatively intact, its people were historically divided into [[Lore:Skyrim#Holds|Holds]], ruled by a patchwork of clan-heads, kings, and councils. Among the Old Holds, the people still revered their hereditary leaders, while the other Holds governed themselves by elected moots.{{ref|name=PGE1S}} 

In the aftermath of the war in {{Year|1E 420}}, it became evident the former system of succession, known as the Moot, had become partisan and ineffective. When King Olaf died without a clear heir a new method of electing a High King became necessary.{{ref|name=PGE1S}} This new method involved the creation of the [[Lore:Crown of Verity|Crown of Verity]] - a magical artifact used to test the worthiness of potential rulers of Skyrim. Throughout the remainder [[Lore:First Era|First Era]], the Crown of Verity was been passed down from High King to High King, used as a tool by the Moot to ascertain the worthiness of any candidate for the throne.{{ref|name=COF|{{Cite Book|The Crown of Freydis}}}}

While the new system of succession was purported to be an overwhelming success in later eras (to the degree that Skyrim's leadership was supposedly never disputed on the field of battle in the following 3,000 years), this was not entirely true.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}{{ref|name=COF}} For brief periods, a single ruler managed to unite all of Skyrim, but the Nord character is one essentially of conflict, and the confederacies never lasted.{{ref|name=PGE3S}} For example, in the late-First Era High King [[Lore:Irthvyd|Irthvyd]] of Solitude died without an heir. His senior advisor, [[Lore:Temylda|Temylda]] ascended the throne after duelling several jarls in single combat. Forty years later, Temylda's reign ended and a new leader was chosen out of bloodshed and violence. The warrior [[Lore:Alldimar|Alldimar]], known for his many skirmishes with the Reachmen, wrestled the title from an untested child heir using his years of knowledge in arcane magic and his great sense of warfare.{{Ref|name=SOSR|{{Cite Book|Scandals of Solitude's Royalty}}}}

When the [[Lore:Second Empire|Second Empire]] was established in {{Year|1E 2704}}, Skyrim was either conquered or allied with [[Lore:Reman I|Reman I]] relatively quickly as troops from [[Lore:Solitude|Solitude]] were frequently sent into [[Lore:The Reach|the Reach]] to pacify rebellious [[Lore:Reachmen|Reachmen]].{{ref|name=EGTNBatM|{{Cite Book|EGT|Bangkorai}}}} Despite now being part of the Second Empire, Skyrim's retained their ancient system of leadership with Jarls, High Kings, and succession using the Crown of Verity.{{ref|name=COF}}

After the Second Empire fell, High King [[Lore:Logrolf|Logrolf]] was assassinated {{Year|2E 431}} heralding a major change in Skyrim. Naturally, the throne would have been passed to the High King's heir, Jarl [[Lore:Freydis|Freydis]] of [[Lore:Windhelm|Windhelm]]. However, tension had arisen between the east and west when Jarl [[Lore:Svartr|Svartr]] of Solitude had challenged her claim to leadership and thus called for a moot. Freydis was accepted by the Crown of Verity and named High Queen, though part of the Moot chose Svartr as High King. What followed was a decisive schism that split Skyrim in two, creating distinct Western and Eastern Kingdoms.{{Ref|name=TCoF|{{Cite Book|The Crown of Freydis}}}}{{Ref|name=MTCHKS|{{Cite Book|Meet the Character - High King Svargrim}}}} 

The Kingdom of Eastern Skyrim briefly became part of a greater alliance called the [[Lore:Ebonheart Pact|Ebonheart Pact]] during the mid-[[Lore:Second Era|Second Era]]. During the [[Lore:Second Akaviri Invasion|Second Akaviri Invasion]] in {{Year|2E 572}}, the city of [[Lore:Windhelm|Windhelm]] was sacked and Queen [[Lore:Mabjaarn Flame-Hair|Mabjaarn]] and her heir [[Lore:Nurnhilde|Nurnhilde]] were slain, leaving the crown to Mabjaarn's son, [[Lore:Jorunn|Jorunn]].{{ref|name=JTSK|{{Cite Book|Jorunn the Skald-King (book)}}}} In an unprecedented show of cooperation between races with a great deal of historical enmity, the Nords, Dunmer and Argonians fought together to encircle the Akaviri forces in [[Lore:Stonefalls|Stonefalls]] and drove the invaders back into the sea. This allegiance forged in battle was ratified with treaties, and thus the Ebonheart Pact was born.{{ref|name=UA|{{Cite Book|Unexpected Allies}}}} 

Eastern Skyrim fought in the [[Lore:Three Banners War|Three Banners War]] as a member of the Ebonheart Pact, while Western Skyrim remained neutral.{{ref|name=TSAI|{{Cite Book|The Second Akaviri Invasion}}}} At that time, [[Lore:The Reach|The Reach]] did not belong to either kingdom and the Reachmen had banded together under the [[Lore:Despot of Markarth|Despot of Markarth]], who allied himself with [[Lore:Mannimarco|Mannimarco]].{{ref|name=EGTSkyrim|{{Cite Book|EGT|Skyrim}}}} 

The two kingdoms of Skyrim, as well as The Reach, were eventually reunified into a single realm following the [[Lore:Tiber War|Tiber War]].{{ref|name=TAH|{{Cite Book|The Arcturian Heresy}}}}{{ref|name=SRKibell|[[Skyrim:Kibell|Kibell]]'s dialogue in ''[[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]''}}. In the last days of the Interregnum, a petty king of the Colovian Estates, Cuhlecain, came to power alongside the leader of his legions, General Talos. A year later more than half of the Cyrodilic Empire was reclaimed or consolidated, and Cuhlecain captured the Imperial City and proclaim himself Emperor. Skyrim and High Rock, which bitterly opposed a return to Cyrodilic rule, gathered their armies for a joint invasion of the Colovian West. Talos met them on the field of Sancre Tor. The Nords that had come to oppose the Empire soon joined the General's forces, for when they heard his Thu'um they believed him to be a son of Skyrim and the heir to the Empires of Men. Cuhlecain was soon assassinated soon after and [[Lore:Tiber Septim|Tiber Septim]] rose to power, eventually conquering all of Tamriel.{{ref|name=PGE1S}}

As with the Second Empire, Skyrim retained many its ancient customs of leadership as a province under Tiber Septim, and was considered the Empire's "strong arm".{{Ref|name=SR|{{Cite Book|Skyrim's Rule}}}}{{ref|name=PGE3S}} Traditionally each Hold was ruled by a Jarl who in turn were ruled by the High King, but ultimately the High King swore fealty to the Emperor. [[Lore:Solitude|Solitude]] became the city most directly influenced by [[Lore:Imperial|Imperial]] culture and politics, thus it became the capital city and its Jarl served as the Imperial-sanctioned High King for centuries thereafter.{{Ref|name=SR}}{{ref|name=SRThaer|[[Skyrim:Thaer|Thaer]]'s dialogue in ''[[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]''}} Indeed, many of Solitude's Jarls were connected to the Septim bloodline, such as [[Lore:Potema|Potema]], the "Wolf Queen of Solitude".{{ref|name=SRLoading|[[Skyrim:Loading Screens|Loading screen]] in ''[[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]''}} As such, the Moot (and by extension the Crown of Verity) became formality and theater as opposed to official succession, leading some to view Skyrim's ruler as a puppet.

At times, some hold capitals were sometimes referred to as kingdoms in their own right, and their Jarls referred to as kings or queens, particularly by outsiders.{{Ref|name=BWQ|{{Cite Book|Biography of the Wolf Queen}}}}{{ref|name=SRTaurinus|[[Skyrim:Legate Taurinus Duilis|Legate Taurinus Duilis]]' dialogue in ''[[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]''}} For example, the city of Solitude was oft referred to as the Kingdom of Solitude during the [[Lore:Third Era|Third Era]], or Queen [[Lore:Macalla|Macalla]] of [[Lore:Dawnstar|Dawnstar]], who married King [[Lore:Thian|Thian]] of Solitude.{{ref|name=PGE3S}}

In {{Year|4E 10}} the [[Lore:Stormcrown Interregnum|Stormcrown Interregnum]] began, resulting much unrest. After seven long, bloody years the Stormcrown Interregnum was ended when a Colovian warlord by the name of [[Lore:Titus Mede|Titus Mede]] seized the crown in {{Year|4E 168}}. He proved a shrewd and capable leader, such that Skyrim endorsed him as Emperor. Although the Empire was greatly weakened, Skyrim was one of the few provinces that remained prosperous and peaceful.{{ref|name=RT4|{{Cite Book|Rising Threat, Vol. IV}}}}{{ref|name=TGW|{{Cite Book|The Great War (book)}}}}

That changed during the [[Lore:Great War|Great War]], when Reachmen briefly seized [[Lore:Markarth|Markarth]] and most of the Reach in {{Year|4E 174}} in an uprising, however a militia led by [[Lore:Ulfric Stormcloak|Ulfric Stormcloak]] retook the hold two years later.{{ref|name=TBOM|{{Cite Book|The Bear of Markarth}}}} However this would pale in comparison to the [[Lore:Stormcloak Rebellion|Stormcloak Rebellion]] in {{Year|4E 201}} - an event that drastically shifted in the political landscape and plunged Skyrim into another civil war. Jarl [[Lore:Ulfric Stormcloak|Ulfric Stormcloak]], seeking independence from Imperial rule, killed High King [[Lore:Torygg|Torygg]] resulting in the province being split two. One side vying for independence and a return to the old ways, and the other seeking to remain under the rule of the Empire.{{ref|name=NA|{{Cite Book|Nords Arise!}}}}
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==Kingdoms of High Rock==
[[File:LO-map-High Rock (Oblivion Codex).jpg|thumb|High Rock]]
<div>'''{{Year|1E 498}} &mdash; Present'''</div>
''Main article: [[Lore:Kingdoms of High Rock|Kingdoms of High Rock]]'' 

After the [[Lore:Alessian Empire|Alessian Empire]] was defeated at the [[Lore:Battle of Glenumbria Moors|Battle of Glenumbria Moors]], [[Lore:Direnni|Direnni]] power in [[Lore:High Rock|High Rock]] began to wane. Year-after-year the Direnni could no longer challenge the emerging [[Lore:Breton|Breton]] nobility, who seized power throughout most of High Rock by {{Year|1E 498}}.{{ref|name=PGE1HR|{{Cite Book|PGE|1|High Rock}}}}{{ref|name=PGE3HR|{{Cite Book|PGE|3|High Rock}}}}{{ref|name=TBMOP|{{Cite Book|The Bretons: Mongrels or Paragons?}}}} Clan Direnni's retreat to [[Lore:Balfiera|Balfiera]] left a vacancy in the way of a united government, and High Rock was left with a hundred fiefdoms to squabble over power.{{ref|name=PGE3HR}} 

The rise of kingdoms initially started through villages founded in tactical locations, such as [[Lore:Wayrest|Wayrest]], prospering and becoming fully fledged powers.{{ref|name=WJOTB|{{Cite Book|Wayrest, Jewel of the Bay}}}}. Breton kingdoms grew around the eight major cities of [[Lore:Daggerfall (kingdom)|Daggerfall]], [[Lore:Camlorn (kingdom)|Camlorn]], [[Lore:Wayrest (kingdom)|Wayrest]], [[Lore:Shornhelm|Shornhelm]], [[Lore:Northpoint|Northpoint]], [[Lore:Evermore|Evermore]], [[Lore:Farrun|Farrun]] and [[Lore:Jehanna|Jehanna]].{{ref|name=EWR|{{Cite Book|Etiquette With Rulers}}}} These kingdoms gave rise to many dynastic families and houses, such as the [[Lore:Cumberland Dynasty|Cumberland Dynasty]], [[Lore:Gardner|Gardner Dynasty]] and [[Lore:House Spenard|Spenard Dynasty]].
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==Reachmen Kingdoms==
[[File:SR-place-The Reach.jpg|thumb|The Reach]]
<div>'''{{Year|1E 1030}} &mdash; Various'''</div>
:''"Anyone can be a king in the Reach. No one can be a king of the Reach." &mdash; [[Online:Lady Belain|Reachman proverb]]''
Throughout history, [[Lore:Reachmen|Reachmen]] have lived in separate clans across [[Lore:the Reach|the Reach]]. On occasion the clans have put aside their differences and banded together to form a loose kingdom, usually to unite against a common foe. The first recorded instance was around {{Year|1E 1030}}, when the Reach was ruled by ten warring Reachman kings. Most of the kings submitted to the invading [[Lore:Alessian Empire|Alessian]] forces of Empress [[Lore:Hestra|Hestra]], however a legendary Reachmen known as [[Lore:Red Eagle|Red Eagle]] united the clans and led a rebellion. The King of the Reach pushed back against the invaders for two years and was hailed a hero, but the Alessians ultimately were successful and killed the rebel king.{{ref|name=LoRE|{{Cite Book|The Legend of Red Eagle}}}}{{ref|name=TRC|{{Cite Book|The Red Curse}}}}

Following the [[Lore:Second Empire|Second Empire]]'s collapse in {{Year|2E 430}}, the Reach was left to its own devices. It eventually became an independent kingdom ruled by the Reachmen themselves under the infamous [[Lore:Durcorach|Durcorach the Black Drake]], who conquered the [[Lore:Empire of Cyrodiil (Interregnum)|Empire of Cyrodiil]] and installed himself as the first of the [[Lore:Longhouse Emperors|Longhouse Emperors]].{{ref|name=COTFC4|{{Cite Book|Chronicles of the Five Companions 4}}}} Durcorach met his demise during a failed invasion of [[Lore:High Rock|High Rock]] in {{Year|2E 542}}.{{ref|name=TATOAM|{{Cite Book|Triumphs of a Monarch}}}} 

By {{Year|2E 578}}, even as Durcorach's grandson [[Lore:Leovic|Leovic]] reigned over the Empire, control of the Reach had passed to the so-called [[Lore:Despot of Markarth|Despot of Markarth]].{{ref|name=EGTNBatM}} Amidst the chaos of both the [[Lore:Planemeld|Planemeld]] and the [[Lore:Three Banners War|Three Banners War]], numerous Reachman tribes attempted to extend their influence into High Rock and [[Lore:Skyrim|Skyrim]], but met fierce resistance.{{ref|name=ESO|Events of [[Online:Online|ESO]]}} Shortly before {{Year|2E 582}}, The Kingdom of Western Skyrim carved a new hold named [[Lore:Karthald|Karthald]] from the northern territory of the Reach to use as a bulwark against Reachman incursions into [[Lore:Haafingar|Haafingar]] and [[Lore:Hjaalmarch|Hjaalmarch]].{{ref|name=GtWSK|{{Cite Book|Guide to Western Skyrim: Karthald}}}}

In {{Year|4E 174}}, nationalistic Reachmen passively resisted Nord rule for centuries until finding the perfect opportunity to strike. While the forces of the [[Lore:Empire|Empire]] were committed to fighting the [[Lore:Aldmeri Dominion|Aldmeri Dominion]] in the [[Lore:Great War|Great War]]. The Reachmen rose up, seizing [[Lore:Markarth|Markarth]] and most of the hold, ruling the Reach as an independent kingdom for two years under [[Lore:Madanach|Madanach]], the King in Rags. The government of Skyrim, growing desperate, enlisted a militia led by [[Lore:Ulfric Stormcloak|Ulfric Stormcloak]] which retook the Reach in {{Year|4E 176}}. The survivors of the revolt were scattered into the wilderness, becoming the [[Lore:Forsworn|Forsworn]].{{ref|name=TBOM}}
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==Second Empire==
[[File:LG-back-Empire.png|right|100px]]
<div>'''{{Year|1E 2703}} &mdash; {{Year|2E 430}}'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Second Empire|Second Empire]]'' 

The Second Empire, also known as the Cyrodilic Empire, and the Second Empire of Men, was a human-led empire that, at its height, controlled every region of [[Lore:Tamriel|Tamriel]] with the exception of Morrowind. The history of the Second Empire is divided into two main periods: the reign of the [[Lore:Reman Dynasty|Reman Dynasty]] that witnessed the final centuries of the First Era, and the subsequent [[Lore:Akaviri Potentate|Akaviri Potentate]], sometimes stylized as the '''Akaviri Empire''', that ushered in the [[Lore:Second Era|Second Era]].

'''See the [[Lore:Second Empire|main article]] for more information.'''

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==Elsweyr Confederacy==
[[File:LO-map-Elsweyr (Oblivion Codex).jpg|thumb|The Elsweyr Confederacy]]
<div>'''{{Year|2E 309}} &mdash; {{Year|4E 115}}'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Elsweyr Confederacy|Elsweyr Confederacy]]''
{{Lore:Elsweyr Confederacy}}

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==Empire of Cyrodiil==
[[File:ON-map-Tamriel.jpg|thumb|The Empire of Cyrodiil (green) surrounded by the alliance powers]]
<div>'''{{Year|2E 430}} &mdash; {{Year|2E 854}}'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Empire of Cyrodiil (Interregnum)|Empire of Cyrodiil]]''

The Empire of Cyrodiil (also known as the Imperial Empire) refers the remnants of Second Empire that existed during the [[Lore:Interregnum|Interregnum]]. Although identified as an empire, it differed from the [[Lore:Alessian Empire|Alessian Empire]], [[Lore:Second Empire|Second Empire]], and [[Lore:Third Empire|Third Empire]] in that its only permanent dependency was [[Lore:Cyrodiil|Cyrodiil]] itself, and it was at no time ruled by a [[Lore:Dragonborn|Dragonborn]] emperor. While there were periods of relative stability, such as under the [[Lore:Longhouse Emperors|Longhouse Emperors]], the Ruby Throne saw many pretender-kings. Of note was the [[Lore:Three Banners War|Three Banners War]] where armies of the Dominion, Covenant, and Pact invaded Cyrodiil in an effort to topple the throne and take power.

'''See the [[Lore:Empire of Cyrodiil (Interregnum)|main article]] for more information.'''

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==Longhouse Dynasty==
[[File:ON-trailer-Deadlands and Damnation Longhouse Sigil.jpg|thumb|A sigil associated with the Longhouse Emperors]]
<div>'''{{Year|2E 533}} &mdash; {{Year|2E 577}}'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Longhouse Emperors|Longhouse Emperors]]''
{{Lore:Longhouse Emperors}}

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==Kingdom of Hammerfell==
[[File:LO-map-Hammerfell (Oblivion Codex).jpg|thumb|Hammerfall]]
<div>'''{{Year|2E 430}} &mdash; Unknown'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Kingdom of Hammerfell|Kingdom of Hammerfell]]''
{{Lore:Kingdom of Hammerfell}}

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==Third Empire==
[[File:LO-map-Tamriel (Oblivion Codex Compilation).jpg|thumb|The Third Empire encompassed all of Tamriel]]
<div>'''{{Year|2E 854}} &mdash; Present'''</div>
:''Main article: [[Lore:Third Empire|Third Empire]]''

The Third Empire (also called the Septim Empire) was declared by [[Lore:Tiber Septim|Tiber Septim]] in {{Year|2E 854}} after the chaos of the [[Lore:Interregnum|Interregnum]], and was forged through a decades-long conflict to unite [[Lore:Tamriel|Tamriel]] known as the [[Lore:Tiber War|Tiber War]]. It lasted throughout the whole of the [[Lore:Third Era|Third Era]] and two centuries into the [[Lore:Fourth Era|Fourth Era]], when it began to decline. By this time it was comprised of two dynasties, the [[Lore:Septim Dynasty|Septim Dynasty]] and the [[Lore:Mede Dynasty|Mede Dynasty]]. It was also ruled briefly under a Potentate during the Stormcrown Interregnum.

'''See the [[Lore:Third Empire|main article]] for more information.'''

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==Kingdom of Black Marsh==
:''Main article: [[Lore:Kingdom of Black Marsh|Kingdom of Black Marsh]]'' 
Almost nothing is known about the [[Lore:Argonian|Argonian]] kingdom in [[Lore:Black Marsh|Black Marsh]], also known as the '''Kingdom of Argonia'''.{{ref|name=Teinaava|[[Oblivion:Teinaava|Teinaava]]'s dialogue in ''[[Oblivion:Oblivion|Oblivion]]''}}. Almost all mentions of the king (dating as far back as the mid-Second Era) involve the [[Lore:Shadowscales|Shadowscales]], who were said to be ancient protectors of the royal family, the Argonain Royal Court and the king's personal assassins.{{ref|name=SRVeezara|[[Skyrim:Veezara|Veezara]]'s dialogue in ''[[Skyrim:Skyrim|Skyrim]]''}}{{ref|name=SRAOV|{{Cite Book|Skyrim's Rule}}}}{{Ref|name=Antiquity|[[ON:Shadowfen Antiquities#Onyx Shadowscale Scroll Case|Onyx Shadowscale Scroll Case]] codex entries in [[ON:Online|ESO]]}}{{ref|name=Scar-Tail|[[Oblivion:Scar-Tail|Scar-Tail]]'s dialogue in ''[[Oblivion:Oblivion|Oblivion]]''}} Conversely, some believe this is simple misinterpreted information, and that no such king has ruled since the pre-[[Lore:Duskfall|Duskfall]] days when Argonian civilization was at its height. The so-called "Scalded Throne" has supposedly been empty for centuries (if it existed at all), and the monarch's role as commander of the Shadowscales is said to be overstated.{{Ref|name=IWTAS|{{Cite Book|Interview with Three Argonians in Shadowfen|ns_base=GEN}}}} In the pre-Duskfall era, the priests of Sithis (also known as [[Lore:Nisswo|Nisswo]] or Nothing-Talkers) ruled as kings and would often make sacrifices to Sithis.{{ref|name=ON|[[Online:Xukas|Xukas]]' dialogue in [[Online:Online|ESO]]}}

Whatever the existence of an Argonian monarchy may be, by the time of the [[Lore:Oblivion Crisis|Oblivion Crisis]] a political group known as the [[Lore:An-Xileel|An-Xileel]] formed and were instrumental in defending Black Marsh from [[Lore:Mehrunes Dagon|Mehrunes Dagon]]'s invasion. The kingdom later seceded from the [[Lore:Empire|Empire]] after the [[Lore:Thalmor|Thalmor]] incited the Argonians to mount a massive uprising against southern Morrowind.{{ref|name=RT4}} The exact structure of the An-Xileel is unknown, but they were known to have had an Archwarden by the name of Qajalil in {{Year|4E 48}},{{Ref|name=TIC}}{{rp|30}} and were led by '''The Organism''', the ruling council based in [[Lore:Lilmoth|Lilmoth]].{{ref|name=TIC|Keyes, Greg. ''[[Books:The Infernal City|The Infernal City]]''. Del Rey Books, 2009.}}{{rp|37}}
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==Coral Kingdoms of Thras==
[[File:LO-race-Sload.jpg|thumb|A Sload]]
:''Main article: [[Lore:Thras|Thras]]'' 
Coral Kingdoms of Thras are a group of small kingdoms located on the Thrassian Archipelago, surrounded by the [[Lore:Sea of Pearls|Sea of Pearls]].{{Ref|name=MotSS|{{Cite Book|The Myth of the Sea Sloads}}}} It was the source of the deadly [[Lore:Thrassian Plague|Thrassian Plague]] that swept [[Lore:Tamriel|Tamriel]] in {{Year|1E 2200}}.{{Ref|name=SH3|{{Cite Book|Systres History: Volume 3}}}} Home to the amphibious [[Lore:Sload|Sload]], the extent of territory the Coral Kingdoms controls is unknown. Over the centuries maps charted by spies reveal the number and size of islands has varied, suggesting they have a volatile kingdom which fluctuates its land mass.{{Ref|name=PGE3OL}} Some kingdoms, such as [[Lore:Ul'vor Kus|Ul'vor Kus]], are located undersea and are ruled by the mysterious [[Lore:Sea Sload|Sea Sload]].{{Ref|name=MotSS}}

While the Sload organize themselves into kingdoms, their Sea Sloads brethren form small cabals of like-minded individuals who cooperate to attain some specific goal, such as the [[Lore:Abyssal Cabal|Abyssal Cabal]] in {{Year|2E 582}}. These cabals break up, reform, and reorganize as interests and necessity warrant.{{Ref|name=MotSS}} The leadership of these Thrassian kingdoms is largely unknown, despite the various conflicts over the years. The only insight Tamrielic nations have into Thrassian cultural leadership is found in a damaged journal of a diplomat to Thras written prior to {{Year|1E 2260}}. In it the diplomat describes a curious ritual they witnessed after gaining an audience in the submerged tower of an "Elder Distended One". This being is further described having an "impressively corpulent body and strangely pulsating head" that then disgorged an unknown material from three eyes that emerged from its belly, which was consumed eagerly by attendants.

Some scholars speculate the Sload may have been original inhabitants of the [[Lore:Summerset Isles|Summerset Isles]], which possibly explains their aggressive disposition towards [[Lore:Alinor|Alinor]]. Though they never succeeded in reclaiming Summerset they have visited numerous horrors upon other nations, such as the Sack of [[Lore:Skywatch|Skywatch]], the [[Lore:War of the Uvichil|War of the Uvichil]] and the infamous Thrassian Plague.{{Ref|name=SH3}}{{Ref|name=PGE3OL}} The latter was severely punished by the [[Lore:All-Flags Navy|All-Flags Navy]] when they sank the coral kingdoms into the sea in {{Year|1E 2260}}, however by {{Year|2E 864}} there were reports that Thras had risen again and that the Sload were seen in various parts of Tamriel.{{Ref|name=PGE1WR|{{Cite Book|PGE|1|The Wild Region}}}}
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==Tiger-Dragon's Empire==
{{Lore:Ka Po' Tun (place)}}

==Notes==
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==References==
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{{Lore Empires}}