Post by Lucien Lachance on Aug 4, 2009 17:51:59 GMT -5
Valenwood is a densely forested, sub-tropical province of the Cyrodilic empire that makes up the southwest coastal plain of Tamriel. Valenwood borders Elsweyr to the east and Cyrodiil to the north, and is just across the sea from Summerset Isle. Its landscape consists of rolling hills and light blue rivers, predominantly covered in rainforest and woodland.
History
Valenwood, as a jungle, was home to quite some interesting creatures. A Pocket Guide to the Empire gives us a list of these; "Before man or mer came to Valenwood, it was home to a salmagundi of creatures and strange civilizations. Centaurs, hippogriffs, satyrs, minotaurs, giants, basilisks, fairy folk, hydra, and intelligent apes all flourished there before the first Aldmeri stepped onto its shores." Like all Elves, the Aldmer had to adapt to their environment, and they became the present day Bosmer. For the support of Y'ffre, in helping them adapt, the Bosmer promised not to harm the forest, or any of its creatures. The first king of Valenwood, who started the Camoran Dynasty, was King Eplear. He succeeded in uniting the wild Bosmer. He also welcomed other races, especially the Ayleids, who fled from Alessia's slave rebellion. In 1E340, he also welcomed the Empire, agreeing to a trade treaty with the now Ayleid-free men. However, the prophet Marukh's controversial teachings would bring tension between the Camoran Dynasty and the Empire. As a war was brewing, Valenwood killed Skyrim's king, Borgas, in a Wild Hunt, putting the Nords in turmoil for 50 years. The reign of Empress Herta only intensified the conflict between Valenwood and Cyrodiil, as she improved Cyrodilic relations with the Colovian West. In 1E2714, Valenwood fell to Cyrodiil, due to being weakened by warfare and a plague from the Sload of Thras. The Empire then gave independence to each city of Valenwood, so they would not unite against Cyrodiil. The Bosmer were loyal to Cyrodiil, until the last Akaviri Potentate died in 2E 430. The Camoran Dynasty tried to reestablish power, but failed, due to the cultural differences of each city. Without any main power, the Bosmer warred those around them, such as the Khajiits of Elsweyr, the Colovians of Cyrodiil, and in some cases, each other. Too busy in their quarrels, they were easily defeated by the Maormer of Pyandonea. Their only hope was Summerset Isle. Together they created the Aldmeri Dominion, was a stable power, unlike many others, until the coming of Tiber Septim. Now stable, Valenwood adopted a new government they called Thalmor, which kept Valenwood stable until its dismantling by Tiber Septim's armies. Tiber Septim allowed them to keep the city-state government, and a Camoran king. For 50 years the Bosmer were stable until they began to feel annoyed at the Imperial government they were under. The Camoran Usurper rose up during this time, and recruited those who supported him, and killed those that opposed him. He attacked Cyrodiil, and the Bosmer were under his rule for 20 years until they gained the courage to leave his power. Valenwood no longer trusted other races, and isolated itself from the Empire. The Bosmer also started to return to traditional types of living, by surviving in the forest, they could keep away from the hectic political world, and many did. They still were attacked during the Imperial Simulacrum, by both Elsweyr, and Summerset Isles, the latter whom they once called ally.
Geography
The best way to describe Valenwood is in A Pocket Guide to the Empire, which describes it as "A sea of endless green, a maze of foliage with half-hidden cities growing like blooms from a flower, the home of the Bosmer is Tamriel's garden." One unusual feature of Valenwood is its gigantic, migratory trees that can contain entire cities. Falinesti in particular is a mile-high tree holding an entire city in its branches that was described in A Dance in Fire. Falinesti used to migrate south in the winter, but for unknown reasons it has recently stopped walking.
Politics
The political system of Valenwood is in shambles, and most politics are in families or clans. Described in A Pocket Guide to the Empire: "National Feeling, never strong, seems to have died. The tribal council has not met in decades. Valenwood appears to be adrift."However, the government is recovering, as the Wild Hunt has been sighted for the first time in five centuries. The Precursor, a Bosmer prophet, has also emerged. He preaches that Y'ffre, the Forest God, "is returning with new gifts for his favoured people."The government of Valenwood may be reincarnated, but no one can be sure.
Notable Places
Arenthia
A city far north in Valenwood.
Elden Root
A city in eastern-central Valenwood.
Falinesti
A moving city in Northeastern Valenwood, which has recently rooted in the same place, near the shore.
Greenheart
A city in Southern Valenwood, near the shore.
Haven
A city in the far southeast area Valenwood, near the shore.
Silvenar
A city in central Valenwood.
Southpoint
A city in far southeast area of Valenwood, further west than Haven, near the shore.
Woodhearth
A city in southwestern Valenwood, near the shore.