Lore:Alik'r

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The Alik'r Desert
Type Region
Continent Tamriel
Province Hammerfell
Subregions Deep Desert
Hollow Wastes
Myrkwasa
Tigonus
Demonym(s) Alik'r,[1][2] Alik'ran,[3] Alik'ri[4]
Appears in Daggerfall, ESO
The Alik'r Desert ca. 2E 582
Map of Hammerfell
"A sacred flame rises above the fire, The ghosts of great men and women without names, Cities long dead rise and fall in the flame, The Dioscori Song of Revelation, Bursting walls and deathless rock, Fiery sand that heals and destroys."—Weltan, "On the Immortality of Dust"

The Alik'r (best known as the Alik'r Desert) is a large region that takes a significant portion of the northwestern part of the province of Hammerfell. It is a vast sea of sand and dunes, stretching across the inner province and surrounded by the mountains in eastern Hammerfell, and the grassland along the coastline.[5] Borders between Hammerfell's nations in the Alik'r Desert are hazy; travelers in the vast desert can never tell where they start or end.[6]

At its maximum extent, the Alik'r Desert encompasses much of west-central Hammerfell and reaches as far north as Sentinel,[7] as far south as the Gilane region,[8] Sunkeep and the River Irk,[9][10] and as far east as the outskirts outside Skaven.[11] Geographically, it is bordered by Bangkorai and the Dragontail Mountains to the east,[12][13] Cape Shira to the west,[14] Dak'fron to the southeast,[12] and Khefrem to the south. The northern Alik'r Desert converges with the Iliac Bay region found between Hammerfell and High Rock.[12] Though it was once larger and drier at the time of the Interregnum,[7] the Alik'r has gradually shrunk throughout the centuries with the advent of climatic changes by the time of the Third Era, allowing for the growth of jungles near Lainlyn, swamps, and verdant subtropical rainforests in Tigonus where the desert once reached.[15] By the time of the Warp in the West, Sentinel itself is found in a much more lush biome outside of the Alik'r,[6][15] but has absorbed the region under its political control.[8]

Society and Geography[edit]

Demographics[edit]

Alik'r Warriors
Sentinel, the Jewel of Alik'r

The Alik'r Desert is mainly populated by the Redguards who call Hammerfell their home, divided into many subcultures across the region. Generally in the province, there are those who live in the large cosmopolitan cities on the coast and the nomads who wander the Alik'r Desert. The two most influential factions in Hammerfell are the Crowns and Forebears.[5] The Crowns adhere to ancient Yokudan customs and traditions[16] and preside over the northern Alik'r via Bergama[17] and Lainlyn in the Hollow Wastes.[18]

In fact, most of northern Hammerfell is affiliated with the Crowns, which caused issues when the Iliac Bay coast was conquered by the Kingdom of Sentinel, a historically Forebears nation.[8] The Forebears, descendants of the Ra Gada, have assimilated to Tamrielic customs and are open to the world outside of Hammerfell.[16] At the time of Sentinel's takeover, it was ruled by King Lhotun. In an effort to quash the friction between both factions, he created a third party that respected Yokudan tradition but was open to Imperial customs called the Lhotunics.[8]

Of the many nomadic tribes in the desert[5], one of the most well-known is the Ash'abah of the northern wastes. While they are shunned by the Crowns for rejecting traditional Yokudan practices toward the dead, they have been supported by local Forebears.[19] They are an ancient tribe, an off-shoot of the Crowns and descendants of a Yokudan prince.[20] Although not inherently nomadic, another subculture in the region are the barbarians,[21] people who live in the wilderness and are dependant on wildlife.[22]

Many of the Dwemer ruins that dot the Alik'r Desert were once settlements of the Rourken Clan. Their capital was Volenfell, the site where their mighty hammer, Volendrung first landed in Hammerfell. Their other holdings included Santaki, perhaps their northwesternmost settlement on mainland Hammerfell, Aldunz, and Yldzuun in the hills between Bergama and Tigonus, and Rkulftzel in the Sep's Spine plateau south of Lainlyn.[7] Many of their sites had been left virtually untouched,[23] but over time, Nordic and Akaviri they were plundered by pirates and reclaimed by wildlife.[8]

By the time the Dwemer appeared in Hammerfell, the Direnni Hegemony had repelled the Nords from High Rock and ruled over their human subjects known as the early Bretons. They also claimed parts of Hammerfell[24] and as such, elves and men both lived in the northern Alik'r Desert, in places including modern-day Sentinel and Lainlyn.[8][14] Salas En, a former Ayleid city-state, had been occupied by Altmer and later Crowns colonists from Yokuda.[25]

Since before the Ra Gada arrived on Tamriel, Goblin-ken such as Orcs and Goblins lived in the Alik'r Desert.[8] Although they were largely driven out of Hammerfell in 1E 874,[26] the deep desert contains Orcish strongholds that remain active to this day, such as Sekbith, Sashthrac, and the Stronghold of Dhortum.[21] The Sandgrubber Tribe was a tribe of goblins that lived in Divad's Chagrin Mine during the Interregnum.[27] Giants also lived in strongholds like Daghoth, Groleten and the Fortress of Nhorchen.[21]

The Lamia is a beastfolk race that lives in the Alik'r Desert, mainly along its coast. Only in the Interregnum did local Alik'ri viziers discover evidence of an aggressive, untamed desert subspecies.[17] Within the next few years, these Desert Lamia garnered a reputation worse than their water brethren[28] and were even spotted as far east as Craglorn.[29]

Culture and Industry[edit]

Society in the Settled World[edit]

Tu'whacca's Throne
Merric at-Aswala, a Redguard gallant

Many holidays and festivals in Hammerfell have existed since long before the main Ra Gada force arrived in 1E 808, with many being direct translations from older celebrations back on Yokuda.[30] Many of these holidays are observed across the region but some are only celebrated in certain regions and kingdoms. These include Koomu Alezer'i Yaghoub (Sentinel),[14][30][31] Riglametha (Lainlyn),[32][33] and Serpent's Dance (Satakalaam).[30][34]

In the Alik'r Desert at large, the Redguards observe several holidays. Two of these holidays venerate Frandar and Divad Hunding, history's most accomplished sword-singers and folk heroes to the Redguards.[35] During Dirij Tereur on the 5th of Frostfall, people gather in temples to read through the Book of Circles.[36] The Festival of Blades on the 26th of First Seed celebrates the Hundings' victory against Malooc's Horde of giant goblins. This holiday is very popular in the region, despite the fact that many scholars consider the story a myth.[37][38][39]

Baranth Do, on the 18th of Evening Star is the people's farewell to the past year. Pageant-goers wear demonic representations of the year and revelers honor the new one everywhere.[40] The 29th of Sun's Height is Fiery Night, celebrating the hottest day of the year.[41] Ovank'a, on the 12th of Morning Star is a holy day dedicated to the Divine, Stendarr, the God of Justice and Mercy. People pray for a mild and merciful year.[42] Although Stendarr was recognized only by the Forebears[43] when the Third Empire took over Hammerfell, various regions had a patron Divines and their temples were established across several settlements. Stendarr was established as the Alik'r Desert's patron and his temple, the Temple of Stendarr has many chapters in the region.[44] The Divine is also the favored god of gallants,[43] who are prevalent in the Alik'r Desert.[45]

The Motalion Necropolis

The Gallants of Hammerfell, also called the Knights of the Desert, are expert sword-wielders and horse riders. Their main steed of choice is the Yokudan Charger, a breed descended from the Yokudan Warhorses of Akos Kasaz that can traverse the Alik'r's harsh environment with ease. They are specially bred and raised in Aswala Stables,[45] a settlement outside of Lainlyn that is run by the eponymous family of Crowns.[46] The Gallants are an aspect of Redguard tradition that harkens back to Yokuda, where it predisposed the people to the culture surrounding knightly orders.[5] Knights are present in some form across all Redguardic mythos, like the Order of Diagna who fought with Sentinel and Daggerfall in the Siege of Orsinium,[47] and the God of War known as Reymon Ebonarm.[48]

In northern Hammerfell, particularly the Alik'r Desert, the Fighters Guild are allies with Ebonarm's temple, the Citadel of Ebonarm. The guild's chapters are also considered temples to the God of War, to which they are alternatively known as Fighter Trainers. The Citadel of Ebonarm is considered an enemy of the Temple of Stendarr.[49][50] The necropolises of the Alik'r Desert are large, sacred sites that resonate with spiritual energy. Tu'whacca's Throne, which sits at the top of a plateau over northwest Alik'r is one such temple. Not only is the eponymous deity's presence felt here, but the temple also serves a monument to the many Yokudans that perished in the destruction of their home.[51] The Motalion Necropolis near Satakalaam is the largest in the region but is also considered a dark place.[52]

Leki, also known as the Saint of the Spirit Sword, is the goddess of aberrant swordsmanship. She is at the center of a legend with a prolific warrior who boasted his powers named Rada al-Saran. As the story goes, Leki drew him to an oasis in the Hollow Wastes to challenge and humble him. He found her as a warrior of sand, wielding a blade made out of the hardest rock. Their battle lasted for three days and nights until, in one final strike, Rada broke Leki's blade, creating a great sandstorm that split the horizon. When it cleared, Leki built a shrine from the sand and it became the town of Leki's Blade.[53]}} Another tradition, celebrated during the New Life Festival, involves a great wolf who shaped Tamriel with his ceaseless hunger. One example was that he drank the Iliac Bay dry enough to create the Alik'r Desert.[54]

Many dishes come from the Alik'r Desert. Pomegranates are a distinct part of the Alik'r's culinary culture. Not only are they served during the Koomu Alezer'i Yaghoub,[14] but they can also be made into the region's most popular wine,[55] or used as a secondary ingredient, like in seared venomsteaks.[56] The process of creating shrieking cheese is a tightly kept secret by the Redguards, but it is a dish that locals love to serve foreigners. At a certain melting point, the cheese starts to shriek. It is sometimes added to common spicy meat dishes while cooking.[57][58] Another popular native dish is Beets with Goat Cheese.[59]

The Alik'r people in coastal cities like Lainlyn and Sentinel developed a maritime industry. The Alik'r Caravel is a small type of ship built in places like the famous shipyards of Lainlyn, where King Fahara'jad of Sentinel previously had ships built for his royal navy and even the Daggerfall Covenant.[60][61] The Impervious Vault in Sentinel was built in the First Era by Grandee Yaghoub and it contained the Alik'r Desert's greatest treasures,[62] including the Ansei Wards.[63]

Society in the Desert[edit]

Redguard Rain-Catchers
Depiction of a man suffering from heat exhaustion in the Alik'r

As stated above, there are several nomadic tribes in the Alik'r.[5] While people more accustomed to the cities avoid the wastes, those that survive in the desert develop a hardiness and resourcefulness to live with the bare minimum.[64] Over the years, however, the people have developed means to thrive in their harsh environment. Travelers commonly wear special clothing to protect their mouths from the coarse sand and wear typical Redguard leather armor, which offers lightweight protection and room to breathe.[65]

Under the desert sands are buried ruins, such as the Alik'r Shade-Temples that provide harborage from the sun.[5]

Even in the harsh desert environment, the Redguards have found ways to cultivate and sustain themselves with fresh water. The people use inverted tent-like structures called Rain Catchers,[17] which tak moisture from the air and funnel it into rainwater cisterns called johads.[66][67] The water is then carried to the cities in large urns to be sold.[66] When the elves lived predominantly in the region, they used glass divining rods to search for water and traverse the desert.[68]

Amethyst geodes can be found across the central Alik'r Desert, with many jewelers and gem enthusiasts claiming the region produces some of the best examples. Some of the finest amethysts come from Kulati Mines, between Tu'whacca's Throne and Leki's Blade. Here, layers of sand and rock have not covered the ancient lava under the earth as it had across the rest of the region.[69][70] The Coldrock Diggings mine near Lainlyn is important to the local shipwrights since it provides them with grit-rock and holystone.[71] The Sandblown Mine near Kozanset was once a copper mine before it eventually ran dry.[72]

The most dominant vampire bloodline in the Alik'r Desert is the Anthotis, who possess a great intellect and have spread to other neighboring regions like Dak'fron and Antiphyllos.[73] The Witches of the Marsh are the local witches coven in the region.[74] Although Dragons have been largely non-existent since the late Merethic Era[75] or until 4E 201,[76] denizens of the Alik'r Desert insist that the region is the home of many dragons.[77] In the neighboring Dragontail Mountains, the Redguards observe a holiday called the Day of Waiting in which a dragon from the desert will come and devour the wicked.[78]

Ecology[edit]

The Duneripper
The Giant Scorpion

The Alik'r interior is commonly referred to as the Deep Desert[17][79] and is most notorious for its inhospitality.[15] The Knight-Gallant Titianus Iulus describes it as a "nightmare land" devoid of nourishment, treacherous and prowling with horrors. Despite this, life has managed to find a way in the wastes.[17]

The Duneripper is one predator that thrives in the western wastes. They are immense creatures that can reach up to three horses in length, and their tails are covered in chitinous scales. When it comes to hunting, they are extremely patient and can lie in wait for days for their target. The first sign of a duneripper is its dorsal crest striking through the sand, and the trailing sand shifting into whirlpools.[17] Alik'r nomad chieftains claim that dunerippers were much larger when the Ra Gada first landed on Hammerfell than they are now.[80] Another dominant predator is the Giant Scorpion, whose girth is compared to a large bull and its enormous tail described as the most feared natural weapon in Hammerfell.[17] Scorpion nests are some of the most abundant types of dungeons found across the northern Alik'r, with examples such as the Web of Trogdred, the Ruins of the Old Sles-i's Farm, Yagertor's Nest.[21]

Across the desert are isolated bodies of water called oases. Some of these oases are found near settlements and important landmarks, like the Goat's Head Oasis near Tu'whacca's Throne[81] and Ogre's Bluff near Bergama and Aldunz.[82] Goat's Head Oasis hosts all sorts of freshwater fish that can only be found in this section of the Alik'r Desert. These include the Banded Killifish, the Lungfish, the Saw Belly, and the rare Desert Pupfish. Foul water across the land contains the Cutthroat Eel, the Sand Moray, the illusive Midget Salmon, and the Sand Eel.[83] The Alik'r's access to the Iliac Bay provides it with a variety of sea-based creatures, too. Local fishmongers can find fish like the Alewife, the Driftfish, the Sablefish and the rare Bonefish along the coast.[83]

History[edit]

Before the main Ra Gada[edit]

Salas En
Volenfell, the site where Volendrung first landed in Hammerfell

Before the Redguards lived in the Alik'r Desert and the rest of Hammerfell, the province was a barren wasteland, with only sparse settlements populated by the neighboring races on the coast. These settlements were established by elves,[8] namely the Ayleids and Altmer[25] and their Breton subjects from throughout the bay.[14][8] They built outposts to protect the sea and fisherfolk from dangers in the deep desert, such as Goblin-ken (Orcs and Goblins).[8] Legends even speak of a race of giant goblins, who lived in strongholds.[39]

When the First Council was created in 1E 420, the Rourken clan of Dwemer self-exiled themselves from the east and followed Volendrung's path as it flew across the sky. The hammer landed somewhere in the Alik'r Desert, where they built their capital of Volenfell. The Rourken clan was quick to establish an easy trade relationship with their neighbors.[5]

By roughly the sixth century, the Ayleids in Salas En were no longer present and it was taken over by the Corelanya Clan of Altmer, who were noticeably daedric worshippers.[25] The Dwemer across Tamriel had disappeared within an instant in 1E 700, leaving the Rourken clan's holdings completely abandoned. All that was left was the elven and Breton settlements on the northern Alik'r coast.[8][14] After the War of the Singers in 1E 780,[35][84] Frandar Hunding, his son Divad Hunding and their entourage of Sword-singers called the Army of the Circle embarked from Yokuda and landed in Hammerfell.[35] Their conquest of the Alik'r Desert is a staple in Hammerfell legend.[85]

What they first found was the abandoned cities of the Dwemer[UOL 1] and the land inhabited by giant goblin-ken. A great conflict occurred in which the Army of the Circle fought to destroy them but in one of their bloodiest battles, Frandar's life was claimed and Divad took up his crusade henceforth.[39] At his side were several companions who aided him in the war, such as Sabasad the Shield who died fighting goblins near modern-day Tu'whacca's Throne temple,[86] and Razul, whose biggest accomplishment comes later.[87] Divad's victory over the giant goblins is recited in the Song of Divad, in which he and his band of sword-singers created five magical swords imbued with his spirit to banish them.[39][88][UOL 1]

Early History[edit]

Sentinel, the modern Forebears capital in the Alik'r
Na-Totambu, the lost Crowns capital in the Alik'r

When Yokuda was destroyed, its people fled east and eventually discovered Hammerfell in 1E 808.[30] The Ra Gada first landed on the shores of modern-day Hegathe and set themselves out across the coast to find new harborages. Grandee Yaghoub sailed north around Cape Shira to be the first of his kind to discover the Iliac Bay. He vowed to make his home here and as he followed the Steed on the 17th of Second Seed, his watchmen found a port occupied by elves and humans. Yaghoub named it "Sentinel" after the person who first saw it. When Yaghoub landed in town, he conquered the people and turned them into slaves, to which they built Sentinel into what it is today, including the Grandee's new home, Samaruik.[14]

Many Na-Totambu that followed suit settled in Sentinel,[14] but also expanded themselves further beyond into the northern Alik'r Desert. The town of Lainlyn, originally known as Tava's Blessing was a Crowns settlement[18] built around the same time[89][90] and the now buried city of Na-Totambu. It was founded by them as a place to reproduce Yokudan culture and it was named after the continent's former capital. In a terrific sandstorm, the city was lost to time.[91] Yaghoub's warrior-wave, including the famed band of sword-singers, Yaghoub's Thirteen settled on a beachfront west of the city. The actions of one member, Navid the Singer,[92] has cursed the site, and his story became a local legend.[93]

The Ra Gada had also embarked into the desert, some of whom settled in the wastes, such as those that built the Hall of Judgment in Bergama.[94] Others like the second warrior-wave traveled through it to other parts of Hammerfell like Craglorn.[95] Oral traditions persist to this day about the Yokudans of Alik'r and their battle with the Firehide clan.[96] Because of the Yokudan's terrible history with the Lefthanded Elves, the Ra Gada were just as relentless to the elves that inhabited Hammerfell as they were to the goblin-ken.[97] Some of them eventually retaliated, such as the Corelanya Clan of Salas En, who attempted to drive the Yokudans of Yath out from their home in 1E 853.[98]

King Xakhwan and his sons, Prince Haqmir and Sameer led the defense while the Corelanya clan was outside their walls. While the princes defeated the kinlady, King Xakhwan was killed and resurrected by the elven necromancer, Venerien. The King's sons were given the difficult task of dealing with their father's reanimated cadaver. One son decided to destroy his father's corpse and by tradition, forced themself into exile while the other son succeeded the King. The exiled one went on to form the Ash'abah, who dedicate themselves to fighting the defiled dead but have since become outcasts because of this creed.[20] This, however, was not the last time the Ra Gada of Alik'r had to fight against elvish necromancy.[90]

Elven necromancers fled into the deep desert and lived in towers, where they raised the dead to combat the warrior waves.[90] The future King of Hammerfell, Fahara'jad claimed this was the Alik'r's greatest threat.[99] Three Ansei warriors; Halelah, Maja, and Radan stepped up and created three, powerful swords made from the Shehai. They placed their souls into the swords and allowed the people to consecrate the dead in Tu'whacca's name while upholding their faith.[90][99] One of these Ansei, Maja was born in Tava's Blessing.[89] After the deed was done, the Ansei Wards were placed in the Impervious Vault in Sentinel.[99]

Post-Ra Gada History[edit]

Leki's Blade
Derik Hallin

Once the Ra Gada invasion was complete, the Na-Totambu had fully made landfall and established themselves as Hammerfell's ruling faction,[5] but to secure the Ra Gada's influence, Razul, Divad Hunding's former battle companion, established himself as Yokeda and cemented his legacy as the first Forebear. He was later put to rest in Tu'whacca's Throne.[87]

At roughly the same time,[100] another sword-singer, the Ansei Rada al-Saran wandered the desert and found the Saint of the Spirit Sword, Leki at an oasis.[53] The two warriors commenced a duel that lasted for three days and three nights, and ultimately ended in a draw when Rada struck Leki's rocky blade in its weakest point. The blade broke in two and a great sandstorm split the horizon. When it passed, Leki built a shrine and the oasis held the purest water in the desert. A school was built around the shrine and became known as Leki's Blade.[53]

Sometime in the First Era, by the time the art of sword-singing was nigh lost, the goblin warlord, Mahgzoor Rockhand descended on the city of Ojwambu and forced their people to retreat across the mountains to the Alik'r Desert, while Derik Hallin, the last Ansei stood alone to defend the city. While they evacuated, Hallin's students constantly drilled the Book of Circles into the people. Queen Ojwa led her citizens through a secret path to the Alik'r. After Derik Hallin had managed to defeat the warlord at the cost of his life, Queen Ojwa led her new army of sword-singing warriors to defeat the Endwise Army.[101]

The Alik'r in the Late First and Second Era[edit]

King Fahara'jad of Antiphyllos
The Palace of Sentinel, where the Crowns moved from Hegathe

In the late First Era, the Thrassian Plague had made landfall in Hammerfell via the old capital, Hegathe[102] and traveled up north into the Alik'r Desert. The Crowns of Salas En were effectively wiped out by the middle twenty-third century,[25] while the population in the Iliac Bay at large radically decreased.[102] Only nobles in Sentinel and other kingdoms were able to escape it by making safe passage to the Isle of Balfiera.[103]:6

At roughly around the same time, a woman named Afsar ascended as a Queen of Alik'r when she quelled the civil unrest that came about after her predecessor died without an heir. She killed any opposition to the throne, and despite the bloody circumstances, her reign was peaceful.[87] Upon the arrival of the Second Empire, the Redguards formed two parties to administrate the newly-named Imperial Province of Hammerfell.[5]

The Crowns were established from the previous Na-Totambu and settled themselves in the Alik'r Desert via Bergama, Lainlyn, and other states in the north, while the Forebears, descendants of the Ra Gada based themselves in Sentinel.[8] Concurrent with the annexation, the Dragonguard built one of their temples in the Alik'r Desert, namely Wind Scour Temple underneath HoonDing's Watch.[104][105] The Phyllocid Dynasty ruled over the province during this time from Hegathe[106] but at some point in the Interregnum, the capital was moved to Sentinel by the High King.[5]

By the mid-sixth century of the Second Era, Sentinel was ruled by High King Ramzi the Distrait but as the Knahaten Flu took hold in 2E 560, the land devolved into chaos and the king sealed himself away in Samaruik. In the wake of it all, Prince Fahara'jad of Antiphyllos arrived from Bergama and named himself King of all of Hammerfell. The southern rulers resisted his claim and rumors spread of a Forebears plot, but with support from the north and other Forebears, Fahara'jad was able to restore Sentinel to its previous glory.[17] The new King of Sentinel assembled a circle of advisors, some of whom were Forebears that openly opposed Ramzi's reign. One of these viziers was Suturah, who orchestrated an assassination plot by killing all of the King's other advisors and resurrecting them to attack. Though Fahara'jad escaped, so did Suturah, who fled into the Deep Desert and created an army of Ra-Netu to sack Sentinel.[19]

Controversially to the south, Fahara'jad personally requested help from the Ash'abah, at the time led by Headman Marimah. Though the terms of this alliance are unknown, Marimah defeated the undead army and killed Suturah. To the public, the King attributed their defeat to divine intervention, while keeping his pact with the Ash'abah a secret.[19] In the time since then, he married Za-Rifah of Taneth and had three children, Maraya the Jewel of Satakalaam, Lakana the Star of the Almandine, and Azah the Lion of Antiphyllos and Crown Prince.[107]

In 2E 566, Princess Maraya married High King Emeric of High Rock and thus inducted Fahara'jad's kingdom into the Daggerfall Covenant. The Covenant had also brought in the Orcs of Wrothgar, despite protest from nobles of Rivenspire and Crowns of the Alik'r region.[108] Much of northern Hammerfell, including Hallin's Stand in Bangkorai stood with the Covenant while outer territories remained distrustful.[17][108] Although the Redguards were least represented in the alliance, the Covenant benefitted greatly by using the shipyards of Tava's Blessing to supply the navy for example.[60][61]

The Withered Hand and the Ansei Wards[edit]

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The Alik'r and the Third Empire[edit]

Wind Scour Temple, the Blades hideout in the Alik'r
Map of the Alik'r Desert ca. 3E 405

Well after King Fahara'jad's reign, the Crowns regained their High Kingship in Sentinel, with the last of their line being Thassad II.[5] In an attempt to strike peace, Baron Volag of Sentinel's outlying territories struck an accord with Thassad II that lasted until the latter's death in 2E 862.[109]:25[5]

By the fifth century of the Third Era, the Alik'r Desert interior was considered an unconquered territory[110] while the coast and certain landlock nations like Antiphyllos, Bergama, and Santaki were separate political regions.[12] The Temple of Stendarr was the main temple and the city of Alik'ra was the provincial capital of the northern wastes, although no ruler laid claim to the region. Despite its large size, the region's settlements were sparsely spread across it but amongst there were several other cities; namely, Agogurana, Anteliiga, Berbaaqnia, Ceranda-Kom, Ceriburea, Isfunnusa, Kaloguja, Mettula, Mogandaton, Ramoaweyn, Rhogila, and Tsetissiara.[111]

The political landscape in the Iliac Bay had drastically changed in 3E 417 with the Miracle of Peace. This magical intervention transformed the many nations, including unconquered territories like the Alik'r into four Imperial counties made from the four kingdoms. It occurred between the 9th of Frostfall and the 11th of Frostfall, within the span of a second. A Blades agent who was stationed in the Alik'r Desert and en route to Bergama reported that a ginormous sandstorm blew across the land and by the end of it, the Sentinel, under Queen Akorithi took control of not just the barony, but the entire southern Iliac Bay. While former independent countries in northern Hammerfell became apart of Sentinel,[110] it is unknown how much of northern Alik'r was absorbed by the kingdom as by the end of the Third Era, it sat between the Alik'r and the Iliac Bay.[UOL 2]

Queen Akorithi and her heir apparent, Greklith passed away from a plague,[112] leaving the Kingdom of Sentinel with the youngest sibling, Lhotun. Although he now reigned as one of the strongest kings in the Third Empire,[110] much of these lands were Crown territories. The king went to great lengths to keep them under his wing and his main solution to this was the creation of the Lhotunic party that took aspects of both the Forebears and the Crowns. Many figures from both factions took issue with this, namely the High Prophet of Elinhir, Ayaan-si, who called upon the True Crowns to wage war against Sentinel and even had forays built on Bergama and Dak'fron's borders. What became of this war is unknown, nor how it was affected by the Oblivion Crisis.[8]

On the 30th of Frostfall, 4E 171, the Great War erupted throughout Cyrodiil and Hammerfell. The Alik'r Desert was a central location in the war, starting with the March of Thirst. The province's southern coast was swarmed by the Aldmeri Dominion and the outnumbered Imperial Legion retreated across the desert, hence the name, the March of Thirst. Prior to the war, a Thalmor ambassador approached Emperor Titus Mede II with an ultimatum, to which the Emperor rejected.[11]

One of the stipulations of the ultimatum was the Blades' disbandment, but despite the Emperor's unwillingness to dissolve the Blades, the Thalmor were quick to hunt them during the Great War. Many of them died defending their temples, such as Wind Scour Temple in the Alik'r Desert.[104] While the Crowns and Forebears reconciled and secured Hegathe, Lady Arannelya's main army crossed the Alik'r Desert and barely took the city of Skaven from the Legion led by General Decianus. When the General was called back to the Imperial City in late 4E 174, he left behind a contingent of "invalid" soldiers that formed the core of the army that retook Skaven and forced Arannelya back across the Alik'r. En route, they faced heavy losses and constant harassment from Alik'r warriors.[11]

Notable Locations[edit]

Alik'ra, capital of the Alik'r region
Alik'ra
The walled capital of the political Alik'r region, found just northwest of Bergama's border.
Bergama
A large city and small barony historically owned by the Crowns. It is a sanctuary in the harsh Alik'r environment.
Leki's Blade
An outpost in the Hollow Wastes, where people train and practice the Ra Gada's martial tradition.
Lost City of the Na-Totambu
A city named after the lost Yokudan capital, later buried in a great sandstorm and abandoned.
Salas En
An ancient city originally built by elves of the Merethic Era and later occupied by the Yokudans of Yath.
Sentinel
The largest city on the lush coast bordering the Alik'r Desert, as well as the capital of Hammerfell, the Forebears, and the eponymous kingdom.
Tu'whacca's Throne
A large temple dedicated to the Redguard deity of the same name. It is where the Redguards' most honored ancestors and heroes are buried.
Volenfell
The former capital of the Rourken Clan of Dwemer, where their hammer fell from across the continent.
Wind Scour Temple
A Dragonguard temple hidden under the great expanse of the Alik'r.

Gallery[edit]

  • Bergama (Daggerfall)

  • Bergama (ESO)

  • Aswala Stables (ESO)

  • Kulati Mines, in central Alik'r (ESO)

  • Alik'r Bandit (Legends)

  • Alik'r Survivalist (Legends)

See Also[edit]

Books[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Saadia's dialogue in Skyrim
  2. ^ Kematu's dialogue in Skyrim
  3. ^ Enchanting hireling dialogue in ESO
  4. ^ Alik'ri Alcove in ESO: Imperial City
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: Hammerfell — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
  6. ^ a b The Alik'r — Enric Milres
  7. ^ a b c Alik'r Desert in ESO
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition: The Ra Gada: Hammerfell — Imperial Geographical Society, 3E 432
  9. ^ Map of West Tamriel – The Elder Scrolls Adventurers: Redguard
  10. ^ Map of Hammerfell – Pocket Guide to the Empire (1st Edition)
  11. ^ a b c The Great War — Legate Justianus Quintius
  12. ^ a b c d Map of the Iliac Bay (labeled) – The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
  13. ^ Map of Tamriel – The Elder Scrolls Online
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h Sentinel, the Jewel of Alik'r — The Unveiled Azadiyeh, Songbird of Satakalaam
  15. ^ a b c Climate map of Illiac Bay
  16. ^ a b The Na-Totambu of Yokuda
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h i The Improved Emperor's Guide to Tamriel: Hammerfell — Flaccus Terentius, 2E 581
  18. ^ a b Ask Us Anything: Daggerfall Covenant (Part 1)
  19. ^ a b c Sacrilege and Mayhem in the Alik'r — Doctor Tazhim of the Bureau of Outlander Affairs
  20. ^ a b The Initiation story quest in ESO
  21. ^ a b c d Alik'r dungeons in Daggerfall
  22. ^ Barbarian description in Morrowind
  23. ^ Santaki loading screen text in ESO
  24. ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: High Rock — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
  25. ^ a b c d The Salas En Expedition — Lady Clarisse Laurent
  26. ^ Bangkorai, Shield of High Rock — King Eamond
  27. ^ Sandgrubber Tribe in ESO
  28. ^ Kyne's Challenge: A Hunter's Companion — David S. J. Hodgson
  29. ^ Lamias of Craglorn — Theoderic Peron
  30. ^ a b c d Holidays of the Iliac Bay — Theth-i
  31. ^ Koomu Alezer'i holiday description in Daggerfall
  32. ^ The Improved Emperor's Guide to Tamriel: High Rock — Flaccus Terentius, 2E 581
  33. ^ Ghraewaj — Tidasus
  34. ^ Serpent's Dance holiday description in Daggerfall
  35. ^ a b c Redguards, History and Heroes — Destri Melarg
  36. ^ Dirij Tereur holiday description in Daggerfall
  37. ^ Festival of Blades holiday description in Daggerfall
  38. ^ The 26th of First Seed is Upon Us!
  39. ^ a b c d Throne Keeper Farvad's dialogue in ESO
  40. ^ Baranth Do holiday description in Daggerfall
  41. ^ Fiery Night holiday description in Daggerfall
  42. ^ Ovank'a holiday description in Daggerfall
  43. ^ a b Varieties of Faith, The Forebears — Brother Mikhael Karkuxor of the Imperial College
  44. ^ Temple of Stendarr in Daggerfall
  45. ^ a b Legend of the Yokudan Chargers — Honnorah af-Lahreq
  46. ^ Lady Honnorah af-Lahreq Answers Your Questions — Lady Honnorah af-Lahreq
  47. ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: The Wild Regions — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
  48. ^ The Ebon Arm — Witten Rol
  49. ^ Fighters Trainers in Daggerfall
  50. ^ Citadel of Ebonarm in Daggerfall
  51. ^ Reverence for the Dead — Brother Opilio Congonius
  52. ^ General Thoda's dialogue in ESO
  53. ^ a b c Rahama's dialogue in ESO
  54. ^ From Old Life To New — Botjolf Meadwarmer
  55. ^ Pomegranate Distiller treasure text in ESO
  56. ^ Recipe from Desert Delicacies
  57. ^ Alik'r Shrieking Cheese emote description in ESO
  58. ^ Cheeses of Tamriel — Master Chef Gilbard Larocque
  59. ^ Alik'r Beets with Goat Cheese in ESO
  60. ^ a b Strakes and Futtocks — Curly Lainlyn, Master Shipwright
  61. ^ a b Meriq's dialogue in ESO
  62. ^ Impervious Vault loading screen text in ESO
  63. ^ The Impervious Vault story quest in ESO
  64. ^ Wind and Sand — Afa-Saryat
  65. ^ Alik'r Survival for Outsiders
  66. ^ a b Overseer Jahi's dialogue in ESO
  67. ^ Moon-Sugar in the March
  68. ^ Hegathe Divining Rod antiquity codex entries in ESO: Greymoor
  69. ^ Amethyst Mining in the Alik'r — Ezdwelen al-Rihad
  70. ^ Kulati Mines loading screen text in ESO
  71. ^ Coldrock Diggings loading screen text in ESO
  72. ^ Sandblown Mine loading screen text in ESO
  73. ^ Anthotis in Daggerfall
  74. ^ The Witches of the Marsh in Daggerfall
  75. ^ The Dragon War — Torhal Bjorik
  76. ^ Balgruuf the Greater's dialogue in Skyrim
  77. ^ Daggerfall User's Guide
  78. ^ Day of Waiting holiday description in Daggerfall
  79. ^ A Betrayal of Our Heritage — "Nworc at-Traeh"
  80. ^ Antique Map of Alik'r Desert codex entry in ESO
  81. ^ Goat's Head Oasis in ESO
  82. ^ Ogre's Bluff in ESO
  83. ^ a b Alik'r Desert fish catches in ESO
  84. ^ Divad the Singer — Destri Melarg
  85. ^ Loremaster's Archive - Bretons & High Isle — Lady Arabelle
  86. ^ Armin's dialogue in ESO
  87. ^ a b c Ramati at-Gar's dialogue in ESO
  88. ^ Shrine to Divad Hunding
  89. ^ a b Ansei Shrine
  90. ^ a b c d Epode of the Ansei Wards — Weltan of Sentinel
  91. ^ Lost City of the Na-Totambu loading screen text in ESO
  92. ^ The Ballad of Navid the Singer
  93. ^ Azei at-Owynok's dialogue in ESO
  94. ^ Magistrate Sulma's dialogue in ESO
  95. ^ Castles and Coffers Volume III: Hel Ra Citadel
  96. ^ Na-Totambu Two-Finger Gauntlet antiquity codex entries in ESO: Greymoor
  97. ^ Ash'abah Pass loading screen text in ESO
  98. ^ Prince Haqmir's dialogue in ESO
  99. ^ a b c King Fahara'jad's dialogue in ESO
  100. ^ Rada al-Saran's dialogue in ESO: Markarth
  101. ^ The True-Told Tale of Hallin, Pt 2
  102. ^ a b 1. The Thrassian Plague
  103. ^ The Daggerfall Chronicles — Ronald Wartow
  104. ^ a b The Rise and Fall of the Blades — Anonymous
  105. ^ Sai Sahan's dialogue in ESO
  106. ^ The Worthy Ar-Azal, His Deeds
  107. ^ The Royal Lineage of Sentinel
  108. ^ a b Guide to the Daggerfall Covenant
  109. ^ The Origin of Cyrus! — Michael Kirkbride
  110. ^ a b c The Warp in the West — Ulvius Tero
  111. ^ Alik'r in Daggerfall
  112. ^ Night Falls on Sentinel — Boali

Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.

  1. ^ a b The Song of Divad — Destri Melarg
  2. ^ Ted Peterson's Posts in Campaign 13/War of the Wormgod – Loranna's RP
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