Lore:Stormhaven

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Stormhaven
Type Region
Continent Tamriel
Province High Rock
Subregions Alcaire
Gavaudon
Menevia
Appears in Daggerfall, ESO
Stormhaven circa 2E 582

Stormhaven is the south-central region of High Rock. It is a prosperous place rich in fishing, farming, hunting, mining, and trading opportunities. The Bjoulsae River flows into the Iliac Bay along the coast, from which the Isle of Balfiera and its famous Adamantine Tower can be seen in the distance. The King's Guard mountain range to the west and north separate it from Glenumbra and Rivenspire, and the Wrothgarian Mountains form its border to the north and east. The western region Alcaire is home to the city of Alcaire (also called Alcaire Castle) as well as other settlements, like the port Koeglin Village. The central portion of Stormhaven, Menevia, is home to the merchant city of Wayrest. Wayrest forms part of Menevia's border to Gavaudon, the eastern region of Stormhaven. Gavaudon has no major cities of its own, only small towns like Wind Keep and Shinji's Scarp, though a bridge over the Bjoulsae River in the east leads directly to the city of Evermore in Bangkorai.

The region is mostly populated by Bretons, along with a minority of Orcs (much to the chagrin of many of the Bretons). Goblins also inhabit the region.[1] The cities of Alcaire and Wayrest, along with numerous smaller towns and keeps, make Stormhaven one of the two most populous regions of High Rock (the other being Glenumbra). While there is quite a bit of traffic between these two,[2] Stormhaven also has significant trade and strong ties with Rivenspire to the north.[3]

History[edit]

Early History[edit]

Stormhaven's known history begins with the Direnni, who discovered the Adamantine Tower in the Middle Merethic Era and claimed it and the surrounding area. For a time, they ruled all of modern-day High Rock,[4] and at least part of Stormhaven was presumably part of their dominion for virtually their entire hegemony.

The Direnni interbred with Nedic subjects as a matter of entertainment, and did so frequently, so frequently that the manmer which inevitably resulted from these unions were so numerous that they formed a new race, the Bretons. The Direnni were few in number, and established a hierarchical, feudal system in order to control their vast domain. The Bretons became a privileged middle class within this society. The Direnni ruled for untold generations, but following the Battle of Glenumbria Moors circa 1E 482, they lost their grip on High Rock and eventually retreated back to their tower. The Bretons merely replaced them with their own noble families and carried on, eventually joining the Alessian Empire in 1E 1029.[5] When High Rock decided to secede in 1E 2305, Alessian forces were stalled and turned away in Bangkorai, sparing Stormhaven from their retribution.[6] Centuries later, they joined the Second Empire and continued to prosper.[5]

Second Era[edit]

Reachmen invasion and formation of the Daggerfall Covenant[edit]

In 2E 541, the Reachman Durcorach the Black Drake, who recently conquered Cyrodiil and declared himself emperor, invaded the region from the Western Reach. Eventually, the Black Drake reached Alcaire, which resulted in people evacuating to the city of Wayrest, hoping for protection from the Reachmen. The Siege of Wayrest began, which occurred for 57 days. The crowded conditions in Wayrest were a small price to pay for the protection of Wayrest. Because the Reachmen lacked siege weapons or battleships, the Siege of Wayrest ended in a stalemate, forcing the Reachmen to advance westward to the city of Daggerfall. Wayrest and the citizens of Alcaire were saved, and the Reachmen were defeated at the city gates of Daggerfall. [7] The Black Drake himself was struck down by Emeric during this battle and his forces were scattered.[8]

After the Reachmen were defeated, Wayrest, along with Daggerfall, Shornhelm, Evermore and Camlorn, signed the first Daggerfall Covenant.[9]

Ranser's War[edit]

In 2E 563, the Knahaten Flu swept through High Rock, killing King Gardner and the entire royal family of Wayrest. Succession fell to Emeric, who ascended to the throne, beginning the Cumberland Dynasty. There was reportedly a "Halo of Gold" around the sun on the day of his coronation.[9]

In 2E 566[10] King Emeric of Wayrest had been courting Rayelle, daughter of King Ranser of Shornhelm, when he met and abruptly married Princess Maraya, daughter of the Redguard King Fahara'jad of Sentinel. Ranser was deeply offended, and withdrew his diplomats from Wayrest, surreptitiously raising levies and hiring mercenaries in Rivenspire over the course of a year.[9] Finally, in Last Seed of 2E 566, he swept down from the northern mountains, taking Emeric by surprise and nearly razing Wayrest immediately. Only the efforts of the king's personal guard saved the city, and forced a protracted siege.[10] Ranser's forces were insufficient to take the fortified city by storm, and so the siege dragged on as the tide of the war turned against him. Ranser's aggression was unpopular even among his own nobles, and several prominent houses of Rivenspire withdrew their military support and sued for peace.[3] While internal stresses took their toll, the original Daggerfall Covenant paid dividends, as Camlorn, Evermore, and Daggerfall were compelled to come to Wayrest's aid.

Meanwhile, Emeric was cannily leveraging his diplomatic connections. His recent marriage ties with the Redguards summoned a fleet of fierce warriors across the Iliac Bay, while an offer to restore Orsinium brought the Orcs into the fray.[10] Under Kurog gro-Bagrakh, the old enemies of Shornhelm burned Ranser's holdings and were waiting to prevent the troops' retreat from the advancing Breton and Redguard forces. Caught between the hammer and anvil at Markwasten Moor, Ranser's army was utterly destroyed.[11]

In the aftermath of the war, Emeric helped expand the Daggerfall Covenant, including Orc and Redguards within it. Emeric was a strong advocate for an invasion of Cyrodiil in order to restore "the true flame of the Empire of Man".[9]

Nightmares over Stormhaven[edit]

Circa 2E 582, while still recovering from the devastation of Ranser's War,[10] Stormhaven was plagued by a group of Vaermina worshippers called the Supernal Dreamers. What started in Alcaire soon spread across Stormhaven: raids, kidnappings, and pacts with daedra sent fear through the populace.[12] The Dreamers sought to spread their influence even further and eventually converge their forces on Wayrest, and thereby plunge the entire Daggerfall Covenant into a waking nightmare.[13][14][15]

At the time, Stormhaven was also home to the Spirit Wardens, an order of Azura worshippers founded by an Orc named Durak who claimed to have received a vision of the Daedric Prince. Azura had told him to prepare for a time when the people of Stormhaven would be plunged into a madness of nightmares, and to protect Stormhaven when the time came.[16][17]

Birth of Tiber Septim[edit]

It is said that one Hjalti Early-Beard was born within the borders of the Kingdom of Alcaire in 2E 828, and that Hjalti would go on to become Tiber Septim.[18][19] Despite this, it is also said that the Emperor never returned once to his beloved birthplace.[20]

Since then, Alcaire celebrates Tibedetha (middle Tamrielic for "Tiber's Day") on the 24th of Mid Year, honoring its most famous son, Tiber Septim, with a great party[21][20]

Third Era[edit]

Emperor Cassynder and his half-brother Uriel Septim IV had been kings of Wayrest before they took the throne of Empire.[22]

By 3E 405, the kingdoms of Koegria, Alcaire, Menevia, Wayrest and Gavaudon approximatively covered the region.

After the Warp in the West in 3E 417, the whole region along with the northeastern part of the Glenumbra Peninsula belonged to the kingdom of Wayrest[23] During that time, it was ruled by King Eadwyre.[24]

After Eadwyre died, his daughter Elysana and stepson Helseth briefly fought over the throne, but eventually Elysana won and banished Helseth and his mother, Barenziah. [25]

Fourth Era[edit]

In 4E 188 the kingdom of Wayrest was sieged by corsairs. A spy who was infiltrating the Dark Brotherhood was given the task of assassinating King Barynia. Fearing for his life and knowing about the conspiracy against him, he made a deal with the pirates and would betray his own kingdom by leaving the city gates open for them, so they could come in and destroy the conspirators who plotted to assassinate him. The Forgotten Hero would aid the city defenders in driving off the corsairs from the city gates. It's unknown if the Forgotten Hero spared the life of King Barynia and allowed him to sail away with the pirates, or if the hero went through with the contract and ended the king's life.[26][27]

Culture[edit]

Wayrest Canto Chapeau

Alcaire is known for its farmers and fishing villages, who often given thanks to Zenithar for their bountiful harvests. Alcaire celebrates its region as the birthplace of Tiber Septim.[28] Menevia is dominated by the city of Wayrest, which has contributed immensely to High Rock's commerce. Gavaudon's inclement climate and threats from vampires and Orcish raids attracts only the hardy frontiersmen. They tend to the region's rich alluvial soil, a boon from the Bjoulsae River's flood plains.[29] Stormhaven has a population of merchant lords.[30]

Maps[edit]

  • A map of Stormhaven (ESO)

  • Stormhaven concept map (ESO)

  • Map of High Rock (Oblivion)

  • Map of the Iliac Bay (Daggerfall)

  • Weeping Giant in Stormhaven

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Events of ESO
  2. ^ Glenumbra's Towns and Cities — Ansur Belote
  3. ^ a b House Tamrith: A Recent History — Chancellor Regina Troivois, the Department of Interior Affairs
  4. ^ Before the Ages of Man — Aicantar of Shimerene
  5. ^ a b The Bretons: Mongrels or Paragons? — Phrastus of Elinhir
  6. ^ Bangkorai, Shield of High Rock — King Eamond
  7. ^ Triumphs of a Monarch — His Majesty King Emeric
  8. ^ Secret History of the Longhouse Emperors — Councilor Vandacia
  9. ^ a b c d Triumphs of a Monarch — His Majesty King Emeric
  10. ^ a b c d The Fury of King Ranser — Wafimeles Masteret (Lorekeeper)
  11. ^ King Ranser's Tirade — King Ranser
  12. ^ Letter from Duke Nathaniel — Duke Nathaniel
  13. ^ Letter to Sentulus — Nightcaller Chartrand
  14. ^ In Dreams We Awaken
  15. ^ Dreamers Our Time Has Come
  16. ^ Founding of the Spirit Wardens — Janise Muric, Third Warden of the Faithful Circle
  17. ^ Our Calling, Our Pledge — Abbot Durak
  18. ^ The Arcturian Heresy — The Underking, Ysmir Kingmaker
  19. ^ The Ghost of Old Hroldan quest in Skyrim
  20. ^ a b Holidays in Daggerfall
  21. ^ Holidays of the Iliac Bay — Theth-i
  22. ^ Brief History of the Empire — Stronach k'Thojj III
  23. ^ The Warp in the West — Ulvius Tero
  24. ^ Events of Daggerfall
  25. ^ A Game at Dinner — An Anonymous Spy
  26. ^ Events of City Gates (quest) in Legends
  27. ^ Events of Castle Wayrest, Throne Room in Legends
  28. ^ Tibedetha information in Daggerfall
  29. ^ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named TIEGTT
  30. ^ Engraved Golden Flask item description in ESO
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