Aldmeri Dominion Conflict

Lore & Background

In The Elder Scrolls Online, the Aldmeri Dominion is formed by three distinct races: the Altmer (High Elves), Bosmer (Wood Elves), and Khajiit. This alliance is led by Queen Ayrenn and symbolized by an eagle. Its primary objective in the game's narrative is to capture the vacant imperial throne, competing directly against the Daggerfall Covenant and the Ebonheart Pact. The conflict exists alongside a separate struggle against Molag Bal, who seeks to merge his realm of Coldharbour with the mortal plane. Players can explore zones across Tamriel regardless of their chosen faction, though some areas are only accessible via DLCs available through the Crown Store or the ESO Plus subscription service. The game takes place roughly 800 years before The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and a millennium before Skyrim.

In Their Own Story

The player character begins as a soul shriven in the Wailing Prison, having been sacrificed to Molag Bal, whose theft of their soul drives the main questline. After escaping, the protagonist can align with the Aldmeri Dominion, joining Queen Ayrenn's forces led by Altmer, Bosmer, and Khajiit members. The Harborage serves as a base of operations where the Prophet opens portals to key locations. Once the Amulet of Kings is retrieved, headquarters shift to the Hollow City in central Coldharbour, blessed by Meridia. From there, civilians saved from Coldharbour assist in orchestrating attacks on Molag Bal's controlled areas while the player continues to fight for control of Tamriel against the other two alliances.

Reader's Guide

Players choosing the Aldmeri Dominion gain access to a faction composed of Altmer, Bosmer, and Khajiit races under Queen Ayrenn's leadership. The faction is marked by an eagle symbol and fights alongside the Daggerfall Covenant (lion) and Ebonheart Pact (dragon) in a three-way struggle for the Ruby Throne. All zones are accessible regardless of faction or player level, though specific content requires purchasing DLCs from the Crown Store or subscribing to ESO Plus. Character creation allows selection from ten races, with Imperials available via separate purchase, and seven classes including Dragonknight, Sorcerer, Nightblade, Templar, Warden, Necromancer, and Arcanist. As of Update 49 on March 9, 2026, becoming a vampire or werewolf has become more accessible, with monetization for cures removed from the Crown Store.

Did You Know?

• The Aldmeri Dominion is one of three alliances fighting for the vacant Imperial throne in The Elder Scrolls Online.
• Queen Ayrenn leads the Dominion, which consists of Altmer, Bosmer, and Khajiit races.
• All zones in Tamriel are accessible to players regardless of their chosen faction or level.
• The game is set during the Second Era, approximately 800 years before The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.