Third Era

Lore & Background

The final years were marked by intense instability following the assassination of Emperor Uriel Septim VII. This event plunged Cyrodiil into a succession crisis that coincided with a massive invasion from Oblivion itself. The era concluded not with a treaty, but with a divine sacrifice that sealed away the Daedric threat and ushered in a new age where the Empire survived without its divine lineage.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled through the cobblestone streets of the Imperial City, carrying ash from fires lit by gates that should never have opened. A young guard clutched his spear, watching the sky bleed crimson as the great stone arches of the palace trembled. In the distance, the Emperor stood alone against the darkness, knowing that to save Tamriel, he must become something other than a man.

Reader's Guide

The Third Era begins with the consolidation of power by Tiber Septim, who united the warring kingdoms of Tamriel into a single empire following his conquests. This period is characterized initially by expansion and stability, as the Imperial Legion secured borders and trade flourished under the Septim banner for centuries. However, internal strife began to fracture the dynasty's authority toward the end of the timeline. The assassination of Emperor Uriel Septim VII triggered a succession crisis that weakened the realm just as Daedric forces sought to invade through Oblivion Gates across Cyrodiil. This conflict forced the last true Dragonborn emperor, Martin, to confront Mehrunes Dagon directly at the Imperial City. Martin Septim sacrificed his life by burning away his soul to seal the rifts and end the invasion permanently. His death marked the close of this timeline, transitioning Tamriel into the Fourth Era where the Empire survived but lost its divine protection via the Amulet of Kings. This arc highlights themes of unity, decay, and ultimate sacrifice against supernatural threats within the broader history of the continent.

Did You Know?

• Tiber Septim was originally a mercenary named Talos before becoming Emperor.
• The era concluded with the sacrifice of Martin Septim to close Oblivion Gates.
• The Amulet of Kings was broken during the final battle of this timeline.
• The Septim Dynasty ruled from the Imperial City for over four centuries.