Cheydinhal

Template:City infobox

"The first impression of the visitor to Cheydinhal is of broad green parklands, graceful willows along the banks of the Corbolo, neatly groomed gardens and flowering shrubs. Cheydinhal looks prosperous, with clean, well-trimmed houses and neat stonework, ornamented with striking designs in glass, metal, and wood. But what lurks beneath this pleasing appearance? Crime! Scandal! Corruption! Though Cheydinhal lies in the Nibenean East, its culture is shaped by the Dark Elf immigrants who emigrated here in the past half century from Morrowind."

―Alessia Ottus

Cheydinhal is one of the nine major counties in the province of Cyrodiil, being the capital of both the Nibenay Basin and the County Cheydinhal. Cheydinhal is the cultural center of the Dark Elves in the Imperial Province, with architecture influenced by Morrowind. Many Dunmer live in Cheydinhal because of the city's proximity to their homeland.

By game

• Cheydinhal (Oblivion)
• Cheydinhal (Online)

Description

Geography

Cheydinhal is a walled-off city situated on the foothills of the Valus Mountains and on the Cyrodilic end of the Blue Road that runs towards Morrowind. It is the capital of the Nibenay Basin, which extends to the Jerall Mountains in the north and to the tributaries of the Panther River, as well as the capital of County Cheydinhal, which takes up the surrounding area. Cheydinhal is built around a tributary of the Corbolo River, which is due south of the city. Cheydinhal consists of three distinct districts. To the north is Castle Cheydinhal, which is comprised of the inner courtyard, the open park, and the road leading up to the castle. To the west is the Market District, which contains the Western Gate towards Cyrodiil. The Blue Road runs through the main street of the Market District, which then continues to a bridge that leads to the Eastern Gate towards Morrowind. Another road goes south from the main street, where it leads to the local Fighters Guild, Mages Guild, and a set of businesses. The lower Corbolo tributary has an insignificant island on it, which hosts festivals and other activities. The eastern area is known as the Chapel District, which connects to the Market through bridges over the river. Most of the residential homes are located here, as well as the Great Chapel of Arkay. Hidden away here is the Cheydinhal Sanctuary, of the Dark Brotherhood.

Traditions

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The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate the New Life Festival on the 1st of Morning Star. It is a day of celebration where the drinks are free and people party in the streets all day. It is a day of merriment. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate the South Wind's Prayer on the 15th of Morning Star. It is a day to pray to the gods for a bountiful harvest. It is also for citizens who cannot afford to be healed at the local temple, instead asking to be healed directly by the gods. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate Heart's Day on the 16th of Sun's Dawn. It is in honor of a legend passed down from generation to generation about a couple named Polydor and Eloisa. Every inn in Tamriel becomes free for visitors arriving into town. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate the First Planting on the 7th of First Seed. It is the day that begins the harvest, where neighbors reconcile their differences, bad habits are dropped, and the clerics heal people for free. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate Jester's Day on the 28th of Rain's Hand. The holiday’s purpose is unknown, likely to celebrate the Daedric Prince of Madness and Whimsicality, Sheogorath. It is a day for people to play pranks on each other and to enjoy themselves. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate the Second Planting on the 7th of Second Seed. The holiday is identical to the First Planting, which is to improve one’s soul and relationships with others. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate the Mid Year Celebration on the 16th of Mid Year. It is a day meant to distract everyone from the increased taxes. The people celebrate the halfway mark of the year, where many warriors feel blessed and venture to dungeons they normally could not defeat. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate the Merchant's Festival on the 10th of Sun's Height. The holiday is for the consumers in the marketplace. Traders and Gypsies drop the prices of their stock. The only place that does not celebrate it is the Mages Guild. This is the same day as the Summoning of Boethiah. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate Sun's Rest on the 20th of Sun's Height. The workers of Tamriel take a day to relax, so businesses across town are closed in observance of this day. Some people have to leave the province to actually buy something. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate Harvest's End on the 27th of Last Seed. It is the final day of the harvest, and it is where the people eat the crops they have grown since the First Planting. Travelers are given the option to join a farmer’s family for a feast. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate Tales and Tallows on the 3rd of Hearthfire. It is a day of superstition where the elderly do not speak for an entire day, in fear of evil spirits entering their body. The Mages of Tamriel favor this day since it is a day to study the oldest forms of magic. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate the Witches' Festival on the 13th of Frostfall. On this day, creepy ghouls and creatures of the night gather to terrorize the denizens of Tamriel. Many do not dare to wander the streets at night, in fear of being nabbed by a creature. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate the Warriors Festival on the 20th of Sun's Dusk. It is a day where many warriors gather to practice their fighting skills. Travelers buy weapons in stores, where prices are cut in half. Young children foolishly buy weapons only to stab themselves by mistake. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate the North Wind's Prayer on the 15th of Evening Star. It serves as a thanksgiving to the gods for the year's harvest. It is a day when the local temples heal and bless anyone for a lower price. The Imperials of Cheydinhal celebrate the Old Life Festival on the 31st of Evening Star. It is a day of rest, where many leave the events of the passing year behind and reflect their past. They rest in preparation for the New Life Festival.

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The Imperials of Cyrodiil celebrate Pelinal's Midyear Massacre on the 16th of Mid Year ever since Pelinal Whitestrake's victory over the Ayleids, specifically at the Bridge of Heldon. Around this time, the Imperial spirit has never been higher with the Blessing of Whitestrike.

• The Dark Elves of Morrowind celebrate Saint Jiub's Fair, which commemorates the achievements of Saint Jiub, who had slain the Cliff Racers of Vvardenfell, fighting them for two days. He was anoited to Sainthood by Vivec, being dubbed Saint Jiub the Eradicator.

History

First Era

The Great House Tharn & their History

The Imperials of House Tharn have been instrumental in the history of Cyrodiil, having a history in the Cheydinhal region, even before the city's inception. The earliest Tharn ancestor, Tharanus Ye Redde-Hand, was a slave overseer in the Ayleid city-state of Fanacas. Another Tharn, Fervidius Tharn, was the Arch-Prelate of the Marukhati Selective sometime around 1E 1188 until his undisclosed death. In the aftermath of the War of Righteousness, Turpis Tharn became the Earl of Outer Cheydinhal and acquired the family holdings in the city-state. Turpis would go on to marry the niece of Bendu Olo of the All Flags Navy, further establishing House Tharn's presence in the Imperial Province. As time went on, House Tharn had a significant presence in the Imperial City and the Elder Council, with Regulus Tharn bringing back the tradition of Imperial Battlemages and Excoraeus Tharn being Emperor Kastav's Minister of Punition.

Second Era

Main article: Cheydinhal (Online)

The War-Torn Province; the Cheydinhal Rebellion

During the Interregnum in 2E 582, the city-state of Cheydinhal was in ruin and divided by the people and the Imperial Legion. With the disappearance of Varen Aquilarios and the arrival of the Planemeld, the province of Cyrodiil became a war-torn shell of its former self. Around this time, the Alliance War had occurred with Central Cyrodiil becoming the battlefield of the conflict. Cheydinhal was situated in what was considered, the territory of the Ebonheart Pact, and so soldiers of the Alliance would frequent the city ruins. The Imperial Legion had occupied the Chapel District, while the citizens controlled the Market District. Sylvian Herius was the de facto leader of the Cheydinhal rebellion, taking control of the people as they were fighting the Legion. Wayfarers of the Alliance War traveled to Cheydinhal, aiding the rebellion in their fight for the city. The outcome of the conflict is unknown.

Third Era

Main article: Cheydinhal (Oblivion)

The Dunmeri Migration; Enter Andel Indarys

During the Oblivion Crisis in 3E 433, the city-state of Cheydinhal was ruled by Andel Indarys, who was a Dunmeri immigrant of the Great House Hlaalu, fleeing the theocracy of the Tribunal Temple sometime before the death of Almalexia in the Clockwork City in 3E 427. Indarys' sudden rise to power has left many scholars without an answer, and the old families of Cyrodiil refer to him as a presumptuous upstart. But things would not come without controversy, especially when the Count's wife, Llathasa Indarys was brutally murdered in the courtyard of Castle Cheydinhal. Because of the Count's attitude, many believe a darker plot was involved regarding her death. At around this time, the Count's son, Farwil Indarys had formed the Knights of the Thorn, a knightly order that just mainly consists of Farwil's friends having a gay old time. The famous painter, Rythe Lythandas had lived in Cheydinhal, being the last known person wielding the Brush of Truepaint, an artifact of Dibella.

The Wayward Knight against the Oblivion Horde

When the Oblivion Gates had opened throughout Cyrodiil, the city-state of Cheydinhal was attacked by the Daedra. The Knights of the Thorn led by Farwil Indarys had entered the realms of the Deadlands, only to never make it back. Around the same time, the city-state of Bruma had defeated an Oblivion Gate, garnering the knowledge of destroying these gateways. Grandmaster Jauffre of the Blades had sent the Hero of Kvatch to the cities of Cyrodiil, to recruit them into defeating the greater siege against Bruma. Andel Indarys was unable to send troops because of his son's disappearance and the Oblivion Gate outside of the city. The Hero of Kvatch had delved into the Oblivion Gate, where he discovered Farwil and Bremman Senyan hiding from the Daedra. And so the three fought their way to destroying the Oblivion Gate. The fates of both Indarys and Senyan are unknown, but the gate was closed, and Cheydinhal contributed to Bruma's defense.

Fourth Era

The Umbriel Crisis over Cheydinhal

During the early fourth era, the floating city of Umbriel was released upon the lands of Tamriel, leaving a path of destruction from as far as Lilmoth to the Imperial City. Cheydinhal was in this path, and so the city defended themselves against the Undead, people who were affected by the city's black mist. The Imperial Legion had already evacuated residents of Mountain Watch to Cheydinhal, but as the Undead advanced forward, the city guard was forced to hold the line. All the while members of the Legion evacuated the people of Cheydinhal into the Blue Road, where they would eventually go to the Imperial City. The wormies, as they were called, were relentless, coming in wave after wave until they finally rolled up. The Knights of the Thorn under the command of Ilver Indarys had arrived late to the battle. So they continued back to Cheydinhal, but after they offered horses to Mazgar gra Yagash and Brennus of the Legion, so that they can continue the battle at the Imperial City. Fortunately, the Zombies did not take Cheydinhal. The refugees had decided to split into two groups, going north and south of the Red Ring Road, which had fortunately saved all of them from death. They wanted to return back, but at this point, they lacked the proper protection to make it back safely. After the Siege of the Imperial City, Cheydinhal was reclaimed and Titus Mede I continued his reign at the Imperial City.

General Jonna's movement against the Dominion

During the Great War in 4E 175, the city-state of Cheydinhal hosted the second largest army against the Third Aldmeri Dominion, who were advancing towards the Heartlands of Cyrodiil. Under the command of General Jonna, the Eastern Legion moved across the Nibenay and to the southern end of the Red Ring Road, attempting to meet with the Army led by General Decianus. Jonna's Army had taken heavy resistance from the Dominion, who was coming from the city-states of Skingrad and Bravil. As Titus Mede II was facing Lord Naarifin from the north, Jonna's Legion was holding the Dominion in the south, keeping a solid defense. By the fifth day of the battle, Naarifin and his forces in the Imperial City were surrounded by the Empire. At that point, the Battle of the Red Ring was over, and the Mede Empire reclaimed the Imperial City. The fighting stopped due to the adoption of the White-Gold Concordat, which had prevented war for several decades and caused the Empire's power to dwindle in the northern territories.

The Fall of the Dark Brotherhood in Cheydinhal

Sometime after, the Dark Brotherhood had slowly declined, albeit significantly. The Sanctuary within Cheydinhal remained as one of the largest chapters, with this one being led by Alisanne Dupre. The Cheydinhal Sanctuary was one of the more prominent sanctuaries of the Brotherhood, with the Wayrest Sanctuary falling to Corsairs, and the Corinthe Sanctuary being absorbed into the Cheydinhal chapter. As this was going on, tensions arose in the city-state of Bravil, where the Night Mother was being held. Dupre left her residence to protect the crypt, but it was ultimately destroyed along with her. The Night Mother was fortunately retrieved by Garnag, the only survivor of the crypt's downfall. With the Night Mother in Cheydinhal, Rasha, the de-facto leader, and the Black Hand had named Cicero, a Brotherhood Assassin, the Keeper of the Night Mother. As time went on, nobody was dubbed the Listener, and Rasha's grip on the Cheydinhal Sanctuary slipped. By the 1st of Hearthfire, 4E 189, Cheydinhal had erupted into chaos, but the Sanctuary remained undetected. A couple of days later, Rasha declared himself the Listener, but was proven wrong and killed by a deranged Cicero. Eventually, only three members remained in the Cheydinhal Sanctuary: Cicero, Garnag, and Pontius. Eventually, Pontius was killed, and Garnag had disappeared, leaving the demented Cicero with the Night Mother. By 4E 200, Cicero left the Cheydinhal Sanctuary to the chapter in Falkreath Hold, Skyrim, where he would be taken in by Astrid, the leader of the Brotherhood in 4E 201.

Minor Events

• 3E 433 – The famed artist, Rythe Lythandas had disappeared from his home when a thief broke into his home and used the Brush of Truepaint to enter his painting. Fortunately, Lythandas was recovered and returned to making exquisite paintings for the populous.

• 3E 433 – The Captain of the Guard, Ulrich Leland was corrupted, raising taxes and penalizing citizens for the minimal of crimes. This situation had got way out of hand, to the point where Aldos Othran was killed when protesting for his home. Leland was prominently put to jail.

• 3E 433 – Around this time, the Knights of the Nine had been reformed, and so a member of their ranks traveled throughout Cyrodiil, looking for the relics of the Divine Crusader. When the Sword of the Crusader was taken from Underpall Cave, it was purified in the Chapel of Arkay in Cheydinhal.

Gallery

Cheydinhal circa 3E 433.

Cheydinhal circa 2E 582.

Castle Cheydinhal is the seat of power.

The Great Chapel of Arkay can be seen for miles.

Cheydinhal Sapper (Legends).png

Cheydinhal Sapper in Legends.

Cheydinhal Conscript in Legends.

Cheydinhal Insignia

Appearances

• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
  • The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine
• An Elder Scrolls Novel: The Infernal City (mentioned only)
• An Elder Scrolls Novel: Lord of Souls
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (mentioned only)
• The Elder Scrolls Online
• The Elder Scrolls: Legends (mentioned only)

References

Notice: The following are unlicensed references. They are not copyrighted by a ZeniMax Media company, but can still be considered part of The Elder Scrolls lore and are included for completeness.