#Umbra' Keth | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

lunadea-nox-arcana · 4 years

Text

Ayleids

The Ayleids, also known as the Wild Elves,[1]Heartland High Elves[2] (or simply Heartland Elves),[3][4] and Saliache,[5] were a race of Mer who ruled over Cyrodiil during the First Era.[3]

King Laloriaran Dynar, an Ayleid.

History

Merethic Era

The Ayleids were one of the descendants of the Aldmer. The Aldmer were an ancient race of Mer who were the descendants of the Ehlnofey. During the middle of the Merethic Era, the Aldmer allegedly left their homeland, known as Aldmeris, and relocated to the Summerset Isles, which is southwest of Tamriel.[6] A short time after the Aldmer settled in the Summerset Isles, many explorers, which notably included Topal the Pilot, began venturing out towards the coastline of Tamriel to map out the area and explore the lands.[7]

The White Gold Tower.

Later, during the middle of the Merethic Era, some Aldmer groups departed from the Summerset Isles and relocated towards Tamriel. The ones who traveled to pre-modern-day Valenwood became the Bosmer; the ones who went to pre-modern-day Morrowind became the Chimer; the ones who stayed in the Summerset Isles eventually became the Altmer; and the ones who traveled towards pre-modern-day Cyrodiil became the Ayleids, where they established the first empire on the continent. During this time, the Ayleid civilization flourished and expanded.[6][8] In the Heartlands of Cyrodiil, the Ayleids constructed the White-Gold Tower.[6][9][UL 1] The White Gold Tower appeared to be used as a central council chamber that held significance over other capital cities of the Ayleid empire, as its defeat marked the end of the Ayleid civilization. The Ayleids prominently controlled a large swath of land in what is modern-day Cyrodiil. This included at least the forested areas around the Niben river basin, parts of the Valus and Jerall Mountains, and areas west into Colovia. However, they were not ruled, as is often assumed, by a single, powerful central government. By the start of the First Era, a powerful aristocracy had divided the region up into a number of small kingdoms. Modern scholars are aware of at least three, with their capital cities being Lindai, Nenalata, and Miscarcand.[10] The Ayleid empire expanded beyond Cyrodiil, where they established a massive, flourishing empire on Tamriel. This expansive empire existed throughout many parts of Tamriel, which included most of Cyrodiil, as well as different parts of Black Marsh, Valenwood, High Rock and Hammerfell. In Valenwood, great cities such as Haven, Woodhearth, Silvenar and Elden Root were established.[11] In Black Marsh, an Ayleid tribe known as the Barsaebic Ayleids built two great cities, known in the modern era as Gideon and Stormhold.[12]

First Era

Alessian Slave Rebellion

A statue of Saint Alessia in the Imperial City as it appears in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

About a century into the First Era, a slave woman was born to the humans living on Ayleid-controlled Niben. This slave, who eventually ended up at the now-sacred Ayleid site of Sancre Tor (Golden Hill[13]), would receive divine inspiration, and direct divine help, to rouse her fellow slaves and revolt against their masters. She became known to her people as Alessia, the Slave Queen.[14]

In 1E 242, the revolution began.[15][16] The rebellion coincided with a period of civil war within the Ayleid empire.[3] Alessia and the Nedes were given some help from the Nords and,[15][17] due to the Ayleid civil war, help from some of the more radical Ayleid nobles.[3] Many battles took place, including ones at Sancre Tor, Ninendava, Ceyatatar, Narlemae, Celediil, Vahtacen, Sedor, the Bridge of Heldon, and the event of the First Pogrom.[18][19]

The revolution eventually came to an end with the Fall of the White-Gold Tower in 1E 243. During the battle, Pelinal Whitestrake, one of the leading generals of the Nedic army, fought Umaril the Unfeathered. Both were killed in the fight.[18] With Alessia leading the Nedes, and with the help of the Nords and some of the more radical Ayleid nobles, they defeated the Ayleids and overthrew their kingdoms. They conquered the land in the name of the new Cyrodiilic Empire. The war ended in 1E 243.[3][15][20] As the newly formed Alessian Order began to eliminate the remains of the Ayleid empire, one famous battle that occurred was the Battle of Bravil.[21]

Late Ayleid Period

The Late Ayleid Period was one of the last sections of history for the Ayleids. The Late Ayleid Period lasted from 1E 243 to 1E 498.[3] Even with the Fall of the White-Gold Tower, the Ayleids showed little sign of being defeated. In 1E 361, the Alessian Order decreed and issued the Alessian Doctrines. The Alessian Doctrines enforced harsh policies upon the Ayleid people. Alessian armies slowly began to eliminate the Ayleid communities one by one. The balance of power between the two factions was upside down, with the Alessians owning complete dominance over the Ayleids. Most Ayleids decided to just pack up and leave Cyrodiil, as their lives were hard in Cyrodiil.[3] The Alessian Order was eradicating the Ayleids in Cyrodiil and forcibly taking down their empire. In addition to defeating the Ayleids themselves, the Alessian Empire destroyed many artifacts, relics and books that were of Ayleid origin.[22] There were some Ayleids who stayed in Cyrodiil who served as teachers and mentors for the human rulers.[23]

Ayleid Diaspora

The Ayleid Diaspora began when the Ayleids started to leave Cyrodiil. The Ayleids in Cyrodiil were abandoning their homes to find better lives elsewhere in Tamriel. The ones who traveled north were all killed by the Nords, led by Vrage the Butcher. The ones who went to Black Marsh to join the Barsaebic Tribe were denied admittance into Black Marsh, though most of those who went on the journey to Black Marsh died during the expeditions in Elsweyr. Some journeyed to the Iliac Bay in High Rock, where they joined the Direnni of Balfiera. The Ayleids who went to Valenwood happened to be the most successful of all of the departing Ayleids. The clans of Anutwyll, Vilverin, Talwinque, Bawn and Varondo all traveled to Valenwood to forge a new life for themselves. The native Bosmer of Valenwood welcomed the Ayleids with open arms, as long as the Ayleids adopted aspects of the Green Pact and refrain from harming the forests, which they did.[24]

Valenwood.

There were varying theories on how the Valenwood Ayleids disappeared from Valenwood. One theory, the Theorem of Disheritage, notably supported by Gelgarad the Velaspid, attempted to explain that the Valenwood Ayleids disappeared because they became unable to breed with each other and could only produce offspring by mating with the local Bosmer. A competing theory was proposed by Doctor Thetis of the Shimmerene Academy. Her theory attempts to explain that the Valenwood Ayleids disappeared because the Ayleids declined on the over-consumption of a beverage made by the Bosmer. The theory also stated that, as the Ayleids were quite vulnerable in their sadness and loss, fell to the Bosmers’ cultural drinks and simply gave up.[24]

Within about 400 years of their overthrow, the strongly anti-mer Alessian Order had driven out, or exterminated, most remaining Ayleid settlements. Scholars generally believe that the Ayleid immigrated en masse to Valenwood, and possibly Summerset Isles, where they were integrated into those mer races. There are persistent rumors, which cannot be rejected outright, that wild tribes of pure Ayleid still hide within the Cyrodiilic forests. In any case, the Ayleid abandoned their cities, which have fallen into ruin, though the magic and mechanical traps which were installed near the end of their history still function.

Second Era

“An Ayleid? I thought they were all, you know, dead.”―Darien Gautier, 2E 582[src]

Ayleid Crown of Nenalata.

Ayleids had lived into the Second Era, with credible sightings stating that they had lived in a reclusive tribal society.[1] One of the members of the University of Gwylim was a civilized Ayleid, Tjurhane Fyrre, who was one of the finest sages at the University. He wrote a text on his people, called The Wild Elves, though he died in 2E 227.[1]

The last known surviving pure Ayleid was King Laloriaran Dynar. He originally lived during the early first era, after Alessia’s slave rebellion. Dynar ruled over Nenalata after his father, when it served as a vassal-state of the Alessian Empire. After an ultimatum from the emperor, Dynar was forced to leave Cyrodiil.[25] When Dynar visited the Hollow City, it was attacked by Molag Bal and he was captured. Dynar remained in Coldharbour for over three millennium before being rescued by the Vestige. He took command of the Fighters Guild, but died in 2E 582 after defending the city. He gave the Vestige his sword as a symbol of trust and friendship in his dying moments.[26]

Third and Fourth Eras

In 3E 397, the Soul of Conflict met with an Ayleid ghost known as Captain Nym after having collected all seven Star Teeth. In life, Captain Nym commandeered an airship which had originally captured the Teeth, though it crashed into the glacier of Glacier Crawl long ago. After the hero ended Pergan Asuul and Jagar Tharn’s plans to control the Umbra’ Keth, Nym gifted the hero with the Star Coif, a very valuable lightweight helmet.[27]

During the Oblivion Crisis in 3E 433, the Auroran-Ayleid known as Umaril re-emerged. Umaril was later slain by the Hero of Kvatch after the Knights of the Nine were reformed.[28]

No living Ayleids have been seen or reported during the Third and Fourth Eras, and as of the Fourth Era, scholars presume that they are extinct.

Culture

“In the caverns of lore, ugly and obscure, shines the gold of truth.”―Raelys Anine[src]

Appearance

An Ayleid ruin found in Malabal Tor as it appears in Elder Scrolls Online.

Much like the Dwemer, what little is known about the appearance of the Ayleid comes primarily from their architecture and early writings. Most Ayleid Ruins include at the very least one statue, presumably of an Ayleid warrior, usually holding a sword aloft.[29] The general appearance looks similar to that of the Altmer, which most scholars consider fairly likely, given the Altmer’s concerted effort to maintain a “pure” Aldmeri appearance. A brief description given in volume 5, Second Seed, of 2920 describes them as “darker than Altmer, but lighter than Dunmer,” suggesting a complexion similar to that of the Bosmer.[30]

Ayleids in The Elder Scrolls Online are identical in appearance to Altmer, with skin tones ranging from white to dark yellow, though with eye colors such as blue, yellow and green.

Society

Ayleid society was heavily centered in magic/arcane arts, and their people were particularly skilled in the arcane. Even as all Mer were naturally skilled in the arcane arts, Ayleid society focused on the civilization’s advancement in magic.[31] Magic was an important part of Ayleid culture and society, and their people were particularly skilled in it.[31][32] The Ayleids were able to preserve many of the ancient runes, Dawn Era magic, and lore of the Ehlnofey.[6][33]

The Ayleids lived in a tribal society, with each “tribe” being different from the next. They were notable for building the Imperial City.

At one point, the Ayleids controlled the entirety of the Imperial Province of Cyrodiil, and enslaved the Cyrodiilic and Nordic populations (which at that point were both part of the same prototypical race of men). During this time, the Ayleids made great strides in the arcane arts. The downfall of the Ayleid civilization was a combination of cultural hubris and revolution fomented amongst their slaves. With the blessing of the Aedra, the slave Alessia led the revolt that resulted in the destruction of the Ayleid civilization. The surviving Ayleids frequently showed up as civil servants to the nobility in the Alessian empire, or fled to Valenwoodand interbred with the Bosmer. The last known King of the Ayleids was the ruler of the city of Nenalata who controlled eastern Cyrodiil.[34] During the height of their civilization, the Ayleid empire existed everywhere in Tamriel except for Skyrim, Morrowind and the Summerset Isles.[UL 2] After their downfall during the First Era, many of their cities fell into ruin. Many would-be treasure hunters have died trying to plunder these lost ruins of the Ayleids.[29] In Stros M'Kai, the Ayleids created a powerful relic powered by souls.[35]

By the First Era and Second Era, the Ayleids were driven into a state many would regard as “primitive,” hence the term Wild Elves, and lived deep within the forests of Cyrodiil, though little is still known of modern Ayleids and their culture. Their tribes apparently possessed wildly disparate cultures, but shared a thread of xenophobia, likely remaining from the Alessian Reformation when Ayleidic culture was nearly destroyed. The last reported sighting of an Ayleid occurred nearly a thousand years before the Third Era. It is unknown whether a few Ayleids still survive in the wilds of Cyrodiil, or whether their ancient race finally expired and passed into memory.[1]

Language and Writing System

Of the Ayleid language and writing system, much was known about it and many words, letters and ancient texts have been translated as a result of deep research and delving into Ayleid Ruins. The Ayleid language and writing system was very similar to the Aldmeri Language, just like the languages of the other races of Mer.[36][37]

Origins

The Ayleid language was extremely similar to other Mer languages and writing systems, due to the fact that all Mer descend from the Aldmer. Because of this, the Ayleid language shares many terms and words with other Elven languages, such as the shared Ayleid and Dunmeri word, “Bal,” which means stone.[38]

Religion

A statue of Meridia found in Skyrim.

The Ayleids held a close relationship with the Daedric Princes, and even worshipped them.[39] The Ayleids of Delodiil notably worshiped Meridia, who was commonly referred to as Merid-Nunda. Delodiil’s rival city-state was Abargarlas, whose people notably worshiped Molag Bal.[40] The Ayleids of Varsa Baalim notably worshiped Mehrunes Dagon, [4] and the people of Bisnensel worshiped Hermaeus Mora. [41] It was implied that they used the Daedric magic to increase their strength to the point where they could conquer the Cyrodiilic and Nordic races. This could have been a contributing factor to the Aedra giving their aid to the human races against the Ayleids to help destroy or otherwise cripple Daedric influence in Nirn. The Nefarivigum was an ancient Daedric artifact of Mehrunes Dagon. The Ayleids coveted this artifact, so a city was built around the artifact so they could use it.[4] There were some Ayleids who also worshiped the Aedra. The Ayleids worshiped Magnus, the god of Magic, as well as Auri-El. Statues were built in their cities to honor both gods.[32]

Architecture

“The marble benches of the central plaza faced out across the surrounding waters to tall columns and sharp arches supporting the high dome. From the central island, stately bridges spanned the still pools to narrow walkways behind the columns, with broad vaulted avenues and limpid ever-deeping gloom into darkness.”―Alexandre Hetrard[src]

Ayleid cities were built partly above and partly below the surface of the land.[41] Ayleid architecture appears to be a whitish rock,[42] similar to Snow Elf architecture. Ayleid architecture was also integrated with magical artifacts as well, including Great Welkynd Stones, which were large variations of Welkynd Stones, which were used to power cities and increase the power of the people’s enchantments.[31] Many statues were built by the Ayleids in their cities to honor the Gods they worshiped. This included statues dedicated to the Aedric Gods Magnus and Auri-El.[32]

The White-Gold Tower, one of the most impressive and most famous structures in all of Cyrodiil.

The White-Gold Tower, the central spire of the Imperial City in Cyrodiil, was originally the central temple of the Ayleids. After the fall of the Ayleid empire in the First Era, it served as the Imperial Palace for the Tamrielic Empire. The rest of their capital city was either razed or buried beneath the Imperial City. It was unknown why the Nedes left the White Gold Tower alone during the Alessian Slave Rebellion.

Magic

A Welkynd Stone.

Magic was an extremely important aspect of the Ayleids and of their society. They developed magics far more advanced and powerful than any other at the time. The Ayleids were notable for developing the arcane art of Alteration.[43] In terms of both science and magic, their people believed in the four elements of Altmer religion, which states that Nirn was composed of four basic elements: earth, water, air, and light.[31] While modern natural philosophy states that Nirn is composed of four basic elements: earth, water, air, and fire, which they recognized, they believed the most important form of light was starlight. The Ayleids regarded fire as a weak and corrupt form of light. Instead, the Ayleids regarded starlight as a fundamentally significant form of light. For Nirn and its people, it was common knowledge that stars were linked to the plane of Aetherius. Aetherius was the source of all magical power and all things magical, so light from the stars was the most powerful and grand of all magical powers.[31][32]

Sometimes, objects called Aetherial fragments come from Aetherius to Mundus, specifically Nirn. There were two known types of Aetherial fragments: Meteoric Iron and Meteoric Glass. Many, if not all, of the magical devices and technology created by Ayleid engineers and architects were made of meteoric iron and meteoric glass. One of the magical devices created by the Ayleids were Ayleid Wells. These Ayleid Wells were scattered across Cyrodiil, and were not associated with any Ayleid cities, settlements or other sites. Made from Meteoric Iron, Ayleid Wells were designed to harvest and collect magical power from starlight. The Wells were located at the meeting point of ancient lines of magical power, though this was merely theorized by modern Ayleid scholars. For mages, and even for anyone without any magical talent, they could draw magicka from the Wells to restore their own sources of magicka. When people worked with Ayleid Wells, no ritual, basic academic or arcane knowledge was required to harvest the magicka, and were designed to serve people who were not skilled in the magical/arcane arts. When they do finally drain, the Wells replenish at midnight when the stars are out. Once recharged, they radiate some of the magical power back into the sky. This was most likely a cultural, religious, or ritualized magical significance.[31]

A Varla stone.

Another Ayleid device is the Welkynd Stone. Welkynd Stones were designed and used as storage devices for magical resources and magicka reserves, and to power the magicka itself; Mages and enchanters could restore their own magicka reserves. The Ayleids had their own laws and knowledge for storing, removing and using Welkynd Stones. Currently, in the modern era, anybody who did not have proper knowledge of using Welkynd Stones would see these stones crumble to dust after use. A variant of the Welkynd Stones, known as Great Welkynd Stones, were exceptionally large Ayleid devices made of enchanted Meteoric Glass. At the heart of each Ayleid city, a Great Welkynd Stone was the source of the city’s power, magical resources and magical enchantments. These great, grand stones were directly connected to the lesser stones within a city, which restored and maintained their power as the stones worked together to power the city. Yet another Ayleid device were Varla Stones, which were made of Meteoric Glass and were used to enable trained and even untrained enchanters to add and restore magical energy to any enchanted items and magical artifacts. The Varla Stones were of great value and utility, and though they were quite rare, small and easily concealed, diligent, patient, careful and focused explorers could still come across these rare Ayleid devices in any Ayleid Ruin.[31]

Ayleid mages experimented with magic and technology that was capable of absorbing lightning bolts and converting them into magical energy. They possessed a specific way of absorbing magical energy from lightning, which was a spell known as the Finger of the Mountain. A magical pillar was also required to extract the magical energy from the lightning.[44]

Artifacts

The Ayleids produced many artifacts, both regular and unique, that were heavily based in magic and the arcane arts. The impact these Ayleid artifacts had in the future on the Ayleid scholar community was significant; many scholars and adventurers, both single and in groups, dared to go deep into ancient Ayleid ruins to discover these lost treasures.[39]

The Amulet of Kings.

Possibly one of the most famous and renowned of all Ayleid artifacts was the Amulet of Kings. The Amulet of Kings, also known as the Chim El-Adabal, was an amulet worn by Cyrodiilic Emperors of the bloodline of Saint Alessia. The symbol of the Imperial Empires of Tamriel, the Red Diamond, stemmed from the amulet and became the royal seal of the Septim Dynasty much later.[45] Some theories report that the amulet is a Soul Gem of Ayleid origin.[46]

The Ayleid Crown of Lindai and the Ayleid Crown of Nenalata were two unique and powerful light Ayleid helmets bearing powerful enchantments. The Crown of Lindai could resist magic from 10%-35%, fortify Illusion from 5 to 15 points and fortify alteration 5 to 15 points. The Crown of Nenalata could reflect spells from 8%-25%, fortify alteration 5 to 15 points and fortify conjuration 5 to 15 points.[10]

Notable Ayleid

Hadhuul: Hadhuul, colloquially referred to as the Fire King, was the King of Ceyatatar in Cyrodiil. His armies were powerful and were never defeated until the Battle of Ceyatatar, when they suffered their first defeat at the hands of Pelinal Whitestrake and the Imperial slaves who were launching a rebellion against the rule of the Ayleids. Hadhuul was killed by Whitestrake during the battle.[18]

Celethelel: Celethelel, colloquially referred to as “Celethelel the Singer,” was an Ayleid during the First Era. In 1E 242, Celethelel killed Pelinal’s companion Huna with an arrow, driving the Whitestrake into a fierce rage.[18]

Umaril the Unfeathered, a half Ayleid.

Laloriaran Dynar, an Ayleid king and the last known surviving Ayleid.

Tjurhane Fyrre, an Ayleid author.

Captain Nym, an Ayleid ghost who collected Star Teeth in life.

Endarre, an Ayleid hero who led a band of four other members who destroyed the city of Abagarlas and hid the Prismatic Crystal.

King Anumaril, the king of Abagarlas who worshipped Molag Bal.

Curano

Lanath

Ostarand

Valasha

Prince Malyon, the king’s son.

Queen Palolel, the king’s wife.

Trivia

Like the Aldmeri, Snow Elves, Dwemer and Chimer, the Ayleids are one of the “ancient civilizations” of Tamriel.

Courtesy of tesworldthink

#ayleid #elder scrolls #elder scrolls lore #text post #gaming

19 notes · View notes

tesworldthink · 5 years

Text

Ayleids / Айлейды

The Ayleids, also known as the Wild Elves,[1] Heartland High Elves[2] (or simply Heartland Elves),[3][4] and Saliache,[5] were a race of Mer who ruled over Cyrodiil during the First Era.[3]

King Laloriaran Dynar, an Ayleid.

History

Merethic Era

The White Gold Tower.

First Era

Alessian Slave Rebellion

A statue of Saint Alessia in the Imperial City as it appears in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Late Ayleid Period

Ayleid Diaspora

Valenwood.

Second Era

"An Ayleid? I thought they were all, you know, dead."―Darien Gautier, 2E 582[src]

Ayleid Crown of Nenalata.

The last known surviving pure Ayleid was King Laloriaran Dynar. He originally lived during the early first era, after Alessia's slave rebellion. Dynar ruled over Nenalata after his father, when it served as a vassal-state of the Alessian Empire. After an ultimatum from the emperor, Dynar was forced to leave Cyrodiil.[25] When Dynar visited the Hollow City, it was attacked by Molag Bal and he was captured. Dynar remained in Coldharbour for over three millennium before being rescued by the Vestige. He took command of the Fighters Guild, but died in 2E 582 after defending the city. He gave the Vestige his sword as a symbol of trust and friendship in his dying moments.[26]

Third and Fourth Eras

In 3E 397, the Soul of Conflict met with an Ayleid ghost known as Captain Nym after having collected all seven Star Teeth. In life, Captain Nym commandeered an airship which had originally captured the Teeth, though it crashed into the glacier of Glacier Crawl long ago. After the hero ended Pergan Asuul and Jagar Tharn's plans to control the Umbra' Keth, Nym gifted the hero with the Star Coif, a very valuable lightweight helmet.[27]

During the Oblivion Crisis in 3E 433, the Auroran-Ayleid known as Umaril re-emerged. Umaril was later slain by the Hero of Kvatch after the Knights of the Nine were reformed.[28]

No living Ayleids have been seen or reported during the Third and Fourth Eras, and as of the Fourth Era, scholars presume that they are extinct.

Culture

"In the caverns of lore, ugly and obscure, shines the gold of truth."―Raelys Anine[src]

Appearance

An Ayleid ruin found in Malabal Tor as it appears in Elder Scrolls Online.

Much like the Dwemer, what little is known about the appearance of the Ayleid comes primarily from their architecture and early writings. Most Ayleid Ruins include at the very least one statue, presumably of an Ayleid warrior, usually holding a sword aloft.[29] The general appearance looks similar to that of the Altmer, which most scholars consider fairly likely, given the Altmer's concerted effort to maintain a "pure" Aldmeri appearance. A brief description given in volume 5, Second Seed, of 2920 describes them as "darker than Altmer, but lighter than Dunmer," suggesting a complexion similar to that of the Bosmer.[30]

Ayleids in The Elder Scrolls Online are identical in appearance to Altmer, with skin tones ranging from white to dark yellow, though with eye colors such as blue, yellow and green.

Society

Ayleid society was heavily centered in magic/arcane arts, and their people were particularly skilled in the arcane. Even as all Mer were naturally skilled in the arcane arts, Ayleid society focused on the civilization's advancement in magic.[31] Magic was an important part of Ayleid culture and society, and their people were particularly skilled in it.[31][32] The Ayleids were able to preserve many of the ancient runes, Dawn Era magic, and lore of the Ehlnofey.[6][33]

The Ayleids lived in a tribal society, with each "tribe" being different from the next. They were notable for building the Imperial City.

By the First Era and Second Era, the Ayleids were driven into a state many would regard as "primitive," hence the term Wild Elves, and lived deep within the forests of Cyrodiil, though little is still known of modern Ayleids and their culture. Their tribes apparently possessed wildly disparate cultures, but shared a thread of xenophobia, likely remaining from the Alessian Reformation when Ayleidic culture was nearly destroyed. The last reported sighting of an Ayleid occurred nearly a thousand years before the Third Era. It is unknown whether a few Ayleids still survive in the wilds of Cyrodiil, or whether their ancient race finally expired and passed into memory.[1]

Language and Writing System

Origins

Religion

A statue of Meridia found in Skyrim.

The Ayleids held a close relationship with the Daedric Princes, and even worshipped them.[39] The Ayleids of Delodiil notably worshiped Meridia, who was commonly referred to as Merid-Nunda. Delodiil's rival city-state was Abargarlas, whose people notably worshiped Molag Bal.[40] The Ayleids of Varsa Baalim notably worshiped Mehrunes Dagon, [4] and the people of Bisnensel worshiped Hermaeus Mora. [41] It was implied that they used the Daedric magic to increase their strength to the point where they could conquer the Cyrodiilic and Nordic races. This could have been a contributing factor to the Aedra giving their aid to the human races against the Ayleids to help destroy or otherwise cripple Daedric influence in Nirn. The Nefarivigum was an ancient Daedric artifact of Mehrunes Dagon. The Ayleids coveted this artifact, so a city was built around the artifact so they could use it.[4] There were some Ayleids who also worshiped the Aedra. The Ayleids worshiped Magnus, the god of Magic, as well as Auri-El. Statues were built in their cities to honor both gods.[32]

Architecture

"The marble benches of the central plaza faced out across the surrounding waters to tall columns and sharp arches supporting the high dome. From the central island, stately bridges spanned the still pools to narrow walkways behind the columns, with broad vaulted avenues and limpid ever-deeping gloom into darkness."―Alexandre Hetrard[src]

Ayleid cities were built partly above and partly below the surface of the land.[41] Ayleid architecture appears to be a whitish rock,[42] similar to Snow Elf architecture. Ayleid architecture was also integrated with magical artifacts as well, including Great Welkynd Stones, which were large variations of Welkynd Stones, which were used to power cities and increase the power of the people's enchantments.[31] Many statues were built by the Ayleids in their cities to honor the Gods they worshiped. This included statues dedicated to the Aedric Gods Magnus and Auri-El.[32]

The White-Gold Tower, one of the most impressive and most famous structures in all of Cyrodiil.

Magic

A Welkynd Stone.

A Varla stone.

Another Ayleid device is the Welkynd Stone. Welkynd Stones were designed and used as storage devices for magical resources and magicka reserves, and to power the magicka itself; Mages and enchanters could restore their own magicka reserves. The Ayleids had their own laws and knowledge for storing, removing and using Welkynd Stones. Currently, in the modern era, anybody who did not have proper knowledge of using Welkynd Stones would see these stones crumble to dust after use. A variant of the Welkynd Stones, known as Great Welkynd Stones, were exceptionally large Ayleid devices made of enchanted Meteoric Glass. At the heart of each Ayleid city, a Great Welkynd Stone was the source of the city's power, magical resources and magical enchantments. These great, grand stones were directly connected to the lesser stones within a city, which restored and maintained their power as the stones worked together to power the city. Yet another Ayleid device were Varla Stones, which were made of Meteoric Glass and were used to enable trained and even untrained enchanters to add and restore magical energy to any enchanted items and magical artifacts. The Varla Stones were of great value and utility, and though they were quite rare, small and easily concealed, diligent, patient, careful and focused explorers could still come across these rare Ayleid devices in any Ayleid Ruin.[31]

Artifacts

The Amulet of Kings.

Notable Ayleid

Celethelel: Celethelel, colloquially referred to as "Celethelel the Singer," was an Ayleid during the First Era. In 1E 242, Celethelel killed Pelinal's companion Huna with an arrow, driving the Whitestrake into a fierce rage.[18]

Umaril the Unfeathered, a half Ayleid.

Laloriaran Dynar, an Ayleid king and the last known surviving Ayleid.

Tjurhane Fyrre, an Ayleid author.

Captain Nym, an Ayleid ghost who collected Star Teeth in life.

Endarre, an Ayleid hero who led a band of four other members who destroyed the city of Abagarlas and hid the Prismatic Crystal.

King Anumaril, the king of Abagarlas who worshipped Molag Bal.

Curano

Lanath

Ostarand

Valasha

Prince Malyon, the king's son.

Queen Palolel, the king's wife.

Trivia

Like the Aldmeri, Snow Elves, Dwemer and Chimer, the Ayleids are one of the "ancient civilizations" of Tamriel.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Айлейдские руины Мискарканд

Общие сведения

Айлейды, дикие эльфы, салиачи или хартлендские высокие эльфы, они же эшмеры(по МК) — одна из эльфийских рас, ушедшая с островов Саммерсет и поселившаяся отдельно от других меров на территории современного Сиродила(Хартленда/Средиземья) и, частично, Чернотопья (барсебические айлейды) примерно в середине Меретийской (Меретической) эры. В Первой эре по ряду причин были вынуждены переселиться в Валенвуд, Хаммерфелл, Скайрим и Хай Рок.

Известно, что они были особенно высокомерным народом, отрицавшим возможность равного общения с другими расами, из-за чего и получили прозвание «дикие эльфы». Как и все представители эльфийского рода, айлейды имели хрупкое строение тела, но были очень ловкими. Выглядели представители данной расы как и все эльфы того времени (приблизительно как современные альтмеры), но отличительной особенностью этого народа был ещё более золотистый цвет кожи.

История

Появление. Ранний айлейдский период

История айлейдов как отдельной расы эльфов берёт своё начало ещё во времена начала Меретической эры, когда отдельная группа альдмеров под предводительством Топала Мореходаисследует и картографирует морские пути Тамриэля в частности — реку Нибен, находящуюся на юге материка. Он заплывает глубоко в центральный Сиродил, где получает в своё владение Восемь Островов на озере Румаре) — земли, где впоследствии будет расположена Башня Белого Золота. Этот дар преподнёс ему обитавший в тех краях звериный народ, который он и его команда обучили письменности (так же бытует мнение, что Топал и его флот просто-напросто уничтожили живших там людей-птиц и присвоили острова).

Со временем Топал и его команда, а также небольшие группы альдмеров, постепенно переселяются на вновь открытую территорию Сиродила, где начинают освоение джунглей вокруг реки Нибен и строительство первых городов-государств. Так появились первые айлейды.

Золотой век

Где-то в середине Меретической эры начинается и завершается строительство Башни Белого Золота, а также города вокруг неё, ныне известного как Старый путь. Башня и её окрестности становятся культурным и политическим центром айлейдских городов-государств до самого падения их империи.

В течение всего промежутка власти айлейдов (несколько тысячелетий) эта раса всё более и более расширяет свои границы, отстраивая все больше новых городов-государств. Постепенно они полностью подчинили себе местность вдоль побережья Нибена, а со временем и весь Сиродил. За его пределы айлейды предпочли не выходить, создав своё собственное, обособленное от других эльфийских народов, феодальное государство.

Падение

Так продолжалось примерно до 1Э 242, когда произошло восстание порабощённых недийских племен во главе с «Королевой рабов», также известной как Ал-Эш, что в переводе на наш язык значит «ваше высочество».

В начале войны удача была полностью на стороне айлейдских королей: восставшие люди были загнаны в угол и практически полностью истреблены. Однако произошло событие, в корне изменившее расстановку сил — пришествие Пелинала Вайтстрейка (очень таинственная и спорная личность). Ведомые Пелиналом (практически самолично истреблявшим целые армии эльфов) неды начали вытеснение своих бывших хозяев. Чуть позже племянник Пелинала Морихаус привёл за собой армии «Старого Королевства» нордов, принявших сначала Вайтстрейка за своего бога Шора.

Объединённая армия представляла собой несокрушимую силу, которая быстро завоевала все города-государства Сиродила. Последней целью их кампании стала Башня Белого Золота — самая могучая цитадель айлейдов.

В 1Э 243 Башня Белого Золота пала под натиском людских полчищ, что положило конец айлейдскому правлению.

Послевоенные годы. Поздний айлейдский период

Хотя некоторые из айлейдских королей и смогли заключить договор с новой Империей людей, поддерживая свои города ещё несколько столетий, однако постепенно эти города стали приходить в упадок, пока не были заброшены совсем. Известно, что некоторая часть салиачи покинула свои города и переселилась в другие эльфийские державы. Последним заселённым айлейдским городом Сиродила стала Неналата.

В 1Э 393 Алессианский орден, возглавляемый аббатом Космасом, производит зачистку древнего айлейдского храма Малада (что с эльфийского переводится как Высокий Собор). Сообщалось, что под сводами храма обитали «демоны», но они были все уничтожены при нападении. Вероятнее всего, это было последней масштабной попыткой эльфов вернуть себе утраченные позиции.

В дальнейшем некогда «дикие эльфы» были постепенно ассимилированы или вытеснены, что в конечном итоге привело к полному исчезновению этой расы.

Религия

В первую очередь салиачи почитали даэдра. Частое упоминание Меридии (например, в «Трактате о Мерид-Нунде») позволяет предположить, что она считалась покровительницей данной расы. С другой стороны, из исторических источников становится ясно, что по крайней мере в Поздний айлейдский период один из кланов салиачи (беженцы из Неналаты) был служителем Даэдрического Принца Знаний — Хермеуса Моры. Есть также сведения и о том, что айлейды из города Абагарлас были служителями Молаг Бала. Так же в некоторых айлейдских городах можно обнаружить статуи некой личности, поднимаемой орлом; бытует мнение, что это Аури-Эль. Из всего это можно сделать предположение, что каждое из айлейдских городов-государств почитало своего, отдельно взятого бога.

Стоит также отметить барсебических айлейдов Чернотопья. Есть вероятность, что данные племена салиачи поклонялись не даэдра, а аэдра.

Быт и культура

Стихией айлейдов была магия, поэтому почти каждый представитель диких эльфов был искусным магом. Они создали то, что позднее стало называться школой Изменения. Подробнее об их умениях в области этой магии можно прочитать в книге «Дитя Нибена».

Политическое и государственное устройство

Особенностью айлейдского государственного устройства (как и у других эльфийских рас, ушедших с Саммерсета) являлась политическая раздробленность. Вся их территория была поделена на области, каждая из которых была подконтрольна своему городу, управляемому королём-магом, который и определял внутреннюю политику области. Это разделение в конечном итоге сыграло с айлейдами злую шутку, так как непрекращающиеся гражданские войны между кланами в конечном итоге послужили не меньшей причиной падения цивилизации салиачи, чем восстание рабов. Самым крупным городом, а также политическим и культурным центром, являлся уже упомянутый выше Старый путь, в котором находилась Башня Белого Золота.

Отношение к другим расам

Как уже говорилось ранее, айлейды свысока смотрели на представителей других народов. Поэтому недийские племена людей, также проживавшие на территории Сиродила, были обращены в рабов.

Жизнь людей в городах-государствах эльфов во многом зависела от правителя. Если в некоторых поселениях людям жилось довольно сносно, то во многих других их низводили до уровня рабочего скота. Городом, где было сосредоточено наибольшее количество людей, был Сард, ныне известный как Сардавар Лид (именно в этом месте родилась Перриф). В Сарде не было свободы ни в чём, даже в сохранении семьи и выборе имени. Условия содержания тоже были ужасными — люди спали на холодном полу, месяцами не мылись, недоедали… Их заставляли корчевать камни и осушать поля, держать в порядке часовни и дороги, могли подвергнуть пыткам просто из прихоти своих хозяев, а тела использовать в качестве скульптур из плоти, которые были популярны у диких эльфов.

Но наиболее худшим образом для людей складывалась ситуация в городе Сейа-Тар (в наши дни — Сейататар), в котором правил король-маг Хадхул, более известный как «Огненный король». В его царстве производились снадобья путем введения даэдронов в живые организмы, позволявшие зреть новые образы пыток. По выходным ночью на специальных аренах устраивались различные забавы, одной из которых было поджигание детей и травля их тиграми.

Вероятно, айлейды продолжили морские путешествия, начатые ещё Топалом, и существует огромная вероятность того, что они достигли даже берегов Акавира. В подтверждение этого можно привести один необычный факт — в конце Третьей эры, в руинах города Трамб, расхитителями гробниц был найден хорошо спрятанный и надёжно защищённый меч явно акавирского происхождения, а если быть точным — цаэски. Это говорит о том, что раса айлейдов, вероятно, контактировала и с жителями других континентов (вполне возможно, что они были в этом первыми).

Знания и достижения

“Из огня — жизнь, из света — магия” — Айлейды

Айлейды полагали, что Нирн создан из четырёх основных элементов: земли, воды, воздуха и света. Изо всех видов света звёздный свет они считали тончайшей его формой, так как именно звёзды связывали айлейдов с миром Этериуса — источником всей магической силы. Привычный нам четвёртый элемент «огонь» салиачи считали слабой и искажённой формой света, который, как уже говорилось выше, айлейдские философы отождествляли с первичными магическими принципами.

Иногда на земле можно найти его частицы, известные людям под названием «метеор». Наиболее часто встречающиеся состоят из «метеоритного железа» — металла, который высоко ценится у кузнецов и магов за магические свойства; именно из него создавались эльфийские доспехи и оружие для отличившихся айлейдских воинов.

Также метеоритное железо является главным компонентом для айлейдских колодцев — древних магических артефактов, найти которые можно по всему Сиродилу. Закономерность их расположения остается загадкой, но ученые полагают, что колодцы стоят на пересечении древних магических потоков, тем самым они неведомым способом черпают магическую силу из звёздного света. Естественно, колодцы не просто так стоят — с их помощью любое разумное существо может восстановить и повысить свой запас магических сил.

Другой, менее распространенный вид частиц Этериуса, носит название «метеоритное стекло», из которого изготавливались велкиндские камни и камни варла.

Также стоит отметить, что айлейдские мастера смогли создать особые приспособления — охранные статуи. Они охраняли айлейдские города от нежелательного вторжения извне.

Внутренняя жизнь городов

Современному исследователю сейчас довольно трудно представить повседневную жизнь айлейдов. Это связано с тем, что практически все айлейдские постройки были разграблены, вероятно, ещё в период конца Первой эры. На сегодняшний день в городах можно увидеть лишь голые стены да каменные предметы интерьера (столы и скамейки), которые не могут быть вынесены наружу или сгнить. Вся эта мрачная картина слабо освещается светом светильников, сделанных из камней варла.

Подземные комплексы айлейдов являлись лишь малой частью городов (вероятнее всего, дворцы или жилые кварталы богатых особ), а большая часть населения могла проживать и на поверхности земли, в обычных домах. Эту теорию подтверждает практически полное отсутствие разделённых, тупиковых комнат в руинах айлейдов. Однако против этой теории говорит внешнее обустройство городов: на территории комплексов нет ни одного строения, из чего следует, что все жители проживали в подземной части городов.

Также имеет право на жизнь версия, что те части руин, которые сохранились до момента прохождения игры, были изначально предназначены для неких ритуалов и/или захоронений. Большое количество саркофагов и ниш в стенах, массово встречающиеся привидения, скелеты и зомби характерны для склепов. Скамьи и трибуны, часто встречающиеся тут, вполне могли использоваться в неких массовых обрядах. Также в пользу этого варианта говорит то, что на поверхности нет ни одного айлейдского кладбища или чего-то подобного.

Так или иначе, многое из жизни айлейдов до сих пор остается непонятным для нас.

Айлейдский алфавит

Айлейды, как и все остальные народы, имели свой собственный язык. Надписи на айлейдисе можно найти во многих руинах городов, а также в книгах.

Артефакты айлейдов

Велкиндские камни

Велкиндский камень

Самые распространенные айлейдские артефакты — велкиндские камни. Это крупные прозрачные кристаллы цвета морской волны в металлической оправе, способные полностью восстанавливать магическую энергию использовавшего камень существа, при этом безвозвратно исчезая. В книге «Магия, рождённая небом» говорится о том, что велкиндские камни — это айлейдские колдовские артефакты, изготовленные из метеоритного железа и метеоритного стекла.

Примечание: Надо заметить, что к концу своего правления айлейды научились выращивать кристаллы велкинд.

Известно, что в крупных поселениях айлейдов существовали так называемые «Великие велкиндские камни». Предполагается, что «великий велкиндский камень, сердце каждого древнего айлейдского города, отвечал за всё магическое обустройство жизни поселения». Все эти артефакты к настоящему времени утрачены. Последний великий велкиндский камень играет важную роль в основной сюжетной линии The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Камни варла

Камень варла

Камни варла — куда более редкие и драгоценные артефакты. Несколько крупнее велкиндских и белого цвета, камни варла способны полностью заряжать любое количество зачарованных предметов, также исчезая при использовании. В книге «Магия, рождённая небом» также предполагается их космическое происхождение, иных свидетельств нет.

«Чёрные камни варла» — охранные артефакты. Встречаются практически во всех айлейдских руинах. Средних размеров, висят на специальных постаментах или под потолками. Как ясно из названия, эти камни имеют тёмный оттенок, однако незадолго до того, как поразить нарушителя, камни начинают светиться красным. Способны накапливать и отдавать достаточно большие сгустки магической энергии.

Броня и оружие

Несмотря на обширные знания в области магии, айлейды не боялись и ближнего боя. И хотя они сами не экспериментировали в создании брони и оружия, благодаря использованию знаний своих предков, альдмеров, айлейды создавали для своих бойцов великолепное снаряжение, называемое сегодня эльфийским. Простые воины, не имеющие никаких знаков отличия, пользовались стандартными вариантами этой экипировки. Отличившиеся же вознаграждались зачарованными доспехами и оружием, которыми гордились и дорожили.

Эльфийское оружие и броня, оставшиеся в большом количестве по всем уголкам Сиродила, сами по себе произведения искусства. Эльфийские доспехи и щиты на вид состоят из мелких золотых чешуек. Однако это не самая дорогая и лучшая защита в игре. Наиболее подходящей для себя её найдут лучники и маги. Одно из её главных достоинств — малый вес. Не случайно для обучения у мастера лёгкой брони в Сиродиле необходимо найти именно эльфийскую кирасу.

Другие артефакты

Иногда в разрушенных руинах айлейдских поселений можно отыскать айлейдские статуи, которые высоко ценятся коллекционерами древностей.

Также существует два поразительных артефакта, известных как Корона Неналаты и Корона Линдаи. Особо стоит отемить Чим-Эль Адабал — древний и могущественный артефакт салиачи, ныне известный большинству как Амулет Королей.

Известные айлейды

Умарил Неоперённый — айлейдский король-маг, правивший в Золотой век айлейдского владычества. Умарил является эльфом лишь наполовину — мать-айлейдка родила его от божественного отца. Был убит Пелиналом Вайтстрейком при осаде Башни Белого Золота, которой он и правил. Однако, благодаря своей полубожественной сути, позднее смог вернуться в мир живых. Вокруг этого события и его последствий построен сюжет дополнения The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine.

Хадхул — король-маг, правивший в Золотой век айлейдского владычества. В его владениях находился город Сейа-Тар (Сейататар). Был убит Пелиналом Вайтстрейком при осаде Сейа-Тара.

Лалориаран Динар — король-маг, правивший в Поздний айлейдский период городом Неналата. В истории более известен под прозвищем «Последний король айлейдов».

Тьюрхан Фирр — айлейд, живший в период Первой и Второй эры. Являлся автором многих книг, в которых подробно рассказывает о традициях, обычаях и культуре своей расы.

#TESO #tes #tes lore #teslore #The Elder Scrolls #the elder scolls online #ayleid #ayleids #древние свитки #древние свитки лор #айлейды #айлейд

42 notes · View notes