An excessively high bounty will cause a County's guards to attack the wanted person on sight.
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3% chance.
Cyrodiil's counties keep their own records of criminals. A vilified brigand in Bruma might be considered a law-abiding citizen in Cheydinhal, and so on.
Bruma is the most Nordic of the Cyrodilic cities. Its overflowing taverns, ale halls, and stout wooden architecture are more reminiscent of Skyrim than any other city in Cyrodiil.
The hardy mountain city of Bruma was one of the few settlements which managed to stay the onslaught of the Thalmor invasion during the Great War. As a result, the city remained mostly undamaged.
The shanty town outside the walls of Bruma houses refugees from the Great War. Unwilling to move on, they have submitted to governance by the Count, although most who live inside the walls do not consider them citizens of their city.
"Bruma's folk are stout and cheerful... like their ales."
-- Anonymous
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For generations Bruma has been ruled by the Carvain family. This remains true to this day, with Bruma's current reigning count being the young Desilus Carvain.
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Desilus Carvain is the reigning count of Bruma, though some theorize that his mother, Valania Carvain, holds the true power, swaying Desilus in almost every decision he makes...
The Black Bears of Cyrodiil, while not as large as their cousins in Skyrim, are not beasts to be trifled with.
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In ancient times, hunting Cyrodiil's bears was a privilege of royalty and the elite. The Imperial Reserve was created to ensure they always had ample opportunities for sport.
Cyrodiil's forests are lush environments where the graceful deer of the Imperial Province roam in great numbers.
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Most of the dogs in Cyrodiil are domesticated, but it is not uncommon to see packs of strays in its major cities.
Most citizens of Cyrodiil think that the underground tribes of goblins are little more than feral beasts... though some scholars believe they possess greater intelligence than they let on.
Every tribe of goblins jealously protects a sacred totem, which they believe contains the power and essence of their people.
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The horses of Cyrodiil are majestic beasts possessed of finesse unseen in Skyrim's stouter breeds.
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Cyrodiil is home to many types of horses, each with their own unique characteristics. It is said that Anvil's white horses are the hardiest and strongest, while Cheydinhal's black horses are the fastest and nimblest.
Once, powerful mages could control imps and force them to carry out tasks. But this art has been lost, and today they are dangerous to all who meet them.
"Corruption on corruption, 'til the rot sank to his very core; though he kept the name, his body and his mind; were but a living, moving corpse as he left humanity behind." - Mannimarco, King of Worms
Minotaurs are very protective of their territory and will defend their camps at all costs.
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"Their horns locked, the two minotaurs will wrestle until one can no longer continue."
-- Brenus Astis, Various Studies on the Fauna of Cyrodiil
Some legends claim that Belharza, Alessia's successor to the Ruby Throne was in fact a Minotaur.
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The Cyrodilic Mountain Lion is a feline predator found throughout the province. Many unwary adventurers have fallen prey to their stealth, speed and ferocity.
The Mudcrabs have earned a bad reputation among the people of Cyrodiil. Their drab coloration makes them easy to miss wherever they are found. Despite their small size, they are capable of putting up a fight - as weak as they may be.
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Mudcrabs can often be found near water sources in the wilderness of Cyrodiil. Their meat is often harvested and eaten by the Imperials.
"I saw some mudcrabs by the water recently. I steered clear of them!" - Unknown
Little is known about the Ogres who wander the remote mountain regions of Cyrodiil, but it is rumored that they worship a god named Molok, who is speculated to be related to the Orcish god Mauloch.
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Ogres are weak to poisons of all kinds, leaving them particularly vulnerable to their effects.
"Many will tell of the loveliness of elves. And still more will sing of the fine human form. But where is song or sign that augurs all that is beautiful about Ogres?" - Unknown
"It's all ogre now." -- an unknown traveller at Pale Pass
The Tamrielic rat is a common pest in most parts of Tamriel. Alone, they pose no real threat, but in group they can be a challenge even for experienced warriors.
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Contrary to popular belief, the Tamrielic rat is not the same species as the Skeevers of Skyrim. It is however speculated that they might share a common ancestor.
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"In Cyrodiil, a few Necromancers who have served the Empire are given the corpses of criminals and traitors to use legally." - Corpse Preparation, Volume I
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"When raising a skeleton servant, it is most important that it be complete. If any bones are missing, the results can be frustrating." - Corpse Preparation, Volume II
The vicious Slaughterfish can be found in most bodies of water in Cyrodiil, though they are most common in the Niben Bay, where they have their breeding grounds.
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The people of rural Cyrodiil fear the Spriggans who wander the deep woods, and hunters and woodsmen will often leave offerings to placate their fury.
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Many timber wolves stalk the wilds of Cyrodiil. Hunting in ferocious packs and even more vicious than their weaker cousins, they are a threat not to be trifled with.
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The dangerous green Trolls of Cyrodiil are said to have been bred by the Ayleids as guards for their slave-mines and beasts of burden.
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Ferocious frost trolls inhabit the Jerall Mountains north of Bruma. Their claws, fangs, and brutal strength are no less deadly in Cyrodiil than they are in Skyrim.
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Cyrodiil's wolves may be less savage than those of Skyrim, but those journeying alone in the wilderness should not underestimate them.
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Unlucky adventurers who perish within Ayleid ruins may find themselves reanimated by the ancient magicks that ward their depths, forever forced to guard the treasures they sought to steal.
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"As the graveyard's people rest, we hope, in eternal sleep...Then pray you'll never feel the Worm-King's awful touch." - Mannimarco, King of Worms
The Fighters Guild is a long-standing institution of the Empire. Dating back to the Second Era, the Fighters Guild provides halls of public combat training and soldiers for hire.
When harassed by beasts or bandits, the first port of call for the people of Cyrodiil is the iconic Fighters Guild.
To work as a mercenary of the Imperial Fighters Guild has long been heralded as a noble calling, and those that join are held in great respect throughout the province.
The Fighters Guild, despite being an Imperial institution, is officially politically neutral. Its mercenaries will work for almost anyone and undertake almost any job - if they have the coin with which to pay.
The Fighters Guild is currently divided between two rival divisions - the Colovian and Nibenese Fighters Guild.
Saint Alessia led a rebellion against Cyrodiil's Ayleid hegemony, rallying the enslaved Nedes to her side. This led the Ayleid diaspora to scatter throughout Tamriel.
Unlucky adventurers who perish within Ayleid ruins may find themselves reanimated by the ancient magicks that ward their depths, forever forced to guard the treasures they sought to steal.
The Ayleids ruled Cyrodiil from the Middle Merethic Era, up until the Alessian Slave Rebellion in 1E 242. They were an ancient race of mer, who kept the ancestors of the Imperials as slaves.
Legend tells that a thousand years were lost from Cyrodiil's history when a sect of renegade priests, known as the Selectives, performed a forbidden ritual.
The First Empire, known as the Alessian Empire, was founded by Saint Alessia 1E 243. The Empire encompassed much of western Tamriel, including Cyrodiil and High Rock. It ended with the War of Righteousness in 1E 2331.
The Third Empire was founded in 2E 854 by Tiber Septim. The Septim Dynasty continued to rule the Empire until the death of Martin Septim in 3E 433. Eventually, in 4E 17, Titus Mede gained control of the Imperial Palace and thus marked the beginning of the Mede Dynasty, which continues to rule the Empire to this day.
Morihaus Breath-of-Kyne was the Champion of Man, and the Son of Kynareth. He was sent by his mother to aid Saint Alessia, and later became her husband.
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Pelinal Whitestrake was a glorious hero who helped free mankind from slavery at the hands of the Ayleids, yet it is said he was prone to fits of murderous insanity.
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Saint Alessia was the first human ruler of Cyrodiil. She is credited with overthrowing Ayleid hegemony, freeing the Nedes from slavery and establishing the Alessian Church.
Emperor Reman Cyrodiil is almost as famous a hero as Tiber Septim. Though he never ruled all of Tamriel, he defeated an invasion by the Tsaesci of Akavir and founded the Second Empire.
Rislav Larich, also known as Rislav the Righteous, was a Colovian King of Skingrad in the First Era. He rebelled against the Alessian Empire and defeated the army of Emperor Gorieus, thus making Skingrad an independent kingdom once again.
Emperor Uriel Septim V is regarded by many as one of the greatest warrior emperors in history, second only to Tiber Septim. He is famous for being the first and only emperor to invade Akavir. Though, the Imperial occupation of Akavir lasted only for two years, 2E 288 - 2E 290, and ended with Uriel's death in the Battle of Ionith.
At the heart of the Imperial City stands the White-Gold Tower. It was constructed by the Ayleids during the Merethic Era, but its true purpose remains unknown.
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Titus Mede, a Colovian warlord, captured the Imperial City in 4E 17 and crowned himself Emperor of Tamriel. The Mede Dynasty continues to rule the Empire to this day.
The Eternal Champion was a mysterious figure who reassembled the shattered Staff of Chaos, destroyed the usurper Jagar Tharn, and restored the Septim dynasty to the throne.
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The Champion of Cyrodiil has become a hero figure for much of Cyrodiil. Little is known about them, though it is known that the Champion possessed numerous titles, including "Hero of Kvatch".
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Martin Septim was the last Emperor of the Third Era, who saved Tamriel from the Oblivion Crisis at the cost of his own life. Little is known about the enigmatic figure who assisted him known only as the Champion of Cyrodiil.
Western Cyrodiil is known as Colovia. It encompasses the cities of Chorrol, Skingrad, Kvatch, Sutch and Anvil. Colovian culture has a lot in common with Nord culture and early Colovians were referred to as Cyro-Nords.
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Colovian culture celebrates strength, fortitude and martial excellence.
Outside the Imperial City, Cyrodiil is divided into eight Counties: Bruma, Chorrol, Cheydinhal, Kvatch, Anvil, Skingrad, Bravil and Leyawiin.
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Every city in Cyrodiil is ruled by a count on behalf of the Emperor, although in practice, their powers and duties vary according to the traditions of each city. Kvatch is an exception, instead ruled by a council of Burghers.
The Elder Council is the Empire's parliament, and has existed ever since it was founded by St. Alessia more than 4000 years ago.
By ancient tradition, the Elder Council rules Cyrodiil in the Emperor's absence, and is tasked with appointing his successor should he die without an heir.
Membership of the Elder Council is a great privilege, and it is only granted to the most influential and powerful of the Empire's subjects.
The Alessian Church teaches that the faithful children of the Empire ascend to Aetherius upon death into the dwelling-places of the Aedra, their creators.
Akatosh is the god of time and the chief deity of the Nine Divines. He is depicted as a dragon, and chose that form to battle Mehrunes Dagon in the Oblivion Crisis. There is a great chapel dedicated to Akatosh in Kvatch.
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Arkay is the god of burials and funeral rites. His priests root out undead and necromancy wherever it may be found. Cheydinhal has a great chapel dedicated to him.
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Dibella is the goddess of beauty. She has a great chapel dedicated to her in Anvil.
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Julianos is the god of wisdom and logic. Usually associated with magic, he is often revered by wizards. The great chapel in Skingrad is dedicated to him.
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Kynareth is the goddess of the air, wind and sky. She is believed to be the patron deity of the minotaurs.
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Mara is the goddess of love and compassion. She has a great chapel in Bravil dedicated to her.
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Stendarr is the god of righteous rule by might and merciful forbearance. Chorrol has a great chapel dedicated to him.
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Zenithar is the god of work and commerce. He has a great chapel dedicated to him in Leyawiin.
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Shezarrthe [sic]Cyrodilic version of Lorkhan and is the spirit behind all human undertaking.
Cyrodiil sits upon the blade of a knife. Many factions prepare to claim the Ruby Throne for themselves, and none may forsee the consequences of the ensuing power struggle.
It is rumored that the region surrounding the Ayleid ruin of Ninendava in the Jerall Mountains has lately become a hive of danger. Many travelers now fear to travel near.
Cyrodiil has long stood as the beating heart of its vast Empire. But with threats of secession and the looming shadow of the Aldmeri Dominion, the province now stands in terminal decline.
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The doctrines of the Alessian Church teach that only an heir of the Dragon Blood may sit on the Ruby Throne. For this reason, many consider the Mede Dynasty to be illegitimate.
The current Emperor of Tamriel, Titus Mede ll, is renowned as a fearless military leader and skilled tactician. But he is certainly not without his critics...
The Penitus Oculatus are the eyes and ears of the Emperor. They have unlimited authority to investigate any and all threats to the Empire, using whatever methods they deem necessary.
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Many Imperials still hold grudges against the Altmer people for the devastation of the Great War - leading many to live their lives, rightly or wrongly, as social outcasts.
"If the history of Nords is the history of humans on Tamriel, then Cyrodiil is the throne from which humans shall decide Tamriel's destiny." -- Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition
"Cyrodiil is the cradle of human high culture on Tamriel. It is the largest region on the continent, and most is pastoral farmland." -- Unknown, Provinces of Tamriel
"All are guilty until they have proven themselves innocent." - Maxims of the Prophet Marukh
