Second Era
A millennium of fractured kingdoms, rampant magic, and the eventual rise of a new Empire.
The Second Era, often called the Era of Chaos or the Age of War, is a tumultuous millennium in Tamrielic history defined by political fragmentation and the rise of powerful mages. Following the collapse of the first Imperial dynasty, this period saw no single ruler hold dominion over the continent, leading to constant conflict between kingdoms like Skyrim, Hammerfell, and High Rock. It was an age where magic flourished unchecked, giving birth to the Psijic Order's influence and the formation of the Mages Guild.
- Key Factions
- Ebonheart Pact, Daggerfall Covenant, Aldmeri Dominion (later), Thalmor (founded)
- Major Events
- Rise of the Alessian Order, Warp in the West, Battle of Red Mountain
- Notable Figures
- Tiber Septim, Reman Cyrodiil, Jagar Tharn, Vivec
- Historical Status
- Pre-Imperial Unification
Lore & Background
The Second Era concludes with one of the most significant events in Tamrielic history: the Warp in the West. This magical catastrophe, involving the destruction of the city-state of Camoran and the rise of the Chimer into the Dunmer, reshaped the geography and politics of Morrowind forever. It set the stage for the eventual unification of the continent by Tiber Septim, who would end this chaotic millennium and establish the Third Era.
In Their Own Story
The winds howled across the Ashlands, carrying the scent of sulfur and old blood. A Dunmer mage stood atop a crumbling spire, watching the horizon where the sky bled violet. Below, armies of men and mer clashed in a dance of steel that had lasted for centuries without end. He whispered to the wind, knowing that the gods were silent, leaving mortals to carve their own destiny from the chaos.
Reader's Guide
The narrative arc of the Second Era begins with the collapse of the Reman Dynasty, plunging Tamriel into a state of anarchy where no single empire held sway. Throughout this millennium, various kingdoms vied for supremacy, leading to countless wars and shifting alliances that defined regional identities. Key turning points include the rise and fall of the Alessian Order, which challenged traditional religious structures, and the formation of the Thalmor by the Altmer, a group that would later become a major antagonist in future eras. The era is also marked by the Warp in the West, a magical event that transformed the Chimer into the Dunmer and altered the landscape of Morrowind. Ultimately, the Second Era serves as the crucible for Tiber Septim's rise. His eventual conquests ended the chaos, unifying Tamriel under the Septim Dynasty and ushering in the Third Era. This period is essential for understanding the deep-seated conflicts between races and the political landscape that persists to this day.
Did You Know?
- The Second Era is often referred to as the 'Era of Chaos' due to the lack of a central imperial authority.
- It was during this time that the Chimer were transformed into the Dunmer following the Warp in the West.
- Tiber Septim, who would become the first Emperor of the Third Era, began his rise during the latter part of this millennium.
- The Thalmor, a powerful political and religious group among the Altmer, was founded during this era.
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