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For other uses, see Daggerfall.
Not to be confused with Covenant or The Covenant.
"Our supplies dwindle. Our trade routes are shut down. Our people suffer. Why? Because a pretender sits upon the Ruby Throne. Let us take up arms! Let the fields of Cyrodiil run red with the blood of our fallen enemies! But let us spare the lives of a few, so that they may return to their homelands to tell their fellows the fate they met at the hands of the Daggerfall Covenant. One land! One Emperor! Who among you will stand with me?"
―Call to Arms, High King Emeric[src]

The Daggerfall Covenant was an alliance of the Kingdoms of High Rock, Sentinel, and Orsinium during the Second Era. It was led by High King Emeric of Cumberland, the King of Wayrest. It was one of the three Alliances during the Three Banners War.

See also

Background

The main reason the Daggerfall Covenant was established in 2E 567[3] was to end the poverty and suffering throughout the kingdoms of High Rock and Hammerfell caused by dwindling trade routes, which in turn was caused by the many wars happening throughout the land such as King Ranser's War. This could not be done as long as an enemy was sitting on the Ruby Throne.[UL 1]

The Merchant King of Wayrest, Emeric, took action and united the previously warring races of Breton, Redguard, and Orc. He earned the trust of the kings of High Rock, earned the alliance with the Redguards by a diplomatic marriage with Maraya of Sentinel, and, finally, made a war treaty with the Orcs.[UL 1]

The Redguards, a disciplined and martial people, begrudgingly agreed to join the Orcs thanks to the cunning Bretons, whose political and economic savvy make victory for the Covenant seem possible. Despite internal struggles, the Covenant believes that only it can provide strong leadership and plan for prosperity the Empire needs to survive.

Much like the Ebonheart Pact, the Daggerfall Covenant united races that were commonly known as old enemies; the Bretons, Orcs, and Redguards. Due to the events in both Cyrodiil and High Rock itself, trade routes that served as the region's main source of income were disrupted. This caused much poverty and suffering and ultimately forced the people of the Iliac Bay and the surrounding areas to unite under one banner.[UL 1]

The Daggerfall Covenant stretched over the provinces of High Rock, Hammerfell, the city-state of Orsinium, and the Colovian Highlands in Cyrodiil. Its capital is the city of Wayrest, which is built on two shores of the Bjoulsae River in High Rock. The faction is led by the High King Emeric.[UL 1]

Beliefs

The Covenant claimed that the Reman Empire lived on in its members, as they remained true to the primacy of trade, principles of freedom, and the worship of the Eight Divines, which was followed in much of the Daggerfall Covenant.[4] The Orcish and Breton craftsmanship made the alliance an economic powerhouse, with the military strength of the Redguards and the Orcs making it a force to be reckoned with. The rulers of the Covenant longed to return to an Empire of Tamriel, with the economic prosperity, law, and justice, that it would bring. The Covenant believed that the only way to make sure the right Emperor would sit the throne was to make sure they themselves attended to it. After taking over all of Tamriel, the Covenant aimed to also install a Grand Council, which would include members from all the kingdoms of Tamriel.[5]

Views of the Alliances

The Covenant had a hostile view against the Aldmeri Dominion, as the Covenant was convinced that the Dominion aimed to return Elven domination over the other races of Tamriel, forming a tyranny over the races of Man and Orcs. The Covenant pointed out that they could live peacefully with the elves, as their acceptance of the Direnni showed, but that Queen Ayrenn insisted on war. They believed that the Dominion held no rights to Cyrodiil, and that an attempt at invading the land would result in their armies being destroyed.[6]

The Covenant was more open minded in regards to the Khajiit and the Bosmer, people who had traded with the kingdoms of the Iliac Bay for ages, and while the Covenant did not wish them ill will, they were told that a continuation of support of the Dominion would bring them the same fate as the Altmer,[6] as the Covenant considered the Dominion to be dominated by the Altmer, with the Khajiit and Bosmer being their "vassal slaves".[7] The Dominion, on the other hand, saw the Covenant as inhabited by mongrel upstarts, who opressed the Direnni, and blamed their ancestors for being fine with the rise of dangerous fanatics such as the Alessian Order. They also heavily opposed the Covenant's permission to raid Aldmeri ships with pirates, and frowned upon the Orcs being a part of the Covenant, believing that the Orcs were to be disciplined and subdued as quickly as possible.[8]

The Ebonheart Pact viewed the Daggerfall Covenant as too callow and immature, and stated that the Empire was a failed experiment whose time has passed, insisting that Men are unfit to rule an Empire, and that instead a Tamriel Pact had to be formed.[9]

Support for the Covenant

Within the northern regions of Hammerfell, there was mixed loyalty to the Covenant. King Fahara'jad had called upon the loyal sons and daughters of the Alik'r to support the Covenant, offering them a chance to live outside of their desert home.[10] Fahara'jad had also pledged protection to all merchant ships, as well as their crews, who were loyal to the Covenant. Likewise, the ships sailing under the banner of the Aldmeri Dominion or the Ebonheart Pact, or ships manned by crews loyal to said Alliances, were now allowed to be attacked and pillaged, with even great bounties being set on the vessels, cargo, and their crew.[11]

Others in Hammerfell opposed the Covenant due to the Redguards losing their traditional ways in favor of it, and due to making allies with the Orcish peoples, while also believing that High King Emeric was merely using the Redguards in order to become Emperor.[12] More doubts of the need of an alliance with the Orcs came about when the Redguards linked the Orsimer deity of Mauloch to Malooc the Horde King, an ancient enemy of the Redguard people. As such, some of the Redguards hoped that by showing honor and strength, the Orcs may be converted to the veneration of the Divines.[13] Mocking of Orcs was also not uncommon, with even such behavior occuring within the Wayrest Guard, despite punishments existing for such an act.[14] Even so, it was a common belief among the Breton and Redguard population that they'd rather have the Orcs fighting their enemies than raiding farms. And likewise, while the Orcs did not all trust the Redguards and Bretons, they did generally trust High King Emeric.[4]

Within Orsinium, while the kingdom had accepted to join the Covenant, not all the Orc clans agreed to it. Some Orcs mistrusted the Bretons and the Redguards due to their history of being beset by these peoples. Especially the Orc clan of the Morkuls disagreed with having even joined the alliance in the first place.[15] Other Orcs also disproved of the Covenant, stating that the elf-loving Bretons and the traitor Redguards are not their friends, and that the Orcs are neither welcome nor needed in the Covenant. Disproval of their own King Kurog also existed, with Orcs believing Kurog to have abandoend his tribe, shed blood for elves and gold while the Orcs languished and starved, fighting a war for the Bretons and the Redguards, who slaughtered the Orcs in the past, who saw the Orcs as little more than pig children. These Orcs wished that both Kurog and Emeric would fall.[16] Some Orcs pretended to like their new allies, while still being bitter in remembering the sacking of Orsinium by the Bretons and Redguards.[17]

Other Orcs made agreements with King Kurog, such as the tribe under Warchief Gruznak gro-Volkar, whose tribe was pardoned for their crimes against the Covenant in return for helping the Covenant slay Dunmer in Deshaan.[18] Support for the Covenant was most clearly seen among the Orcs who remembered Orsinium being an Imperial province under the Reman Empire, and wished to return to that status after the Covenant formed another Empire.[4]

Some within the Covenant, while pledging for unity among their own, did discriminate against those not of their three races, considering the Bosmer as barbaric canibals, the Tribunal of the Dunmer as imitators of Gods, the Khajiit as thieves and addicts, the Nords as having a lacking mental capacity, and the Imperials as cheaters.[19]

Leadership

As trade in High Rock and Hammerfell slowed to a halt it was only appropriate to have a merchant-politician for a leader of this faction. High King Emeric took the throne as he united the races of High Rock, Hammerfell, and the newly recognized province of Orsinium. Emeric was known for his skill in politics and diplomacy. He, no doubt, was a wise leader, but his foes were given no mercy. His strategy is to infuse fear into his enemies, slaughtering armies, and leaving a few of the fighters alive only for them to run and share their tale.[UL 1]

When the Breton Lion Guard became Emeric's personal army he adopted the lion as his crest, and it subsequently became the symbol of the Daggerfall Covenant.[20][21]

Members

Bretons

Breton

The dominant race of the Daggerfall Covenant, they were once ruled by High Elven overlords after they were discovered to be descended from both Men and Mer, later becoming the dominant race in the region of High Rock and edging the Elves out. A reminder of those days is the Mer blood that still runs through their veins. This makes Bretons gifted mages, surpassing the ability of any other race of Men. Described as talented and resourceful and having a similar focus on honor in battle, the Covenant is often ruthless in the defeat of enemies that threaten their people's prosperity. Bretons are known as skilled craftsmen, shrewd merchants, and inventive mages. The race are also famed for their Knights. They value prosperity over glory in battle and are led by High King Emeric from their capital of Wayrest.[UL 1]

Their symbol is the Lion, the crest of the Daggerfall Covenant.

Redguard

Redguard Crest

Living deep within and around the Alik'r Desert, Redguards are renowned warriors, both athletic and prodigiously talented. They value honor and dignity above all else; their sacred purpose is to preserve their ancient traditions and prove their strength and prowess, surviving in the harsh environment. Mages are highly distrusted in their society. The capital of the Redguards is the great city of Sentinel, from where they are led by King Fahara'jad.[UL 1] The Redguards are praised for their skill in warfare and grand strategy, with many Redguards taking command over battalions in the Covenant army.[22]

Their symbol represents the Redguards' skill with blades and in battle.

Orcs

Orc

Orcs are fearless warriors who follow a code of honor forged in centuries of endless warfare. The quality of Orcish blacksmithing is known throughout Tamriel.[UL 1]

During the Second Era when their homeland, Orsinium, was finally given provincial status, they had to prove themselves to be more than mere savage beasts, and the Orcs did so by devoting themselves to the newly forged Covenant. They are led by King Kurog gro-OrsiniumOR from their capital of Orsinium.[UL 1]

Their symbol represents the Orcs being some of the best smiths and warriors in Tamriel.

Quests and storyline

Main article: Daggerfall Covenant Quests

Many things threaten to destabilize the Daggerfall Covenant including an attempt on the King of Daggerfall's life, the sacking of Camlorn by werewolves, a necromancer uprising in the Glenumbra region, a series of attacks from Vaermina-worshipping sorcerers in Stormhaven, a civil war, growing vampire crisis in Rivenspire, a religious crisis and Necromancer threat in western Hammerfell, and an invading force of both Imperials and Reachmen in Bangkorai.

Covenant Military

Arms and Armor

The arms and armor of the Covenant military were, largely, based on the designs of the Second Empire, and the Covenant was proud in this fact, as the Daggerfall Covenant represented the ideals of the Reman Empire, which they considered the height of Tamrielic civilization, when everyone was included in the Empire.

The influences of the Empire on the Covenant's arms and armor were especially noticable on their axes, cuirassess, daggers, gloves, and swords. Both the axes and the gloves of the Covenant army were somewhat improved compared to their Imperial counterparts. For better protection for the forearm, the Covenant gloves included a guantlet. To improve the Imperial axe, Orcish smithing techniques were used.

Covenant belts were made of square links, fronted with a round buckle, which was meant to represented the entire world of Nirn, with Tamriel at its center, standing for Tamrielic unity.

Breton and Orcish influences were prevelant in the Covenant equipment. Helmets, staves, and shoulder pieces drew inspiration from either the Knightly Orders of High Rock or just Breton spellcasters. Combined Breton and Orcish design was seen in the greaves of the Covenant, whereas the Orcish influence was the most obvious on their Maces.[23]

Intelligence agency

The intelligence agency of the Daggerfall Covenant is known as the Ring of Daggers.[24] While not much is known about the organisation, it is known that their leader is Copper Dariah.[25] They have attempted to track down the former head of security and spymaster of King Ranser, known as Gerard Althen, and punish him for the slaying of hundreds of innocent Orc civilians during Ranser's War.[26]

Covenant Army

The Covenant army recruited from both less experienced troops and more impressive forces to make up its armed forces. While not regimented or as well trained as the forces of the Imperial Legions, they shared more similarities and less divisions.[27] Covenant archers were picked on their physical strength, as they needed to be able to pierce through even the thickest of armors. The majority of the spellcasters of the Covenant came from High Rock.[23] A more elite unit within the Covnenant military were the Lion Guard, who were tasked with defending High King Emeric, but were also ordered by the High King to defend the lands of High Rock, in order to defend the Covenant and protect its citizens.[28]

Ships for the Covenant were made at Tava's Blessing, and as such, heavy precautions against spies were made.[29]

The Daggerfall military, in contrast to the soldiers of the Ebonheart Pact or the Aldmeri Dominion, attacked both the Dominion and the Pact simultaneously, instead of focusing on one of the two.[30] The Covenant also knew the tactics of the Aldmeri Dominion, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of its members. The Bosmer were known by the Covenant to be unwilling to fight with swords, instead preferring to use their skills with the bow. In contrast, the Khajiit were noted for their skill as fighters, with the Covenant even noting that they could continue fighting with their claws, and even their tails, should they be disarmed. The Altmer were also seen as powerful in sword fights, due to their considerable reach. To combat this, the Covenant instructed its soldiers to strike low at the Altmer.[7]

The Bretons are the political masters of the Covenant, and while the Redguards of Sentinel and Hallin's Stand are the smallest in number, they make up for it with tactical brilliance on the battlefield. The Orcs are the Covenant's strongest infantry and best smiths, scattering those who stand against them and their Breton and Redguard allies on the battlefield.[31]

History

First Daggerfall Covenant

The First Daggerfall Covenant was created in 2E 542. The Kings of High Rock formed an alliance in response to the Reachmen invasion led by Durcorach the Black Drake from the east. The Reachmen razed Evermore, besieged Wayrest, sacked Camlorn, and managed to march as far as Daggerfall before they were stopped by the forces of High Rock.[1] Specifically, the Dragoons commanded by Emeric of Cumberland greatly weakened the Reachmen army, allowing the Knights of Daggerfall to cut down the remaining Reachmen.[32] After this victory, the Kings of Daggerfall, Wayrest, Camlorn, Evermore, and Shornhelm swore an oath to defend each other's kingdoms, and stand united against foreign foes. This marked the start of the First Daggerfall Covenant.[1] The final battle, and the unity of the Bretons, would later be referenced in song.[33]

In the aftermath of the founding of the Covenant, High Rock prospered during its rebuilding. This prosperity would become most noticeable after 2E 561, when the largest orichalcum strike up until that point in history was made by miners near Wayrest. Emeric, the Earl of the domain of Cumberland, proposed to King Gardner of Wayrest to use this wealth to enhance the fleet of Wayrest and improve trade throughout High Rock, a proposal which was accepted. While the fleet was being constructed, however, the Knahaten Flu struck, resulting in the death of not only the King of Wayrest, but his entire royal household. As a result, Emeric was crowned king, with House Cumberland becoming the second royal dynasty of Wayrest.[1] When the Lion Guard became the elite bodyguard of Emeric, he adopted the Lion symbol as his personal crest, and later turned it into the martial symbol of the entire Covenant.[4]

Conflict in the Covenant

Main article: King Ranser's War

King Emeric had been courting the daughter of King Ranser of Shornhelm, but married Princess Maraya of Sentinel instead in 2E 566.[1] In response, King Ranser was upset, and stayed silent towards Emeric. All the while he was mustering his armies, and spending the treasury of Shornhelm to hire mercenaries and invade Stormhaven.[34]

King Ranser called upon the noble families of the region to come to his aid, but of the nobility, only the Montclair family was willing to fully support him.[2] While most sources say that all the noble families backed Ranser, this is not the case, and even the Montclairs, who did end up backing Ranser's armies, did not do so at first. Count Phylgeon of the Montclair family had originally proposed to form peace, and asked for the approval of both Ranser and Emeric. While Emeric's answer was lost, Ranser answered in fury, and as a result, the Montclairs had to come to Ranser's aid.[35]

Ranser's advances nearly brought down the Covenant when he launched a surprise attack on Wayrest. Shornhelm did not get any support from the rest of the Covenant, however, as the kings of Camlorn, Evermore, and Daggerfall all sided with Emeric to face off against the armies of Shornhelm. Through diplomacy, Emeric also managed to gain the support of Sentinel's army in order to protect Queen Maraya. In order to even further solidify his defence force, Emeric reached out to one of the great Orcish clans of Wrothgar, offering them Orsinium,[1] as King Kurog had requested,[36] if they came to his aid. This combined force managed to defeat Shornhelm, with a reborn Covenant, now as a multinational alliance instead of a Breton defensive pact.[1]

House Tamrith ceased supporting king Ranser when the Covenant approached, and called for peace, with House Dorell following suit. House Ravenwatch, a relatively small House, did not get involved in the conflict alltogether. The Montclairs would only surrender until they were pushed back to Traitor's Tor, just to the east of the city of Shornhelm.[2] When Ranser's army started to retreat, the Orcs from Wrothgar had already started to sack the city of Shornhelm.[3]

After the conflict, Baron Tamrith became a powerful force for peace and cooperation, with the idea to form a ruling council consisting of the leaders of the three noble Houses, in order to govern the region of Shornhelm in the High King's name. The leaders of each of the three noble houses, Montclair, Tamrith, and Dorell, pledged their loyalty to High King Emeric. The King approved of the council, but promised to select a new king for the region at the first opportunity, though he failed to elect one within 38 years time.[2] The Montclairs would later attempt to restore Shornhelm to the status it had held during the days of king Ranser, however.[37]

Second Daggerfall Covenant

The Second Daggerfall Covenant is a compact of the inhabitants of northwest Tamriel, consisting of the Bretons of High Rock led by King Emeric, the Orcs of Orsinium led by King Kurog, and the Redguards of northern Hammerfell led by King Fahara'jad. The Covenant is an alliance of mutual defense which aims to establish peace and order across the continent, inspired by the Reman Emperors they claim to also be the spriritual heirs of the Second Empire.[1]

Negotiations, debates, and arguments for the formation of the new alliance lasted for months. The final result were dozens of compromises and carefully negotiated provisions. The Covenant gauranteed freedom of trade throughout the alliance, and despite the objections of the nobility of Rivenspire and the Crowns of the Alik'r, the Orcs were accepted as full members of the Covenant. All the city-states of the Covenant would eventually swear fealty to the Royal Council of the Covenant, presided over by High King Emeric. Being the architect of the alliance, Emeric also claimed supreme leadership.[1]

The Covenant considered itself a noble alliance of honorable and chivalrous people, and believed they represented all the best aspects of both the First and Second Empire. They also believed that the Covenant could even form the foundation for a third Empire, which would provide all of Tamriel with mutual respect, vigorous trade, and reverence for the Divines.[1] In 2E 578, Emeric had already concluded a treaty with Emperor Varen Aquilarios, until his disappearance which resulted in Cyrodiil falling to the Daedra-worshippers. In response, Emeric recognized they had to march on Cyrodiil and reform the Empire, in order to restore peace and justice to the provinces.[38]

Events of Online

The Covenant was also beset by undead uprisings.[31]

Betnikh

A member of the Bloodthorn Cult, Vardan, attempted to gain the knowledge which would allow him to destroy the armies of the Daggerfall Covenant.[39]

Craglorn

Without Craglorn, the Covenant High Command was involved with investigations of possible bandit raids on trading caravans.[40]

Cyrodiil

Within Cyrodiil, Bruma called for the aid of both Grand Warlord Zimmeron, of the Ebonheart Pact, and Grand Warlord Dortene, of the Daggerfall Covenant, to save Bruma from the invading Daedric forces, and capture a valuable supply line in the process.[41] The Covenant also held some of the Elder Scrolls of Cyrodiil, which they refused to give back to the Moth Priests as they were being used for the war effort,[42] and would lead the Covenant to victory. The Grand Warlord was even personally willing to deliver not only the Scrolls of the Covenant, but also those of the Pact and Dominion to the White-Gold Tower after the war would be concluded.[43]

While back home, Covenant Soldiers were told terrible stories about the war in Cyrodiil, about invincible Altmer mages who wore nothing but lightning, or flying Dunmeri gods, or the blood of an Argonian being able to melt swords, those in the field quickly discovered these were but rumors, and not truthful.[44]

Valenwood

Covenant forces had invaded the Ayleid ruins of Ne Salas within Grahtwood.[45]

Glenumbra

At the Ayleid ruins of Silumm, the Aldmeri Dominion attempted to expand and take over parts of the Covenant in High Rock, while also searching for hidden sources of power.[46] Similar attempts were made at Enduum.[47] Within Stormhaven, specifically, Koeglin Mine, forces of the Ebonheart Pact had also attempted a form of expansion.[48]

Trivia

  • A popular beverage among the people of the Covenant is Dagger Whiskey.[49]

Gallery

Appearances

References

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Guide to the Daggerfall Covenant
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 House Tamrith: A Recent History
  3. 3.0 3.1 The Fury of King Ranser
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Elder Scrolls Online, lore answers
  5. True Heirs of the Empire
  6. 6.0 6.1 A Warning to the Aldmeri Dominion
  7. 7.0 7.1 Eagle Hunter: Against the Dominion
  8. Crimes of the Daggerfall Covenant
  9. Breaking the Cycle of Tyranny
  10. An Elegantly Penned Letter
  11. By decree of the Wise and Powerful King Fahara'jad
  12. Plea for Open Eyes
  13. Discussion with Abal at-Inzil, Interactive ESO Map
  14. Wayrest Guard Orders
  15. Borzugh's Letter
  16. Kurog's Betrayal
  17. Wait Till Next Time
  18. King Kurog's Promise
  19. On Our Enemies
  20. January 7, 2012. The Elder Scrolls Online Ask Us Anything: Daggerfall Covenant (Part 1)
  21. January 14, 2013. 'The Elder Scrolls Online. Pledge Your Allegiance to the Daggerfall Covenant
  22. Dialogue with Grandee Husni
  23. 23.0 23.1 Crafting Motif 26: Daggerfall Covenant Style
  24. The Real Investigator Vale?
  25. Dialogue with Copper Dariah during "Messages Across Tamriel"
  26. Dialogue with Marisette during "Crimes of the Past"
  27. Arms and Armor of the Breton Champion: Vignac Antieve of Evermore
  28. The Lion Guard Wants You!
  29. Shipyard Workers, Take Warning!
  30. Unexpected Allies
  31. 31.0 31.1 Introduction to the lore of The Elder Scrolls Online
  32. Triumphs of a Monarch, Ch. 3
  33. The Battle of Glenumbria Moors
  34. Triumphs of a Monarch, Ch. 6
  35. Shornhelm, Crown City of the North
  36. The Chronicles of King Kurog, Book IV
  37. Miruin's Journal
  38. Triumphs of a Monarch, Ch. 10
  39. Vardan's Diary
  40. Daggerfall Covenant Missive
  41. Bruma Pleads for Aid
  42. Letter to Grand Warlord Dortene
  43. Grand Warlord Dortene, Interactive ESO Map
  44. Words of Donovan Jarnot, Interactive ESO Map
  45. Ne Salas: Need Reinforcements
  46. Dominion Orders
  47. Dominion Orders: Enduum
  48. Orders: Steelheart Moorings
  49. Description of "Dagger Whiskey Distiller"
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.
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