Imperial Heraldry in Morrowind [Added]
Moderators: Haplo, Lead Developers
Imperial Heraldry in Morrowind [Added]
Guide to Imperial Heraldry in Morrowind
written and illustrated by Dolemmus Heth-Suurim
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-dragonred_zps1e974199.png[/img]
The Imperial Dragon
Though one of the most recognized symbols of the Empire, few are aware that the Imperial Dragon is in fact of foreign origin. After Reman Cyrodiil defeated the Tsaesci invaders from Akavir in the late Second Era, the awestruck snakemen hailed him as dragon's blood. Reman then assumed the honorific and took the traditionally Akaviri dragon as his sigil. To honor the Eight Divines the Imperial Dragon is stylized in the shape of a diamond with four corners and four sides. The diamond above the dragon was added in the Third Era to denote Tiber Septim.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-wolf2_zpscf619a23.png[/img]
The Royal Wolf
Also known as the 'Wolf of Symmachus' this emblem serves as the official sigil of the King of Morrowind and can be seen adorning the banners of the royal palace in Mournhold. Originally the personal coat of arms of General Symmachus--a trusted servant of Tiber Septim--, it later became the symbol of Morrowind's royal house after the province's annexation by the Empire. The wolf symbolizes the royal house's loyalty to the Empire as it once symbolized Symmachus' ardent loyalty to Tiber Septim himself. Notice how the dragon motif is completely absent in this King Helseth version of the sigil whereas it was still present during King Llethan's reign.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-eagle_zps5080deb4.png[/img]
The Double-Headed Eagle
The double-headed eagle was introduced in Morrowind by the Nords of Skyrim during their aggressive expansion in the First Era. The Nordic conquerors associated the beast with the goddess Kyne, one of the most important deities of their pantheon. The two heads looking at opposite directions signified their dominance over both the west and the east, Skyrim and Resdayn, respectively. It was only natural that the Empire adopted the already well-known sigil for itself after conquering both provinces, placing the Imperial Dragon above the eagle. However, the use of an eagle as a symbol predates the empires of men by a millenia as it was first used by the ancient Ayleid race of elves.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-lions_zps6bc6a25a.png[/img]
The Twin Lions
The lion as a heraldic motif can be traced all the way back to Second Era High Rock. Some eight hundred years ago it served as the standard of King Emeric of Wayrest, and later became a symbol for the whole Iliac Bay region. It might be surprising to encounter such a western symbol so far away in the east, but the reason for the lions' popularity in Morrowind lies in the province's recent history. Barenziah, the Queen Mother of Morrowind, was also the Queen of Wayrest during her period of exile. A popular notion is that the two lions represent her royal children: Helseth and Morgiah, who spent a great deal of their lives in Wayrest where they received a western noble's upbringing, hence being depicted as lions.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-wyrm_zps513df262.png[/img]
The Vaynth Wyrm
A fine example of a more recent rendition of the Imperial Dragon is the Vaynth Wyrm, which has been around for only a little over two decades. Named after the controversial Duchess Vaynth of Firewatch who commissioned it in 3E 394, the wyrm has been the official sigil of the Imperial stronghold ever since. The coat of arms pictures a firebreathing dragon standing on guard atop the famous Firewatch lighthouse. The aggressiveness of the beast is due to an armed conflict between Firewatch and its rival Old Ebonheart at the time of its creation. In fact, the original Vaynth Wyrm was reversed horizontally so it breathed fire to west, towards Old Ebonheart.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-fight_zps7dfc475e.png[/img]
The Fighters Guild Coat of Arms
Originally a mercenary fighting force of the Akaviri Potentate, the Fighters Guild was awarded its coat of arms by the Imperial College of Arms in the signing of the Guild Act in 2E 321. The Guild's sigil is stylized after a heraldic achievement. It consists of a plain black-and-white shield with crossed longswords in the background, which in the original Second Era design were curved and single-edged after Akaviri fashion. Nowadays the arms in the background are allowed to vary depending on the region where a Guild chapter operates. For example, a chapter in Skyrim might use crossed axes instead of longswords.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-mage_zpscd2ddff8.png[/img]
The Mages Guild Coat of Arms
The oldest Empire-sanctioned Guild in existence, the Mages Guild's coat of arms is definitely unique and exotic in design. The origin story of the coat of arms remains a mystery -- some say it was first drawn by Vanus Galerion himself -- but as for the symbol itself there are two popular interpretations. First, it clearly resembles the star constellation of Ritual, a charge of the Mage constellation. Second, it symbolizes the eye of Magus--the primordial God of Sorcery--whom to us uninitiated in the arcane mysteries is known simply as the Sun. Indeed, both the Sun and the Stars are known by mages and astronomers as 'gateways' through which magicka flows to our mortal plane.
written and illustrated by Dolemmus Heth-Suurim
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-dragonred_zps1e974199.png[/img]
The Imperial Dragon
Though one of the most recognized symbols of the Empire, few are aware that the Imperial Dragon is in fact of foreign origin. After Reman Cyrodiil defeated the Tsaesci invaders from Akavir in the late Second Era, the awestruck snakemen hailed him as dragon's blood. Reman then assumed the honorific and took the traditionally Akaviri dragon as his sigil. To honor the Eight Divines the Imperial Dragon is stylized in the shape of a diamond with four corners and four sides. The diamond above the dragon was added in the Third Era to denote Tiber Septim.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-wolf2_zpscf619a23.png[/img]
The Royal Wolf
Also known as the 'Wolf of Symmachus' this emblem serves as the official sigil of the King of Morrowind and can be seen adorning the banners of the royal palace in Mournhold. Originally the personal coat of arms of General Symmachus--a trusted servant of Tiber Septim--, it later became the symbol of Morrowind's royal house after the province's annexation by the Empire. The wolf symbolizes the royal house's loyalty to the Empire as it once symbolized Symmachus' ardent loyalty to Tiber Septim himself. Notice how the dragon motif is completely absent in this King Helseth version of the sigil whereas it was still present during King Llethan's reign.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-eagle_zps5080deb4.png[/img]
The Double-Headed Eagle
The double-headed eagle was introduced in Morrowind by the Nords of Skyrim during their aggressive expansion in the First Era. The Nordic conquerors associated the beast with the goddess Kyne, one of the most important deities of their pantheon. The two heads looking at opposite directions signified their dominance over both the west and the east, Skyrim and Resdayn, respectively. It was only natural that the Empire adopted the already well-known sigil for itself after conquering both provinces, placing the Imperial Dragon above the eagle. However, the use of an eagle as a symbol predates the empires of men by a millenia as it was first used by the ancient Ayleid race of elves.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-lions_zps6bc6a25a.png[/img]
The Twin Lions
The lion as a heraldic motif can be traced all the way back to Second Era High Rock. Some eight hundred years ago it served as the standard of King Emeric of Wayrest, and later became a symbol for the whole Iliac Bay region. It might be surprising to encounter such a western symbol so far away in the east, but the reason for the lions' popularity in Morrowind lies in the province's recent history. Barenziah, the Queen Mother of Morrowind, was also the Queen of Wayrest during her period of exile. A popular notion is that the two lions represent her royal children: Helseth and Morgiah, who spent a great deal of their lives in Wayrest where they received a western noble's upbringing, hence being depicted as lions.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-wyrm_zps513df262.png[/img]
The Vaynth Wyrm
A fine example of a more recent rendition of the Imperial Dragon is the Vaynth Wyrm, which has been around for only a little over two decades. Named after the controversial Duchess Vaynth of Firewatch who commissioned it in 3E 394, the wyrm has been the official sigil of the Imperial stronghold ever since. The coat of arms pictures a firebreathing dragon standing on guard atop the famous Firewatch lighthouse. The aggressiveness of the beast is due to an armed conflict between Firewatch and its rival Old Ebonheart at the time of its creation. In fact, the original Vaynth Wyrm was reversed horizontally so it breathed fire to west, towards Old Ebonheart.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-fight_zps7dfc475e.png[/img]
The Fighters Guild Coat of Arms
Originally a mercenary fighting force of the Akaviri Potentate, the Fighters Guild was awarded its coat of arms by the Imperial College of Arms in the signing of the Guild Act in 2E 321. The Guild's sigil is stylized after a heraldic achievement. It consists of a plain black-and-white shield with crossed longswords in the background, which in the original Second Era design were curved and single-edged after Akaviri fashion. Nowadays the arms in the background are allowed to vary depending on the region where a Guild chapter operates. For example, a chapter in Skyrim might use crossed axes instead of longswords.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-mage_zpscd2ddff8.png[/img]
The Mages Guild Coat of Arms
The oldest Empire-sanctioned Guild in existence, the Mages Guild's coat of arms is definitely unique and exotic in design. The origin story of the coat of arms remains a mystery -- some say it was first drawn by Vanus Galerion himself -- but as for the symbol itself there are two popular interpretations. First, it clearly resembles the star constellation of Ritual, a charge of the Mage constellation. Second, it symbolizes the eye of Magus--the primordial God of Sorcery--whom to us uninitiated in the arcane mysteries is known simply as the Sun. Indeed, both the Sun and the Stars are known by mages and astronomers as 'gateways' through which magicka flows to our mortal plane.
Last edited by Rats on Fri Aug 02, 2013 5:02 pm, edited 4 times in total.
This is great stuff. Maybe you can also check out the Imperial Templar bracers: they show the only in-game depiction of the Imperial Ancestor Moth I know of.Rats wrote:[url=http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/HeraldryScreenshot_zps829ec419.png~original]clickety-click[/url]
8/2/13 edit: [url=http://tamriel-rebuilt.org/old_forum/viewtopic.php?p=314964#314964]The latest version in this post[/url]
Hello, TR, I'm back and I love you so I made you a heraldry book with pictures because books with pictures are cool. Not quite finished with the body text, but you get the idea. Here's how it'd look ingame: [url=http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/HeraldryScreenshot_zps829ec419.png~original]clickety-click[/url]
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- Matin Sanguine
- Developer
- Posts: 85
- Joined: Wed Aug 22, 2012 6:51 am
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Very impressive stuff Rat! I especially enjoyed the poltical connotations and double meanings mentioned in your writings while describing the various heraldies, an example of which being:
I also concur with both Aeven and gro-dahl, doing a dunmeri version would be very cool .Rat wrote:The aggressiveness of the beast is due to an armed conflict between Firewatch and its rival Old Ebonheart at the time of its creation. In fact, the original Vaynth Wyrm was reversed horizontally so it breathed fire to west, towards Old Ebonheart.
"SLOAD. SOAP. IS. NOT. SOAP"- TF
"As to where the ash comes from.. fuck if I care." -Sload
"At TR, we LOVE our quests to be steeped in lore, so you'd be able to flex your CHIM there just fine." - Nanu
Claims Completed: 4
"As to where the ash comes from.. fuck if I care." -Sload
"At TR, we LOVE our quests to be steeped in lore, so you'd be able to flex your CHIM there just fine." - Nanu
Claims Completed: 4
Thanks for comments, guys. Glad you liked it. I'll be sure to make a Dunmer version, too.
@Infragris: darn, totally missed that opportunity. I'll see if I can whip up something decent of the moth.
@Ada: The two shields were actually the main reason why I wanted to do something like this; to come up with an explanation why they're on display everywhere. Vaynth is the queen of Firewatch in Arena. I'm aware that most stuff from Arena is considered 'bad lore' - and with good reason - but I think some of it can be drawn upon. The way I picture the situation is that Vaynth was actually a high-ranking and a somewhat rogue Telvanni mistress who saw an opportunity in the weakened Simulacrum era Empire and seized it by taking over Firewatch, naming herself its 'queen' and igniting a civil war with OE. After the Simulacrum ended she was banished by both the Imperials and the Telvanni alike and the current ducal family took control of Firewatch.
@Infragris: darn, totally missed that opportunity. I'll see if I can whip up something decent of the moth.
@Ada: The two shields were actually the main reason why I wanted to do something like this; to come up with an explanation why they're on display everywhere. Vaynth is the queen of Firewatch in Arena. I'm aware that most stuff from Arena is considered 'bad lore' - and with good reason - but I think some of it can be drawn upon. The way I picture the situation is that Vaynth was actually a high-ranking and a somewhat rogue Telvanni mistress who saw an opportunity in the weakened Simulacrum era Empire and seized it by taking over Firewatch, naming herself its 'queen' and igniting a civil war with OE. After the Simulacrum ended she was banished by both the Imperials and the Telvanni alike and the current ducal family took control of Firewatch.
//New version up. Changed the wording on the dragon chapter, the wyrm chapter and revised the eagle chapter to include King Vrage. This is the final version on my part, but please do suggest changes where needed.
Guide to Imperial Heraldry in Morrowind
written and illustrated by Dolemmus Heth-Suurim
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-dragonred_zps1e974199.png[/img]
The Imperial Dragon
The most recognized symbol of the Empire, few are aware that the Imperial Dragon is in fact of foreign origin. Emperor Reman Cyrodiil assumed it from the Tsaesci of Akavir after his victory over them at Pale Pass in 1E 2703, when the awestruck snakemen hailed him as dragon's blood. The dragon has been the sigil of the Empire and its dragonblood Emperors ever since. To honor the Eight Divines the beast is stylized in the shape of a diamond with four corners and four sides. The diamond above the dragon was added in the 3rd Era to denote Tiber Septim, or Talos, as the Ninth Divine.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-wolf2_zpscf619a23.png[/img]
The Royal Wolf
Also known as the 'Wolf of Symmachus' this emblem serves as the official sigil of the King of Morrowind and can be seen in the banners of the royal palace in Mournhold. Originally the personal coat of arms of General Symmachus--a trusted servant of Tiber Septim, it later became the symbol for Morrowind's newly formed royal house after the province's annexation by the Empire. The wolf symbolizes the King's loyalty to the standing Emperor as it once symbolized Symmachus' ardent loyalty to Tiber Septim himself. Notice how the dragon motif is completely absent in this King Helseth version of the sigil whereas it was still present during King Llethan's reign.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-eagle_zps5080deb4.png[/img]
The Double-Headed Eagle
The double-headed eagle was first brought to Morrowind by the Nords of Skyrim under King Vrage in the early First Era. Associating the eagle with their matron deity Kyne, the Nords would paint the symbol on their faces and shields hoping to win the goddess' favor. After King Vrage ended his successful campaign in Morrowind the eagle, traditionally shown swooping up from Atmora, was revised to have two heads looking in opposite directions signifying the Nords' dominance over both east and west, fiery Dunmereth and frigid Skyrim. It was only natural that the Empire would adopt the already well-known sigil for itself after conquering both provinces, placing the Imperial Dragon above the eagle.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-lions_zps6bc6a25a.png[/img]
The Twin Lions
The lion as a heraldic motif can be traced all the way back to Second Era High Rock. Some eight hundred years ago, it served as the standard of King Emeric of Wayrest, and later became a symbol for the whole Iliac Bay region. It might be surprising to encounter such a western symbol so far away in the east, but the reason for the lions' popularity in Morrowind lies in the province's recent history. Barenziah, the Queen Mother of Morrowind, was also the Queen of Wayrest during her period of exile. A popular notion is that the two lions represent her royal children: Helseth and Morgiah, who spent a great deal of their lives in Wayrest where they received a western noble's upbringing, hence being depicted as lions.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-wyrm_zps513df262.png[/img]
The Vaynth Wyrm
A fine example of a more recent rendition of the Imperial Dragon is the Vaynth Wyrm, which has been around for only a little over two decades. Named after the controversial Simulacrum-era Duchess Vaynth of Firewatch who commissioned it in 3E 394, the wyrm has been the official sigil of the Imperial stronghold ever since. The coat of arms depicts a firebreathing dragon standing on guard atop the famous Firewatch lighthouse. The aggressiveness of the beast is due to a civil war that took place between Firewatch and its rival Old Ebonheart at the time of its creation. In fact, the original Vaynth Wyrm was reversed horizontally so it breathed fire to west, towards Old Ebonheart.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-fight_zps7dfc475e.png[/img]
The Fighters Guild Coat of Arms
Originally a mercenary fighting force of the Akaviri Potentate, the Fighters Guild was awarded its coat of arms by the Imperial College of Arms in the signing of the Guild Act in 2E 321. The Guild's sigil is stylized after a heraldic achievement. It consists of a plain black-and-white shield with crossed longswords in the background. In the original Second Era design were curved and single-edged after Akaviri fashion, though nowadays the arms in the background are allowed to vary depending on the region where the particular Guild chapter operates. For example, a chapter in Skyrim might use crossed axes instead of longswords.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-mage_zpscd2ddff8.png[/img]
The Mages Guild Coat of Arms
The oldest Empire-sanctioned Guild in existence, the Mages Guild's coat of arms is definitely unique and exotic in design. The origin story of the coat of arms remains a mystery -- some say Vanus Galerion himself first drew it -- but as for the symbol itself, there are two popular interpretations. First, it clearly resembles the star constellation of Ritual, a charge of the Mage constellation. Second, it symbolizes the eye of Magnus--the primordial God of Sorceryâ€â€known to those who are uninitiated in the arcane mysteries simply as the Sun. Indeed, both the Sun and the Stars are known by mages and astronomers as 'gateways' through which magicka flows to our mortal plane.
Guide to Imperial Heraldry in Morrowind
written and illustrated by Dolemmus Heth-Suurim
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-dragonred_zps1e974199.png[/img]
The Imperial Dragon
The most recognized symbol of the Empire, few are aware that the Imperial Dragon is in fact of foreign origin. Emperor Reman Cyrodiil assumed it from the Tsaesci of Akavir after his victory over them at Pale Pass in 1E 2703, when the awestruck snakemen hailed him as dragon's blood. The dragon has been the sigil of the Empire and its dragonblood Emperors ever since. To honor the Eight Divines the beast is stylized in the shape of a diamond with four corners and four sides. The diamond above the dragon was added in the 3rd Era to denote Tiber Septim, or Talos, as the Ninth Divine.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-wolf2_zpscf619a23.png[/img]
The Royal Wolf
Also known as the 'Wolf of Symmachus' this emblem serves as the official sigil of the King of Morrowind and can be seen in the banners of the royal palace in Mournhold. Originally the personal coat of arms of General Symmachus--a trusted servant of Tiber Septim, it later became the symbol for Morrowind's newly formed royal house after the province's annexation by the Empire. The wolf symbolizes the King's loyalty to the standing Emperor as it once symbolized Symmachus' ardent loyalty to Tiber Septim himself. Notice how the dragon motif is completely absent in this King Helseth version of the sigil whereas it was still present during King Llethan's reign.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-eagle_zps5080deb4.png[/img]
The Double-Headed Eagle
The double-headed eagle was first brought to Morrowind by the Nords of Skyrim under King Vrage in the early First Era. Associating the eagle with their matron deity Kyne, the Nords would paint the symbol on their faces and shields hoping to win the goddess' favor. After King Vrage ended his successful campaign in Morrowind the eagle, traditionally shown swooping up from Atmora, was revised to have two heads looking in opposite directions signifying the Nords' dominance over both east and west, fiery Dunmereth and frigid Skyrim. It was only natural that the Empire would adopt the already well-known sigil for itself after conquering both provinces, placing the Imperial Dragon above the eagle.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-lions_zps6bc6a25a.png[/img]
The Twin Lions
The lion as a heraldic motif can be traced all the way back to Second Era High Rock. Some eight hundred years ago, it served as the standard of King Emeric of Wayrest, and later became a symbol for the whole Iliac Bay region. It might be surprising to encounter such a western symbol so far away in the east, but the reason for the lions' popularity in Morrowind lies in the province's recent history. Barenziah, the Queen Mother of Morrowind, was also the Queen of Wayrest during her period of exile. A popular notion is that the two lions represent her royal children: Helseth and Morgiah, who spent a great deal of their lives in Wayrest where they received a western noble's upbringing, hence being depicted as lions.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-wyrm_zps513df262.png[/img]
The Vaynth Wyrm
A fine example of a more recent rendition of the Imperial Dragon is the Vaynth Wyrm, which has been around for only a little over two decades. Named after the controversial Simulacrum-era Duchess Vaynth of Firewatch who commissioned it in 3E 394, the wyrm has been the official sigil of the Imperial stronghold ever since. The coat of arms depicts a firebreathing dragon standing on guard atop the famous Firewatch lighthouse. The aggressiveness of the beast is due to a civil war that took place between Firewatch and its rival Old Ebonheart at the time of its creation. In fact, the original Vaynth Wyrm was reversed horizontally so it breathed fire to west, towards Old Ebonheart.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-fight_zps7dfc475e.png[/img]
The Fighters Guild Coat of Arms
Originally a mercenary fighting force of the Akaviri Potentate, the Fighters Guild was awarded its coat of arms by the Imperial College of Arms in the signing of the Guild Act in 2E 321. The Guild's sigil is stylized after a heraldic achievement. It consists of a plain black-and-white shield with crossed longswords in the background. In the original Second Era design were curved and single-edged after Akaviri fashion, though nowadays the arms in the background are allowed to vary depending on the region where the particular Guild chapter operates. For example, a chapter in Skyrim might use crossed axes instead of longswords.
[img]http://i1273.photobucket.com/albums/y417/rats_tr/crest-mage_zpscd2ddff8.png[/img]
The Mages Guild Coat of Arms
The oldest Empire-sanctioned Guild in existence, the Mages Guild's coat of arms is definitely unique and exotic in design. The origin story of the coat of arms remains a mystery -- some say Vanus Galerion himself first drew it -- but as for the symbol itself, there are two popular interpretations. First, it clearly resembles the star constellation of Ritual, a charge of the Mage constellation. Second, it symbolizes the eye of Magnus--the primordial God of Sorceryâ€â€known to those who are uninitiated in the arcane mysteries simply as the Sun. Indeed, both the Sun and the Stars are known by mages and astronomers as 'gateways' through which magicka flows to our mortal plane.
One thing I want to note on the two-headed eagle is that it would be nice if the red side signified Morrowind while the blue side signified Skyrim, rather than vice versa; for example (some) early Nords could have treated North as "down", being where they hailed from.
In general, an explanation on why the colours signify the provinces might be nice. I suppose the red could represent the Nord's warlike nature, and that Morrowind at that time wasn't an ashy wasteland, but what would blue represent?
Anyway, that's just a little thing that bothered me when reading the text.
In general, an explanation on why the colours signify the provinces might be nice. I suppose the red could represent the Nord's warlike nature, and that Morrowind at that time wasn't an ashy wasteland, but what would blue represent?
Anyway, that's just a little thing that bothered me when reading the text.
I like the reasoning behind the upside-down maps for Nords. Maybe the red and blue could be color codes for the hot, volcanic Morrowind and the cold, snowy Skyrim?
I don't know if it's possible to squeeze it in, though. I'd really like to have the book's layout so that the picture and the text can be examined simultaneously, the illustration on one page and the text on the other.
I don't know if it's possible to squeeze it in, though. I'd really like to have the book's layout so that the picture and the text can be examined simultaneously, the illustration on one page and the text on the other.
Hm, I didn't think of that aspect. I was actually wondering how the formatting would work out, and am happy to hear that you had that in mind.
Here would be my rough suggestion, though I'm not sure how many extra characters you have to play with:
"After King Vrage ended his indeed successful campaign in Morrowind the eagle, traditionally shown swooping up from Atmora, was revised to have two heads looking at opposite directions signifying the Nords' dominance over both east and west, fiery Resdayn and frigid Skyrim."
It still leaves a little for the player to figure out, but could do the trick. If that doesn't work, it's probably not worth the bother.
Here would be my rough suggestion, though I'm not sure how many extra characters you have to play with:
"After King Vrage ended his indeed successful campaign in Morrowind the eagle, traditionally shown swooping up from Atmora, was revised to have two heads looking at opposite directions signifying the Nords' dominance over both east and west, fiery Resdayn and frigid Skyrim."
It still leaves a little for the player to figure out, but could do the trick. If that doesn't work, it's probably not worth the bother.
I revised the Eagle chapter after Gnomey's suggestion. The layout looks good in-game.
//edit: Also, here are the illustrations in .tga format, ready for BookArt!
Code: Select all
<DIV ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT COLOR="500000" SIZE="3" FACE="Magic Cards"><BR>
Guide to Imperial Heraldry in Morrowind <BR>
written and illustrated by Dolemmus Heth-Suurim<br>
<IMG SRC="crest-dragon.tga" WIDTH="242" HEIGHT="242"><BR>
The Imperial Dragon<BR>
<FONT COLOR="000000" SIZE="3" FACE="Magic Cards">
<DIV ALIGN="LEFT">
The most recognized symbol of the Empire, few are aware that the Imperial Dragon is in fact of foreign origin. Emperor Reman Cyrodiil assumed it from the Tsaesci of Akavir after his victory over them at Pale Pass in 1E 2703, when the awestruck snakemen hailed him as dragon's blood. The dragon has been the sigil of the Empire and its dragonblood Emperors ever since. To honor the Eight Divines the beast is stylized in the shape of a diamond with four corners and four sides. The diamond above the dragon was added in the 3rd Era to denote Tiber Septim, or Talos, as the Ninth Divine.<BR>
<DIV ALIGN="CENTER">
<IMG SRC="crest-wolf.tga" WIDTH="240" HEIGHT="240"><BR>
<FONT COLOR="500000" SIZE="3" FACE="Magic Cards">
The Royal Wolf<BR>
<DIV ALIGN="LEFT">
<FONT COLOR="000000" SIZE="3" FACE="Magic Cards">
Also known as the 'Wolf of Symmachus' this emblem serves as the official sigil of the King of Morrowind and can be seen in the banners of the royal palace in Mournhold. Originally the personal coat of arms of General Symmachus--a trusted servant of Tiber Septim--, it later became the symbol for Morrowind's newly-formed royal house after the province's annexation by the Empire. The wolf symbolizes the King's loyalty to the standing Emperor as it once symbolized Symmachus' ardent loyalty to Tiber Septim himself. Notice how the dragon motif is completely absent in this King Helseth version of the sigil whereas it was still present during King Llethan's reign.<br>
<DIV ALIGN="CENTER">
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The Double-Headed Eagle<BR>
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The double-headed eagle was first brought to Morrowind by the Nords of Skyrim under King Vrage in the early First Era. Associating the eagle with their matron deity Kyne, the Nords would paint the symbol on their faces and shields hoping to win the goddess' favor. After King Vrage ended his indeed successful campaign in Morrowind the eagle, traditionally shown swooping up from Atmora, was revised to have two heads looking at opposite directions signifying the Nords' dominance over both east and west, fiery Resdayn and frigid Skyrim. It was only natural that the Empire would adopt the already well-known sigil for itself after conquering both provinces, placing the Imperial Dragon above the eagle.<BR>
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The Twin Lions<BR>
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The lion as a heraldic motif can be traced all the way back to Second Era High Rock. Some eight hundred years ago it served as the standard of King Emeric of Wayrest, and later became a symbol for the whole Iliac Bay region. It might be surprising to encounter such a western symbol so far away in the east, but the reason for the lions' popularity in Morrowind lies in the province's recent history. Barenziah, the Queen Mother of Morrowind, was also the Queen of Wayrest during her period of exile. A popular notion is that the two lions represent her royal children: Helseth and Morgiah, who spent a great deal of their lives in Wayrest where they received a western noble's upbringing, hence being depicted as lions.<BR>
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The Vaynth Wyrm<BR>
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A fine example of a more recent rendition of the Imperial Dragon is the Vaynth Wyrm, which has been around for only a little over two decades. Named after the controversial Simulacrum-era Duchess Vaynth of Firewatch who commissioned it in 3E 394, the wyrm has been the official sigil of the Imperial stronghold ever since. The coat of arms depicts a firebreathing dragon standing on guard atop the famous Firewatch lighthouse. The aggressiveness of the beast is due to a civil war that took place between Firewatch and its rival Old Ebonheart at the time of its creation. In fact, the original Vaynth Wyrm was reversed horizontally so it breathed fire to west, towards Old Ebonheart.
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The Fighters Guild Coat of Arms<BR>
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Originally a mercenary fighting force of the Akaviri Potentate, the Fighters Guild was awarded its coat of arms by the Imperial College of Arms in the signing of the Guild Act in 2E 321. The Guild's sigil is stylized after a heraldic achievement. It consists of a plain black-and-white shield with crossed longswords in the background, which in the original Second Era design were curved and single-edged after Akaviri fashion. Nowadays the arms in the background are allowed to vary depending on the region where the particular Guild chapter operates. For example, a chapter in Skyrim might use crossed axes instead of longswords.<BR>
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The Mages Guild Coat of Arms<BR>
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The oldest Empire-sanctioned Guild in existence, the Mages Guild's coat of arms is definitely unique and exotic in design. The origin story of the coat of arms remains a mystery -- some say it was first drawn by Vanus Galerion himself -- but as for the symbol itself there are two popular interpretations. First, it clearly resembles the star constellation of Ritual, a charge of the Mage constellation. Second, it symbolizes the eye of Magus--the primordial God of Sorcery--whom to us uninitiated in the arcane mysteries is known simply as the Sun. Indeed, both the Sun and the Stars are known by mages and astronomers as 'gateways' through which magicka flows to our mortal plane.<BR>
Last edited by Rats on Fri Aug 02, 2013 5:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Two little comments on phrasing. Otherwise this is good to go, for all i care.
Original:
Suggestion:
Original:
Indeed is placed a little oddly, "at" sounds better as "in" and Resdayn was the name for the united Dunmer/Dwemer country that was founded after the Nords were driven out. "Dunmereth" is a Nordic name for Morrowind regardless of time period.After King Vrage ended his indeed successful campaign in Morrowind the eagle, traditionally shown swooping up from Atmora, was revised to have two heads looking at opposite directions signifying the Nords' dominance over both east and west, fiery Resdayn and frigid Skyrim.
Suggestion:
After King Vrage ended his successful campaign in Morrowind, the eagle, traditionally shown swooping up from Atmora, was revised to have two heads looking in opposite directions, signifying the Nords' dominance over both east and west, fiery Dunmereth and frigid Skyrim.
I'd make "us" "those", because then the sentence isn't discriminating against members of the Mages Guild.Second, it symbolizes the eye of Magus--the primordial God of Sorcery--whom to us uninitiated in the arcane mysteries is known simply as the Sun
The provided code didn't work at all in the CS so I had to do a lot of random <BR> adding. I didn't want there to be an image on a page by itself, and this was the closest I could get.
Adanorcil said Magus is fine as well as Magnus but we did prefer Magnus so in-game it is Magnus.
Adanorcil said Magus is fine as well as Magnus but we did prefer Magnus so in-game it is Magnus.
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[06/19/2012 04:15AM] +Cat table stabbing is apparently a really popular sport in morrowind
[August 29, 2014 04:05PM] <+Katze> I am writing an IRC bot! :O
[August 29, 2014 04:25PM] *** Katze has quit IRC: Z-Lined
[06/19/2012 04:15AM] +Cat table stabbing is apparently a really popular sport in morrowind
[August 29, 2014 04:05PM] <+Katze> I am writing an IRC bot! :O
[August 29, 2014 04:25PM] *** Katze has quit IRC: Z-Lined
Insignia of the Imperial Navy
Derived from the sigil of the Tamrielic All-Flags Navy, the Empire’s naval insignia depicts the Dragon of Akatosh curled up in the shape of a ship’s wheel with eight spokes. The body of Akatosh represents Cyrodiil itself, while the diamond spokes protruding from the dragon’s wings represent the projection of Imperial power over the other eight provinces of Tamriel. The wheel can also be seen as a simplified representation of the Nine Divines, Akatosh being the centre figure, surrounded by the other eight Divines. The symbol became largely disused following the fragmentation of the Third Empire.
Derived from the sigil of the Tamrielic All-Flags Navy, the Empire’s naval insignia depicts the Dragon of Akatosh curled up in the shape of a ship’s wheel with eight spokes. The body of Akatosh represents Cyrodiil itself, while the diamond spokes protruding from the dragon’s wings represent the projection of Imperial power over the other eight provinces of Tamriel. The wheel can also be seen as a simplified representation of the Nine Divines, Akatosh being the centre figure, surrounded by the other eight Divines. The symbol became largely disused following the fragmentation of the Third Empire.
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Snake-Wyrm Upon the Tower
The Sigil of Ebonheart is the only known example of Imperial heraldry that synthesizes both Western and Eastern motifs. Historognosticators are inconclusive in the origins of the native symbology, but agree that it is likely to be an ancient Chimeri depiction of the Red Tower. It is speculated that the original site of Ebonheart was a temple to the missing god Lorkhan. Upon Tiber Septim's conquest of Ebonheart in the late Second Era, he imposed the wyrm-snake upon the original imagery, representing Man's conquest of the East.
Snake-Wyrm Upon the Tower
The Sigil of Ebonheart is the only known example of Imperial heraldry that synthesizes both Western and Eastern motifs. Historognosticators are inconclusive in the origins of the native symbology, but agree that it is likely to be an ancient Chimeri depiction of the Red Tower. It is speculated that the original site of Ebonheart was a temple to the missing god Lorkhan. Upon Tiber Septim's conquest of Ebonheart in the late Second Era, he imposed the wyrm-snake upon the original imagery, representing Man's conquest of the East.
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