Black Marsh timeline

[Deeza]

I'm sure this has been posted before, but it's useful to have it all in one place nonetheless. It comes from the imperial library:

Events and History in (or Involving) Argonia
From "The Pocket Guide to the Empire", Wild Regions section, Argonia:

These vast swamplands were once part of the Second Empire, which, in 1E2837, had seized a large portion of it to create the Imperial Province of Black Marsh.

According to "2920, The Last Year of the First Era" by Carlovac Townway, Empress Tavia was imprisoned by her husband the Emperor Reman III about 2E 2913 ("seven years earlier") in the highest tower in Castle Giovesse, which is outside Gideon, Black Marsh in the country. Lord Zuuk, a Kothringi (a human tribe in Black Marsh), was her guard.

After the Imperial capture of Ald Marak, part of the concessions offered by Imperial Prince Juilek to Lord Vivec in the truce negotiations to end their war and gain Imperial assets in Morrowind was freedom to take lands from Black Marsh.

From "2920, The Last Year of the First Era" by Carlovac Townway, quoting Juilek:

And your land may expand by taking certain estates in Black Marsh, whichever you choose, provided they are not needed by the Empire.

On the night of 31 Last Seed 1E 2920, Prince Juilek, heir to the Imperial throne, was assassinated at Dorsza Pass, a breach in a large earthen wall that lies somewhere in Black Marsh, presumably north of Gideon. The assassin was a man named Miramor and he intended to slay Emperor Reman III as part of a plot by Empress Tavia, whom Reman had imprisoned in Castle Giovesse in Gideon, Black Marsh. By an odd string of events, it was instead her son Juilek who rode through the pass and was the victim of a spear trap hidden in the grasses.

The Knahaten Flu ravages Tamriel between 2E 560 and 2E 601

From "The Pocket Guide to the Empire", Wild Regions section, Argonia:

In CE560, the Knahaten Flu spread through greater Argonia, claiming the lives of the Kothringi tribesmen, the only humans to have persisted in the area for long. The hist proved immune to the effects of this plague, leading to wild rumors that they had, in fact, created it through a manipulation of their cherished spore-trees.

It is almost certain that the Knahaten Flu reached the Khajiiti homeland of Elsweyr. Much of the city of Senchal was leveled presumably in an attempt to fight the flu's spread.

From "The Pocket Guide to the Empire", Elsweyr Confederacy section, Senchal:

In CE560, a strain of the Knahaten Flu blew across the channel from nearby Argonia and quickly infected the city's population.

From "Tamrielic Artifacts":

One of Valenwood's legendary heroes is Oreyn Bearclaw. Son of King Faume Toad-Eye, he was a respected clan hunter and a future leader. Wood Elven legend claims Oreyn single handedly defeated Glenhwyfaunva, the witch-serpent of the Elven wood, forever bringing peace to his clan. Oreyn would go on to accomplish numerous other deeds, eventually losing his life to the Knahaten Flu.

Whether the Knahaten Flu, also known as the Knahaten Plague, reached Hammerfell or not is unclear.

From Daggerfall's holidays as listed at the Imperial Library, Calendar page:

The Day of Shame - 20th Rain's Hand (20th April)
All along the seaside of Hammerfell, no one leaves their houses on the Day of Shame. It is said that the Crimson Ship, a vessel filled with victims of the Knahaten Plague who were refused refuge hundreds of years ago, will return on this day.

The Knahaten Flu, alias the Knahaten Plague, may have gotten into Morrowind. The plague mentioned may be another entirely, but the time frame is right and the other big suspect, the Thrassian Plague, occurred in the First Era not the Second. And the Ghost Fence contained the Blight to Red Mountain during the Second Era.

From "Surfeit of Thieves" by Aniis Noru:

"The place is called Ald Olyra," she explained. "It dates back to the second era when a collection of nobles built it to protect themselves during one of the epidemics. They didn't want any of the diseased masses to get into their midst and spread the plague, so they built up quite a sophisticated security system for the time.

From the Tamriel Timeline at the Imperial Library:

2E560-2E601
The Knahaten Flu plagues South East Tamriel destroying several native tribes in Black Marsh. The reptilian Argonians alone among the tribes of Black Marsh are immune to the plague, leading to speculation, not entirely discredited by modern researchers, that a genocidal Argonian mage creates the plague for his people.

There was a pursuit by Tiber Septim's troops into Black Marsh of kidnappers who had taken someone named Reekee (which sounds vaguely Argonian) in 2E 861.

From Attrebus's character description from TESA Redguard:

"...and nearly lost a leg to an Argonian feather-serpent during the grueling pursuit of Reekee's kidnappers into the depths of Black Marsh in 861."

The Imperial Library once said that the Knahaten Flu was also known as the Crimson Plague. After my inquiries about the subject, Xanathar corrected himself and now TIL says that the Thrassian Plague is a.k.a. the Crimson Plague.

Xan's note: It is my mistake.

In this story within a story, a man named Thaurbad is said to be suffering from the Crimson Plague. The time given for the story is "not long" after the founding of the Mages Guild but before there were guildhouses on mainland Tamriel. According to a MW document, "Imperial Charter of the Guild of Mages", the Guild was founded in 2E 230, a full 950 years after the time span the Imperial Library gives for the Thrassian Plague, but 330 years before the outbreak of the Knahaten Flu. If this Crimson Plague is either of these diseases, then something odd is going on. If it is not another disease entirely, it is more likely to be the Knahaten Flu as a quest involving the Crimson Plague has some dialogue saying that it was believed to have been eradicated in the Second Era. TIL has the Thrassian Plague's period of influence ending seven centuries before the Second Era even began. Then again, TIL says the Thrassian Plague existed 200 years before it was released on Tamriel.

From "Feyfolken" by Waughin Jarth (actually Ted Peterson in real life), as told by the Great Sage:

This particular tale takes place in city of Alinor on the west coast of Summurset Isle, and concerns a scribe named Thaurbad. This was in the Second Era, not long after Vanus Galerion had first founded the Mages Guild and chapter houses had sprung up all over Summurset, though not yet spread to the mainland of Tamriel.

...He had the Crimson Plague... It was a dreadful disease and had taken away his voicebox.

The description of the Redguard 'Day of Shame' "holiday" says that a vessel known as the Crimson Ship carried victims of the Knahaten Plague. This was what led Xanathar to think that the Knahaten Flu and the Crimson Plague were one and the same.

The final odd twist is that in TES III: Morrowind, a lich named Gedna Relvel claims to be bringing back the "Crimson Plague", a disease only mentioned in the book "Feyfolken" and mistakenly in the Imperial Library's timeline before Feyfolken was even written (in the real world, not Tamriel time).

From the UESP MW quest walkthroughs:

The Crimson Plague
19 January 2003

Ask Mehra Helas in the Temple District and the latest rumors and she will tell you of a new disease going around. You must speak with Mehra Helas about latest rumors before the attack in the Plaza Brindisi Dorom, because afterwards when ever you ask her about latest rumors she spats out only the one line dealing with the Plaza Brindisi Dorom and that you where there. Nerile Andaren, a Temple Healer, believes that the disease has something do with rats. Nerile is in the Hall of Ministry and says that the rumors about the epidemic are greatly exaggerated but she has a job for you anyways. This is a simple delivery job with you having to deliver a Cure Disease Potion to a Geon Auline in her house in Godsreach. Auline is easily found and the potion delivered.

When you return to Nerile, however, you find the Hall of Ministry infested with 7 or so Infected Rats. Kill them all and then talk to Nerile who says that she underestimated recent events and has another favor to ask of you. This time you are to deliver another Cure Disease Potion to Athelyn Malas in the Temple Courtyard. Again, Malas is easily found just outside the temple.

Return to Nerile who has discovered that the recent illnesses are due to the Crimson Plague. The disease was supposedly eradicated in the Second Era but it has reappeared for some reason just now. Something must be done quickly as the disease spreads and acts quickly. She asks you to check into the Temple Sewers to see if you can find where the rats are coming from, and if they came into contact with anything that might infect them.

When you enter the Temple Basement you'll find Shunari Eye-Fly standing over an unconscious guard. She says that she followed you when you were previously in the Temple Sewers (presumably during parts of the main quest, though I'm not sure if what happens if you try the quest before you enter the Sewers). Unfortunately she became sick somehow and had to knock the guard out when she exited the sewers. She'll tell you more if you cure her. Cast a Cure Disease spell on her to continue. Shunari will then tell you about Gedna Relvel, a corpse in the tomb beneath the temple that attacked her when she went in to look for treasure. The corpse of Relvel said it was here to spread the Crimson Plague and had infected Shunari.

The Lich Relvel can be found in the area of the same name (Gedna Relvel's Tomb) found in the Temple Gardens...

It is not stated directly, but the creation of Black Marsh province as part of the Empire was probably by a pact or treaty; it was not by military dominion.

From "A Short History of Morrowind":

Resdayn was the last of the provinces to submit to Tiber Septim; like Black Marsh, it was never successfully invaded, and was peacefully incorporated by treaty into the Empire as the Province of Morrowind.

From "On Morrowind, the Imperial Province" by Erramanwe of Sunhold (timeframe is Tiber Septim's conquest of Tamriel):

Contrived border incidents in Black Marsh ended inconclusively, but the swampy terrain did not favor legion and navy coordination.

During the War of the Red Diamond, which lasted from 3E 121 through 3E 127, Argonian support for the three competitors for the Imperial throne was divided.

From "A Brief History of the Empire, Part Two" by Stronach k'Thojj III:

The provinces of Hammerfell, Summurset Isle, Valenwood, Elsweyr, and Black Marsh were divided in their loyalty, but most kings supported Cephorus and Magnus.

Argonian troops under the command of Imperial overlords participated in the defeat of the "Wolf Queen" Potema during the 3E War of the Red Diamond and won some political concessions from the Empire for it afterwards.

From "The Wolf Queen of Solitude" by Waughin Jarth, Book Four, From the pen of the first century third era sage Montocai:

3E 109 Magnus had married Hellena, the Cyrodiil Queen of Lilmoth -- the Argonian priest-king having been executed -- and was representing the Imperial interests in Black Marsh admirably.

..and from Book Five, From the pen of Inzolicus, Second Century Sage and Student of Montocai..

3E 125 Cephorus concentrated his army on the war in High Rock, while his brother Magnus, King of Lilmoth, brought his Argonian troops through loyal Morrowind and into Skyrim to fight in Potema's home province. The reptilian troops fought well in the summer months, but during the winter, they retired south to regroup and attack again when the weather was warm. At this stalemate, the War lasted out two more years.

...and from Book Eight, From the pen of Inzolicus, Second Century Sage...

3E 127 In return for their support, the nobility of Skyrim, High Rock, Hammerfell, the Summerset Isle, Valenwood, Black Marsh, and Morrowind demanded and received a new level of autonomy and independence from the Empire. The War of the Red Diamond was at an end.

From "The Madness of Pelagius" by Tsathenes:

It was said that when the Argonian ambassador from Blackrose came to court, Pelagius insisted on speaking in all grunts and squeaks, as that was the Argonian's natural language.

It is possible that some Argonians traced descent from Tiber Septim, but it seems more likely that the disenfranchised family mentioned in Empress Katariah's death merely chose Black Marsh as the site of their attack whether they lived there or not and were most likely human. Katariah, though, was Dunmeri and the animosity between the Argonians and her people may have had something to do with it.

From "A Brief History of the Empire, Part Two" by Stronach k'Thojj III:

Katariah's death in a minor skirmish in Black Marsh is a favorite source for conspiracy-minded historians. The sage Montalius' discovery of the involvement of a disenfranchised branch of the Septim family's involvement with the skirmish was a revelation indeed.

Between 3E 310 3E 339, the Empire was ruled by Morihatha. And sometime in this period she sent troops to put down a rebellion. Given that the person who arranged her assassination in 3E 339 is believed to be an Argonian Councilman angry at her for not sending troops to "his troubled Black Marsh", it seems like that this happened well before 339.

From "Response to Bero's Speech" by Malviser, Battlemage:

Bero calls Empress Morihatha's Battlemage Welloc "an accomplished diplomat" but not "a powerful student of the School of Destruction." ... The sage Celarus, for example, wrote extensively about Welloc casting the Vampiric Cloud on the rebellious army of Blackrose...

From "A Brief History of the Empire, Part Four" by Stronach k'Thojj III, Imperial historian:

Though Morihatha's military campaigns were remarkably successful, her deliberate pace often frustrated the Council. One Councilman, an Argonian who took the Colovian name of Thoricles Romus, furious at her refusal to send troops to his troubled Black Marsh, is commonly believed to have hired the assassins who claimed her life in 3E 339. Romus was summarily tried and executed, though he protested his innocence to the last.

The Arnesian War was said to have had a trigger in the torture of a Dunmer by Argonian sorcerers.

From "Lives of the Saints":

If you would learn pride of race and tribe, follow Saint Roris the Martyr, Patron of Furnishers and Caravaners. Captured by Argonians just before the Arnesian War, Roris proudly refused to renounce the Tribunal faith, and withstood the cruel tortures of Argonian sorcerers. Vengeance and justice for the martyred Saint Roris was the rallying cry of the Arnesian War.

According to a secret document prepared for the "god" Vivec by his most senior clerics well after the Arnesian War, despite losing that war and being in an inferior enough military position to be habitually raided for slaves, it seems that Argonians have managed to retain lands they took from the Dunmer in ancient times.

From "Dagoth Ur's Plans":

Basic Objectives
...
5. Recover ancient territories stolen by Skyrim and Argonia.

There apparently was some kind of archaeological expedition by a scholar of the Empire named Bannerman sometime around the time of the events in Daggerfall, 3E 405. The following was taken from a TES III book.

From "The Ruins of Kemel-Ze" by Rolard Nordssen:

I also had before me the salutary example of poor Bannerman, who was still dining out on his single expedition to Black Marsh twenty years ago. That would never be me, I vowed.

There is a fabled artifact known as the Eye of Argonia. I happen to know that Bethesda was considering doing an adventure game like Redguard set in Argonia and "Eye of Argonia" was to be its name. Redguard's disappointing sales led Bethesda to scrap this idea. But the name of the artifact resurfaced in TES III: Morrowind.

From "The Ruins of Kemel-Ze" by Rolard Nordssen:

As Master Arum and the diggers crowded around me, congratulating me on my narrow escape, my thoughts drifted. I imagined my return to the Imperial City, and I knew that this would be my greatest triumph yet. How could I possibly top this find? Perhaps it was time to move on. Recovering the fabled Eye of Argonia... now that would be a coup!

Places and Locations in Argonia
From "The Alik'r" come two descriptions of two of Black Marsh's largest cities:

...the mold-encrusted villas of Lilmoth; the wonderful, dangerous alleys of Helstrom...

The Ultherus Swamp, besides sounding like someone with a lisp saying 'ulcerous', is a place in Argonia where a lethal, fernlike herb called Dragon's Tongue grows.

From "Special Flora of Tamriel":

Dragon's Tongue, a common name for a fernlike herb found in Black Marsh, is especially prolific around the area of the Ultherus Swamp. It is a beautiful wildflower whose name comes from the fire-red fronds that protect its golden efflorescence. As pretty as it is, however, it is a deadly poison to most living beings and needs to be avoided by adventurers, especially unprotected ones, as it is lethal to the touch.

...this also from "Special Flora of Tamriel"...

The Somnalius Fern can be found in the swamps of Black Marsh. The fronds of this plant are light green and quite delicate. Picking a frond can be very difficult, as they usually crumble to the touch, but once retrieved it can be used to put an enemy to sleep for a short while by passing it under his nose.

Agia Nero is a place in Black Marsh. It is most likely a town or community of some kind, but this is not certain. Judging from its name and the use of "Black Marsh" instead of "Argonia", it seems most likely it's in the northwestern area where Imperial influence is the strongest.

From "Hallgerd's Tale" by Tavi Dromio:

"Balaxes of Agia Nero in Black Marsh, the greatest wielder of a lance"

Dorsza Pass is a breach in a large, earthen wall that lies somewhere in Black Marsh, presumably north of Gideon. It stretches for miles and is said to have been built by a tribe of Argonians that had been long dead by the end of the First Era. Black twisted trees grow on its slopes and tall grass grows all around on either side of the wall and in the pass itself. It is the site of the death of Prince Juilek, a wise and capable heir to the throne of Cyrodiil whose ascent to Emperor was desired by the Tribunal and many others. The assassination that occurred there by the work of a man named Miramor was intended to slay Emperor Reman III.

The Tenmar Forest seems to be a place where Argonians and some sentient called 'Marsh Cats' live. Based on this, it may be a place near the top of the Topal Bay where Black Marsh and Elsweyr have their nearest land connection. However, a map of Elsweyr seemingly from the PGE shows a Tenmar Forest near the city of Torval in the southern part of the province.

From "Antecedents of Dwemer Law":

It is instructive to compare what Dhark has mentioned concerning the rude beasts of the Tenmar forests. "If a marsh cat was killed by an Argonian, his family were in disgrace till they retaliated by killing the Argonian, or another like it; but further, if a marsh cat was killed by a fall from a tree, his relatives would take their revenge by toppling the tree, and shattering its branches, and casting them to every part of the forest."

From "The Pocket Guide to the Empire", Elsweyr Confederacy section:

The khajiit also believe that their gods regularly bestow blessings to their chosen people, in the form of the moon-sugar, a substance native to the Tenmar Forest in southern Elsweyr.

Murkwood is a legendary forest deep in the swamps of Argonia. The trees, apparently, move of their own accord arranging themselves into an ever-shifting maze. Jagar Tharn hid one piece of the Staff of Chaos in it.

Armanias is a village somewhere outside the "impenetrable" interior swamplands most likely near the edge of Imperial control.

From "The Armorer's Challenge":

In this particular instance, Katariah and the Council were discussing the unrest in Black Marsh, the massacre of Imperial troops outside the village of Armanias. The sodden swampland and the sweltering climate, particular in summertide, would endanger the troops if they wore their usual armor.

Castle Kogmenthist's ruins most likely stand (or stood) in southern Black Marsh. Magnus was the Cyrodiilic ruler of Lilmoth in southern-most Argonia. Thus, Kogmenthist Castle may well be near Lilmoth, or it may not.

From "The Wolf Queen of Solitude":

3E 127 "I'm going to win this battle with Magnus, despite his superior position holding the ruins of Kogmenthist Castle," said Potema.

From the "Go! Blades" section of the Imperial Library recounting some lost info from Arena when it was planned as a tournament fighting game:

BLACK MARSH

Helstrom
You enter the city gates of Helstrom, noticing the dark looks the guards give you. You've heard of the Pit Daemons, who fight here. They have a reputation of being very dangerous. Perhaps you can change that...

Archon
The city gates of Archon loom over you as you enter. People around you here seem to be avoiding eye contact. You've heard that the Plague butchered their last opponents in this Arena and ate their remains. Not a fate you'd wish to share...

Gideon
Gideon, the black city of the followers of Seth, lies near the southern tip of the Imperial Run. A cold air that has nothing to do with the time of year seems to chill your bones as you enter. It has been rumored that the Shadowblades, who fight for Gideon, are undead...

Blackrose
Blackrose, near the legendary forest of Murkwood, holds many secrets. You feel eyes on your back as the city gates shut behind you with a hollow boom. The Arena here holds the blood of many teams who have lost their lives to the Warriors. You do not plan to add yourself to that list...

Lilmoth
Lilmoth, home of the Dark Tide, seems gloomy and forbidding. Never before have you experienced the unnatural fear that pervades the atmosphere. This city it is rumored, holds much under its streets...

Soulrest
You enter the gates of Soulrest, leaving the sounds of the ocean and surf behind. Inside it seems as if a hush as fallen over the city, as if all inside are holding their breath in anticipation. The Knightblades fight here, and it seems that the citizens are eager for blood...

Stormhold
Stormhold lies on the northern tip of the Province of Black Marsh. Here the people seem friendly, but a strain shows in their eyes. Perhaps it is because of their proximity to the Dark Elven lands. You only know that their team, the Black Shields, fight here and are considered perhaps the deadliest team on the continent...

Thorn
Thorn holds the eastern edge of the continent, and has been named by some the Jewel of the East. As you enter their gates however, you realize that this town is as deadly as it is rumored to be beautiful. Vagabonds eye your purse strings and guards seem to turn lazy eyes elsewhere. The Warlords fight here, and if they can make a home in such a place, it seems they will be implacable foes...

In the last year of the First Era at least, there was a tavern called the Sow and Vulture in Gideon.

From "2920, The Last Year of the First Era" by Carlovac Townway:

21 Second Seed, 2920
Gideon, Black Marsh
The Sow and Vulture tavern was the sort of out-of-the-way place that Zuuk favored for these sorts of interviews.

The nearest of the Dunmeri Great Houses to Black Marsh is the Dres. The following is what I believe to be an Imperial description of them.

From "Great Houses of Morrowind":

Dres District is in the south of Morrowind, bordering the swamps and marshes of Black Marsh. House Dres is an agrarian agricultural society, and its large saltrice plantations rely completely on slave labor for their economic viability. Always firm Temple supporters, House Dres is hostile to Imperial law and culture, and in particular opposed to any attempts to limit the institution of slavery.

[Ibsen's Ghost]

Funny you should post this up. I've been meaning to sort through this large collection of lore for a while...some of it is most likely to have come from yourself and some of it is most likely to contain the same stuff. Some of them are modder's resources. I've been deliberating whether to go with the 'Lusty Maid' stuff for a while now.

[Deeza]

Well, I'll take a look at that when I get my computer back (this one has no ability to extract archives, and I don't want to install any new programs while I'm borrowing it)

[Ibsen's Ghost]

Ok, no pressure. I still need to sort through my options on book cover folios.