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From dragons to Daedric Princes to the assassins of the Dark Brotherhood, there is no shortage of magic and mystery in The Elder Scrolls series. The lands on the continent of Tamriel have a deeply varied history across its numerous territories. InThe Elder Scrolls Online, you can travel to almost every corner of the continent, and even beyond.
Much of the conflict in Tamriel comes from the continuous fighting for control of the central Imperial City in Cyrodiil. Within the province of Cyrodiil, there are several places that players may be familiar with, such as the region called Colovia.
Where Is Colovia In Tamriel?
Coloviais an area in Tamriel that islocated in the west of Cyrodiil, the central province on the continent. It is also known as the Colovian West or the Imperial West.
Colovia borders both Hammerfell to the northwest, and Valenwood to the south.Within the Colovian area, there are multiple different regions:
Main City
Colovian Highlands
The heartland of Colovian culture, this hilly and forested region protects the rest of Colovia from the harsh desert of Hammerfell.
West Weald
The open countryside of the West Weald has an agricultural focus, and there are numerous homesteads along the Gold Road.
Gold Coast
The western coastline of Cyrodiil is next to the Abecean Sea, and is the end of the Gold Road.
Jerall Mountains
This mountain range that separates the northern Colovian areas from Skyrim.
The Great Forest
These woodlands border central Cyrodiil, and contain Ayeleid ruins andvarious Daedric Shrines.
What Is The Gold Road?
TheGold Road is a trade route that runs between the Imperial City in Cyrodiil and the port city of Anvilin the region of Colovia. It passes through Skingrad and Kvatch as well. As a highly traveled trade route, there arenumerous settlements and farms along the Gold Road.
It is one of many main roads that connect different cities and regions around Cyrodiil. Some of these include theRed Ring Roadaround the Imperial City, the northernSilver Roadthat connects to Bruma, and the westernBlack Roadthat connects to Chorrol in the Colovian Highlands.
What Is The West Weald?
TheWest Weald is a region in the southwest of Cyrodiil, and borders against the provinces of Valenwood and Elsweyr. To its west is the Gold Coast, and to its east is the Niban Bay.
In Cyrodiil,the West Weald is known for its rolling hills and open countryside. You’d be able to find vineyards, farms, and other agricultural homesteads.
A Brief History Of Colovia
The regions in and aroundColoviaused to beinhabited bythe ancient Ayleids. This race of elves were the dominant rulers of the time, and had control over the areas surrounding Cyrodiil. Afterthe Alessian Slave Rebellion in the First Era, the Alessian Empire rose to power instead.
During the early history of Colovia,Skingrad and Kvatch were some of the first kingdom cities to be established. King Rislav Larich of Skingrad eventually rebelled against the Alessian Empire to push back against the Alessian Order’s religious agenda.
TheImperials of Cyrodiil are divided into two main cultural groups: The Colovians and the Nibanese. TheColovians of the Westand theNibanese of the Easthave their differences, and generally have a history of rivalry.
The Colovian Imperials are known to be hardworking people of the frontier, and have apenchant for training and combat. They have strong Nordic ancestry, andthe primary religion Colovians follow is the Aedra worship of the Eight Divines.
Therulers of Cyrodiilalso usually came from the Colovian region.
Throughout Tamriel’s history,the Colovian Estatesrefers to themajor kingdoms and governments throughout the Colovian region, but has also at one point included the city of Falkreath in southern Skyrim.
Various conflicts and wars would be fought over control of Cyrodiil over the Eras, and attempts were made to unify Tamriel under a single empire.
Duringthe Alliance War in the Second Era, the Daggerfall Covenant, Aldmeri Dominion, and Ebonheart Pact vied for control of the Imperial City. Fighting spilled over into the Colovian region.
Later,Tiber Septim, also known as Talos, aGeneral of the Colovian Estates, was famously one such leader who wanted to unite the continent. He ultimately became worshiped as a hero god.
Inthe Third Era, Emperor Uriel Septim VII was assassinated, and the subsequentOblivion Crisis allowed the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon to try and invade Tamriel.
Thanks to the actions of the Hero of Kvatch,the Oblivion Gates throughout Colovia and Cyrodiil were destroyed.
Colovia In ESO
Parts of Colovia are explorable in The Elder Scrolls Online.The Dark Brotherhood DLC takes place along the Gold Coast of Cyrodiil, in Colovian territory.
TheWest Weald is another regional zone in the Gold Road chapter for ESO. After being hidden by Hermaeus Mora,the forgotten Daedric Prince Itheliahas followers doing her bidding in the West Weald.
Mysterious geographical changes have led tothe jungles of Valenwood growing out into Colovia, creating an area that is known as theDawnwood. The mysteries of both Ithelia and the creeping jungle will be explored in the Gold Road chapter.
