Skyrim is the northernmost province of Tamriel, the Old Kingdom and the Throat of the World, where the Nords, barbarian warriors, settled. A land of permafrost with icy mountains and short summers, the Grotto of Peace, Tamriel's highest mountain, lies to the north. The Nords are the Empire's finest warriors, valuing freedom, ale, and honor. Skyrim is beset by civil war and the return of the dragons: the god Alduin seeks to destroy the world. The hero (Davos) must stop him by acquiring dragonbloo

Geography (Major Cities and Regions)

Skyrim

Skyrim is the northern province of Tamriel, a harsh land of the ancient Nords. The lands are covered with snow-capped mountains, pine forests, icy wastes, and ancient Dwemer ruins. The province is divided into nine holds—the holdings of the Jarls.

Major Cities:

Whiterun

The heart of Skyrim and the province's trade hub. The city stands on the plains in the center of the country. It is home to the fortress of Dragonsreach, ruled by Jarl Balgruuf the Elder. Whiterun strives to remain neutral in the civil war between the Empire and the Stormcloaks.

Solitude

The capital of Skyrim and the main stronghold of the Empire. Situated on the coast, the city is known for its wealth, navy, and the Blue Palace. It is the seat of the provincial imperial government.

Windhelm

The ancient capital of the Nords and the capital of the Stormcloaks. Built around Ysgramor's old palace, the city is steeped in ancient Nord traditions and distrust of foreigners.

Riften

A city in southeastern Skyrim. Known for its corruption, crime, and the influence of the Thieves Guild. Ruled by Jarl Layla Lawbringer, although the real power is often attributed to the Black-Briar family.

Markarth

An ancient mountain city built amid Dwemer ruins. Rich in mines and silver. The city is ruled by representatives of the old families, but within it lies the secrets of the Forsworn cult.

Raven Rock

A settlement on the island of Solstheim, associated with Nord culture and resource extraction. It has a complex relationship with Skyrim.

Dawnstar

A port city in the north. Poor and harsh, often plagued by attacks and nightmares linked to Daedric powers.

Morthal

A swamp town shrouded in mist. A small but strategically important hold.

Falkreath

A southern city nestled among the forests. Known for its ancient tombs and proximity to Cyrodiil.

Races

Nords

The indigenous people of Skyrim. Strong warriors, descendants of the ancient people of Atmora. They revere traditions, honor, and the heroes of the past. Many Nords support the Stormcloaks, considering the Empire a traitor to old customs.

Imperials

Residents of the Empire. A more diplomatic and practical people. They uphold order, trade, and law. Most Imperials favor the preservation of a unified state.

Bretons

A people with a strong connection to magic. Descendants of humans and elves. They often become talented mages and merchants.

Redguards

Warriors from Hammerfell. Known for their martial culture and swordsmanship.

High Elves (Altmer)

A people from the Aldmeri Dominion. They have a strong magical tradition. Many serve the Thalmor.

Dark Elves (Dunmer)

Natives of Morrowind. After the eruption of Red Mountain, many migrated to Skyrim. In Windhelm, they face discrimination.

Wood Elves (Bosmer)

A people of Valenwood. Known as excellent archers and hunters.

Orcs (Orsimer)

Powerful blacksmiths and warriors. They live in strongholds throughout Tamriel.

Khajiit

Cat-like people from Elsweyr. They often become merchants or travelers. Due to prejudice, they are forbidden from freely entering many cities of Skyrim.

Argonians

A reptilian people of Black Marsh. Well adapted to swamps and water. In Skyrim, they often perform heavy labor.

Politics (Empire and Stormcloaks)

Empire

The Empire is a vast state, uniting many provinces of Tamriel.

After the Great War with the Aldmeri Dominion, the Empire signed the White-Gold Concordat, banning the worship of Talos.

This decision caused discontent among the Nords, who consider Talos a great hero and god.

The Empire is attempting to maintain control over Skyrim, considering the province's independence dangerous due to the threat of the Thalmor and external enemies.

Main goals:

Preserve the unity of Tamriel;

Stop the civil war;

Protect Skyrim from the Dominion.

Stormcloaks

A rebel movement led by Ulfric Stormcloak.

They demand Skyrim's independence from the Empire and the return of the worship of Talos.

The Stormcloaks consider the Empire weak and subjugated by the Thalmor.

Their main goals are:

to create an independent Skyrim;

to restore old Nordic traditions;

to expel the Empire's influence.

However, they are accused of:

nationalism;

persecution of outsiders;

Tamriel's weakening under the threat of the Thalmor.

Jarls and Rulers

Whiterun

Jarl Balgruuf the Elder

A wise and cautious ruler. Initially tries to remain neutral in the war, but is forced to choose a side.

Solitude

Jarl Elisif the Fair

A young ruler and ally of the Empire. After the death of her husband, she sides with the Emperor.

Windhelm

Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak

Leader of the Stormcloaks. He defeated High King Thorig of Skyrim in single combat and began a rebellion.

Riften

Jarl Layla the Lawgiver

Formally rules the city, but most of the power is held by the Black-Briar family.

Markarth

Jarl Igmund

Ally of the Empire. He tries to maintain control of the city and suppress the Forsworn.

Dawnstar

Jarl Skuld the Elder

A supporter of the Stormcloaks, an old Nord who adheres to tradition.

Morthal

Jarl Idgrod Blackwind

A wise ruler known for her interest in magic and visions.

Falkreath

Jarl Siddgeir

A young ruler more interested in hunting and recreation than politics.

General Situation in Skyrim

Skyrim is on the brink of war.

The Empire is trying to maintain order, but is losing support among the Nords.

The Stormcloaks are fighting for freedom, but their rebellion threatens to tear Tamriel apart.

Amidst the civil war, a new threat arises: the return of dragons and an ancient prophecy about the Dovahkiin, a mortal capable of confronting them.