User blog:Bjorn Yngol/Hypothesis Adamantine Tower

Hello.

Following the recent TES VI announcement, we have decided to take a stab at the location of the game. As per popular opinion, we've matched the conclusion of many that the most likely location of the game is Hammerfell (more specifically, the Iliac Bay area, as seen from the trailer). This conclusion was reached through topography and geographical analysis of the trailer in great detail, while also examining loose lore threads linking landmarks from the video to the region. The reasons which led to our conclusion will be listed in further detail below.

Coastline :

From the trailer, three distinct points jut out from the coast (as seen in figure 1). These are seen to correspond with the northwestern Hammerfell coastline with the Iliac bay, seen in the map of Tamriel in figure 2.



I have seen this also pointed out by other people and agree with the idea.



Shadows:

The sun in the trailer is seen to be either setting or rising. If the sun were to be rising, this would indicate the Eastern coast of Tamriel which implies either Morrowind or Black Marsh, which is highly unlikely given the terrain. From the shadows cast on the ruined tower most visible, the most clear indication is that the sun is setting. Following this judgement, it continues to reassure the Western coast of Tamriel and therefore, Hammerfell (See figure 3 for shadows confirmation).

Town:

The same town which gives the indication for the shadow theory above, can also be determined through lore. The town of Azra's crossing is a small town in Hammerfell. Its name is derived from the wizard Azra Nightwielder "who created a massive crater in the area when he lost control of his Shadow Magic" (http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Azra%27s_Crossing). This seems to be the only town in the lore which most closely corresponds to the one shown in the trailer.

Mountains:

Another notable feature in the trailer is the mountainous region and more importantly, the mountains in the very background. Following our theory, it would lead us to conclude that the mountains seen are most likely the Dragontail Mountains, shown more clearly in the map in figure 4.

The map, as can be seen, is slightly tilted and North is not directly upwards. Combining this with figure 2 above, we can safely assume the direction of travel of the camera; southwestern in nature. This, in combination with the position of the mountains, leaves the only option that the trailer is set just east of the Dragontail Mountains, in the region of Laynlyn or Satakalaan. The positioning of the mountains can be confirmed from the figure.

Topography:

Hammerfell, especiall the north-western region consists of mainly desert. This is not visible from the trailer but recognizing that this area is on the border with High Rock, it is safe to assume that the two terrains would meld together to form a low grassy, rocky terrain, commonly known as a gargiue ecosystem. This ecosystem is commonly seen in arid areas with shallow soil, geographically found in places such as Mediterranean islands (i.e. between desert climates and temperate climates). A prime example of such a terrain is shown in figure 5, in an image taken in the country of Malta.

This concludes our analysis of the teaser trailer for definining the location of The Elder Scrolls 6.

Following 4 years of speculation and research (yes, 4 yEaRs), our initial thoughts for the location were either in Black Marsh or Valenwood, mainly for the mystery surrounding their towers and dubious inactivity which is the foundation of our lore discussion to follow. This hypothesis is clearly incorrect for the reasons above and has led us to look into our old research once more. Having now new leads, we have been able to further confirm the possibility of Hammerfell as a location for the game.

Some background around the Towers is needed. These Towers are physical structures created by the Aedra at the beginning of the Merethic era. They are the pillars with which Nirn remains in existence. The "Prophecy of the Dragonborn" is seen at the end of "The Book of the Dragonborn", as well as on Alduin's wall. This prophecy seems to list the towers which have previously been encountered and deactivated in the Elder Scrolls games, but do not mention the Towers which are only mentioned in lore. These are the Brass Tower or Numidium, a huge humanoid golem made by the Dwemer, the Red Tower, which is the Red Mountain on Vvardenfell, the White Tower in the Imperial City and the Snow Tower, which is the Throat of the World in Skyrim. Ones mentioned in lore include the Crystal Tower (Summerset Isles), the Hist (Black Marsh), the Orichalc Tower (Yokuda) and Adamantine Tower (Isle of Balfiera). The other towers mentioned in the lore are all deactivated or their status is questionable. However, the Adamantine Tower is known to be the last active one and was the first one to be created. The stone of this tower is the Zero Stone/Convention and is said to be located within the Tower. Needless to say, these Towers are vital for the continuation of the existence of Nirn and their presence has been felt in the background of each game. It is safe to assume that this, being the last Tower, might become much more prominent in the main questline of the Elder Scrolls VI.

The Thalmor, being a very proud sect of High Elves, believe in their right to become gods. Their attempt at reaching this state is through the destruction of Nirn from its foundations i.e. the Towers. During the Great War, the Thalmor were at war with the Empire, which at the time controlled the regions of Cyrodiil, Skyrim and High Rock. The Thalmor, seeking to gain foothold in the war, already controlled Valenwood, Elsweyr and their home, the Summerset Isles, advanced into Cyrodiil and Hammerfell. Their goal for Hammerfell, knowing that they could not fight a war on two fronts, was to only occupy its Southern coast, which it accomplished. The Imperial City was soon taken and the White-Gold Concordat signed, keeping all the land that they had won. This gave them a clear avenue into Skyrim, being able to deactivate and attack the Snow Tower, as per the "Prophecy of the Dragonborn" (TES V main plotline). With the southern coast of Hammerfell under Thalmor rule, and the two strongest provinces of Cyrodiil and Skyrim severly weaked by war and civil strife, the Thalmor had a clear opportunity to begin to land and focus on Hammerfell. With the Adamantine tower under House Direnni of Hammerfell, the Thamor might be seeking to deactivate the last known active Tower on Tamriel and fulfill their godly goal.

One more aspect to maybe take from in-game knowledge is from the quest "In My Time of Need", a Redguard woman is being pursued by the Aldmeri Dominion for speaking out against them and betraying the city of Taneth. This could mean that the Aldmeri Dominion are being very defensive of their position in Hammerfell, showing the great importance of their hold in the province.

With these ideas in mind, the fact that the general opinion for the TES VI's location is in Hammerfell, it might be assumed to tackle the plotline of the Towers in the main questline. Upon the success of the Thalmor plot, Nirn should cease to exist, possibly symbolised by the shadows of the "setting" sun in the trailer. This could possibly be the end of the TES series, but we obviously cannot fully confirm and hope that we are wrong.

I would like to known your opinions on our research. Credits to Thark Stoneskull for our joint "little" project.

Hope you have an awesome day. Keep slayin' dem dragons.