Morag Tong



The Morag Tong is a secret society within the continent of Tamriel, and is based in - and largely operationally restricted to - the Province of Morrowind and the island of Solstheim. Interestingly, in order to accord with Imperial law relating to Guilds and Fraternal Organizations, all official documents, including Writs, making reference to the Tong and that they must use the name "Morag Tong Guild" to indicate the legal status of the organization. As "Tong" means guild in the Dunmer language, the usage "Morag Tong Guild" translates to "Forester's Guild Guild." They worship the Daedric Prince Mephala.

Origin
The Morag Tong is quite unique in Tamriel, as it is the only legally sanctioned organization for assassins. It was said to have been founded by the Daedric Prince Mephala. In Dunmeri legends, she teaches the early Chimer nomads, who were emigrating from Summerset Isles, how to evade their adversaries and destroy them with conspiracy and secret plots of murder, his/her "sphere of influence" upon Morrowind being conspiracies and secrets. A small faction of Chimer continued to adhere to these principles, and, thus, the Morag Tong was born.

As a means of resolving conflicts of such a grievous nature between Chimer groups that no other course of action was appropriate, the Chimer were to approach the Morag Tong and offer money for an "honorable execution". Because of its official sanction, the Morag Tong has the authority to print legal bills known as "Writs of Execution," which excuse a guild agent of all legal misgiving associated with any Morag Tong related business. These writs are to be presented to any arresting guard or soldier, and immediately and completely absolve the assassin for the murder. As such, Morag Tong executioners are expected to give themselves up immediately following an execution even if the death itself would have remained a mystery, in order to legally absolve themselves and avert any possible long-term ramifications. Executioners who fail to do so are considered suspect by their order and may be subject to major internal investigations, as the Morag Tong does not harbor criminals. Note also that other crimes committed in the completion of an assignment are not excused by a writ — for example, theft or secondary killings.

The Splintering of the Morag Tong
Although the Morag Tong is a society of murder and assassination, they have strict internal laws and ways of governing themselves. Early in the history of the order a splinter group broke away, calling itself The Dark Brotherhood, who turned from the original intent of the society: to prevent massive bloodshed with selectively calculated killings. The Brotherhood transformed into a "death cult," turning from the original worship of the patron Mephala to the worship of Sithis, the avatar of death. Their matron became the Night Mother, an old woman supposed to be fervently loyal to their Dread Father, Sithis. Their murders were no longer motivated by altruism; they weren't even motivated by money. They frequently abducted innocents, whose souls served as sacrifices in Daedric and Necromantic ceremonies.

Criticisms
Since its creation, to the outside world, the people of Morrowind, the Morag Tong has become less of a sacred institution and more of a secularized enterprise of revenge. This is largely because of the Dunmeri abandonment of Daedra worship. The Morag Tong resents this fact, still taking its role as upholder of traditional Dunmeri law very seriously, and feels, on the whole, that its services are undervalued: anyone with a minor grievance and enough wealth can order the murder of another person because the Morag Tong, taking their traditional role as the impartial middle-man, is always obliged to accept the contract.

Outer Operations
Although the Morag Tong is largely restricted to activity within Morrowind Province, due to the fact that no other Imperial governments recognize them as a legal faction, this does not mean that fleeing Morrowind will protect a target. Tong executioners have been known to track their prey all across Tamriel, thanks in part to an extensive network of informants and contacts maintained by the Guild. For example, the Mehrunes' Razor mini-expansion to offers a chance to encounter a Morag Tong Assassin who has been captured while hunting a target in Cyrodiil. However, the Dark Brotherhood has a monopoly on illegal assassination outside of Morrowind, and Brotherhood assassins have been known to abduct Tong agents wherever they find them.

Fall
Through in-game dialogue with Ravyn Imyan, it is stated that the Morag Tong was dissolved after the eruption of Red Mountain in the Fourth Era. They apparently made a pact to eventually reunite somewhere in Tamriel, but Ravyn states he doesn't believe it to be anytime soon.

Joining the Morag Tong
The Nerevarine joins this guild after finding their secret base of operations in Vivec, Arena hidden area, then later becomes the Grandmaster of the Guild.

Guildhalls
They have Guilds located in the cities Balmora, Ald'Ruhn, Vivec and Sadrith Mora.

Writs

 * Writ for Ferurern Oran
 * Writ for Odaishah Yasalmibaal
 * Writ for Toris Saren
 * Writ for Sarayn Sadus
 * Writ for Ethal Seloth and Idroso Vendu
 * Writ for Guril Retheran
 * Writ for Galasa Uvayn
 * Writ for Mavon Drenim
 * Writ for Tirer Belvayn
 * Writ for Mathyn Bemis
 * Writ for Brilnosu Llarys
 * Writ for Navil and Ranes Ienith

Eno Hlaalu's Quests

 * Threads of the Webspinner
 * A Contact in the Dark Brotherhood
 * Belt of Sanguine Fleetness
 * Ultimatum for Movis Darys
 * Ultimatum for Carecalmo
 * Ring of Sanguine Sublime Wisdom
 * Execute Durus Marius
 * Execute Severa Magia
 * Grandmaster

Grandmaster Writs

 * Writ for Larrius Varro
 * Writ for Baladas Demnevanni
 * Writ for Dram Bero
 * Writ for Mistress Therana

Oblivion
In, there is one appearance of the Morag Tong. During the "Unearthing Mehrunes' Razor" quest, an assassin of the Morag Tong can be encountered. He has a set of unique armor that can only be acquired here.

Dragonborn
The Morag Tong make a reappearance in the add-on during the side quest "Served Cold" in which they are encountered as enemies. The Morag Tong may also be met as a random encounter with one of them carrying a Writ of Execution with the Dragonborn's name on it as a member of an illegal organization, i.e., The Dark Brotherhood.

Trivia

 * In  the player is able to do work for the Morag Tong. This is done through the Writs of Execution given to the player by the quest-giver in their guild hall of sorts, which is found in the Arena Canalworks of Vivec.
 * Many people in the world of The Elder Scrolls believe the Dark Brotherhood and Morag Tong to be the same thing; despite both being assassin organizations, this is not the case. In fact, both factions are actually rivals. In truth, the original members of the Dark Brotherhood broke off from the Morag Tong very early on. It is said that the Night Mother herself was a member of the Morag Tong.

Appearances


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