Lore:Tiber Septim

Emperor Tiber Septim
Emperor Tiber Septim
Race	Man	Gender	Male
Born		2E 828, 24th of Mid Year
Died		3E 38
Resided in		Cyrodiil
Reign		2E 854- 3E 38
Previous Ruler		Cuhlecain
Next Ruler		Pelagius Septim I
Appears in		Redguard, Morrowind, Legends, Castles

"Talos says: Be strong for war. Be bold against enemies and evil, and defend the people of Tamriel."
—Ten Commands: Nine Divines

Tiber Septim (sometimes enumerated as Tiber Septim I or Septim I, and also known as Talos Stormcrown, Hjalti Early-Beard, and Tiberius Imperator, among many other titles) was a military leader who became one of the most famous figures in Tamrielic history, reigning as Emperor Tiber Septim from 2E 854 to 3E 38. Tiber Septim started his career in service under the Cyrodilic king Cuhlecain, where he was known as General Talos. In this role, he fought to unify Cyrodiil and finally all of Tamriel, an effort that culminated in 2E 896 with the birth of the Third Empire. He declared the onset of the Third Era at the end of the same year.

Tiber Septim ruled for 81 years and is considered by many to be the greatest emperor in history. He gave his name to the lineage of Cyrodilic Emperors known as the Septims. In the centuries following his reign, Tiber became revered as a god and saint, and is worshipped as one of the Nine Divines under the name of Talos (meaning Stormcrown in the language of the ancient Ehlnofey).

Prolepsis

Stained glass window depicting the figure of many prophecies, Talos

The 36 Lessons of the Dunmer god Vivec, which are chronicled in the early half of the First Era, feature Vivec and Nerevar at separate times stepping into the Provisional House: a realm described as non-spatial space filling to capacity with mortal interaction and information. While in the Provisional House, both Vivec and Nerevar had the same vision: that of a twin-headed ruling king who had no equivalent and contained multitudes. Vivec further described him as the red jewel of conquest. This vision was that of General Talos and his "twin head" Zurin Arctus, who collectively were known as the Enantiomorph, and joined as one to fortify the throne and very land of Tamriel.

Another prophetic vision of the coming of Tiber Septim came at the time of the Interregnum when a scholar had a vision of a tall man stabbing down at a serpent. Tutor Riparius, confidant of Demiprince Fa-Nuit-Hen, responded to this vision by saying simply that the Interregnum would not last forever. Another fable circulated during this time period of a future ruler who would be born in the ramparts of Alcaire Castle. The Daedric Prince Jyggalag had predicted the rise of Tiber Septim among various other events with a formula of logical deductions; this information was kept in Jyggalag's Great Library.

Other prophecies concerning Septim were less clear on him specifically, but predicted the return of a fabled Dragonborn to reunite the provinces and end the Interregnum. These ideals were shared by groups such as the Dragonguard, who spoke of an heir of Akatosh, and the fabled Emperor, the Greybeards who prophesied a warrior youth who would go south and unite Tamriel, and the order of the Battlespire who awaited an individual to restore the Empire to its former glory. Even the Altmer of Summerset had chilling prophecies of a being known as the Dragonborn who would consume the elves one by one if they refused to unite. Lorkhan's Cult also predicted the arrival of a mysterious outsider who some speculated Tiber to be based on his deeds.

Life

Early Life

Tiber Septim was born in 2E 828. Little is known of the earliest days of his life, and what is known is a matter of great debate. Numerous cults throughout Tamriel have obsessed over the rise of Tiber Septim and have various "founding myths" for the Septim Dynasty.

Orthodoxy

Heresy

Tiber Septim was born in Atmora under the name Talos, meaning "Stormcrown" in old Ehlnofex. He spent his youth in Skyrim, where he learned the ancient art of the Tongues as well as the strategies of war from the chieftains there. At the age of 20, he led the invasion of Old Hrol'dan, taking it back from the Witchmen of High Rock, his earliest known military victory. Soon after, growing storms made it known that the Greybeards were about to speak. As nearby villages were being evacuated, Talos traveled up the mountains the Greybeards called home, where they removed their gags and spoke his name, causing the world to shake. The Greybeards told Talos that he would come to rule Tamriel, but that he must go south to do so. Before he left, he learned the secrets of the high peak winds—the roar of the winter blast, and the warm silk of the summer updrafts. When he descended from the mountains, he came riding the clouds, striding through the air in great boots he claimed were gifts of the Greybeards for his cunning craft and riddling. Talos became General of the Colovian Estates under King (and later Emperor) Cuhlecain. General Talos met the combined army of Skyrim and High Rock, who were hostile to Cuhlecain, on the field of Sancre Tor. When they saw him use the thu'um, Skyrim's army joined with Talos, recognizing him as the son of Skyrim and heir to the Empires of Men. The Bretons of High Rock saw things differently. In 2E 854, a Reachman nightblade managed to kill Emperor Cuhlecain and slit Talos' throat. While the wound did not kill him, he could no longer use the Voice and went on to command Tamriel with a whisper. He took the Cyrodilic name Tiber Septim, as well as "Ysmir, the Dragon of the North", the Nordic Name of Kings.

According to a book titled The Arcturian Heresy, Hjalti Early-Beard was born on the island of Alcaire, in High Rock. Amid rumors of a warlord destined to rule Tamriel, he rose to prominence in the service of King Cuhlecain and fought to unify Cyrodiil. The book declares that the true identity of the Underking at this point in time is Ysmir Kingmaker. When the Greybeards spoke amidst rumblings of an individual who would defeat the elves and unite Tamriel with a restored Empire, Ysmir went to High Hrothgar assuming he was the figure of prophecy. He was blasted into ash by their voices as it was instead the warrior youth Hjalti who was this fabled figure of prophecy. Ysmir provided assistance to the young general, but the manner of his assistance is vaguely described. It states that a storm talked all night with Hjalti and deflected arrows while Hjalti shouted down the wall of Old Hrol'dan, where Hjalti was given the name Talos, meaning "Stormcrown", by his men. Notably, the book also refers to Ysmir as "Ysmir, the Grey Wind" and the "Storm of Kyne". After the province was conquered, Hjalti murdered Cuhlecain and his contingent in the Imperial City and blamed the deaths and ensuing blaze on assassins from High Rock. Ysmir continued to aid in Hjalti's conquests, and Hjalti subsequently took the name Tiber Septim, ascending to the Ruby Throne.

It remains uncertain which version of events, if either, is wholly accurate. Some elements of the Heresy may be true however, going by a soldier who served with Hjalti Early-Beard, who also had the honor of training with him in Alcaire. Furthermore, the 24th of Mid Year is celebrated in Alcaire as a holiday known as Tibedetha—middle Tamrielic for "Tiber's Day"—as the birthday of Tiber Septim. Alcaire celebrates what the locals claim to be its most famous native with a great party, though historically, Tiber Septim never returned to his alleged birthplace. However, there are also accounts that seem to support aspects of the traditional view, and contradict the Arcturian Heresy. Among them is the fact that Tiber Septim is believed to have farewelled a Giant—the king of Atmora late in the Second Era. Additionally, the Greybeards' oral history, spoken well into the fourth era, maintains that it was indeed Tiber Septim who was called to High Hrothgar and declared Ysmir.

Tiber War

Banner of the Third Empire

The aftermath of Cuhlecain's assassination set the stage for the rise of Tiber Septim and the end of the Interregnum. Immediately following the death of Cuhlecain, Tiber Septim was crowned Emperor of Tamriel by none other than Zurin Arctus, a figure who would be instrumental in the building of Tiber's empire as his Imperial Battlemage.

With this, Tiber Septim took to pursuing his ultimate goal: the whole of Tamriel being ruled under one banner.

• Cyrodiil — Now that Tiber Septim possessed the Amulet of Kings and could don it as a true Dragonborn ruler, he held undisputed claim over the Ruby Throne.

• Skyrim — During the Battle of Sancre Tor, an alliance of Bretons and Nords intended to stand against General Talos and his army. The Nords, who were suspicious of High Rock's aristocracy, heard the general's thu'um and recognized him as the Son of Skyrim and the Heir to the Empires of Men. Thus they joined his armies. After short lived skirmishes, the Jarls of Skyrim quickly bowed to Talos and came into his Empire.

• High Rock — Following the Battle of Sancre Tor, the Empire rounded up the soldiers from High Rock. The battlemage command was summarily executed, and the Breton captives were imprisoned or sold into slavery. With the help of a self appointed Provisional Governor, Tiber Septim subsequently solidified the witch-kings of High Rock and consolidated their borders as much as possible. Merchant lords and mercenaries took advantage of the waning border laws that would come to be replaced by Imperial law. Nevertheless, High Rock became yet another province to come into the Empire.

Jewel of the crown, Nafaalilargus

• Hammerfell — The best-understood episode of the Tiber War was the conquest of the Redguard kingdom of Hammerfell. Despite observing the might of the quickly expanding Empire, the already aged and ailing High King of Hammerfell, Thassad II, resisted all forms of Imperial invasion. It was only after his death in 2E 862 that Hammerfell began to weaken; not from an external invasion, but rather from an internal revolution. It was a civil war between the two most prominent factions: the rebellious Forebears and the loyalist Crowns, the latter of which supported Thassad's heir, A'Tor.
  After initial defeats, the Forebears signed a pact with the Emperor, granting him minor territory concessions in exchange for aiding them in the civil war. The already weakened Crowns still provided heavy resistance to invading Imperial forces, until at last they were cornered at Stros M'Kai in 2E 864. The Battle of Stros M'Kai was won thanks to Admiral Richton's shrewd tactics and the aid of Septim's dragon vassal, Nafaalilargus. The Empire swiftly took control of Hammerfell, imposing several Provisional Governors to rule different regions.
  Later that same year, an uprising led by siblings Cyrus and Iszara saw the Restless League come out of hiding. They stormed the Palace, and Cyrus himself cornered Provisional Governor Amiel Richton and Imperial Emissary Dram aboard a Dwemeri dirigible. Cyrus killed them both with the Soul Sword, which was enchanted with the soul of Prince A'tor. This act was allegedly the third incarnation of the HoonDing. Thereafter, Tiber Septim came to Stros M'Kai personally to sign a treaty that held more favorable terms for the Redguards. Iszara represented Hammerfell, and was guided by the wisdom of Prince A'Tor via the Soul Sword.

• Elsweyr — Tiber Septim and his armies did a great number on the cat folk of Elsweyr. Years before incorporating them into the Empire, General Pottreid, accompanied by the young war prodigy Attrebus, led an attack on Senchal. The siege was so devastating to the Khajiit people, it was stricken from official Imperial records. Ultimately, Elsweyr became yet another province to fall to the ever growing Empire. Much like during the time period of Reman, the Khajiit were rebellious against the Empire.

A sketch of Talos and the King of Atmora by Michael Kirkbride

• Black Marsh — Before it became a province of the Empire, a skirmish in Black Marsh over a captive named Reekee saw an important member of Tiber's legion nearly lose a leg to an Argonian feather-serpent. Ultimately, Black Marsh was never successfully invaded in full like the majority of the other provinces; this was largely because the savage, dangerous inner swamps of the province dissuaded Tiber. It was deemed best to avoid invading central Black Marsh, as the land was strategically unimportant. The outer borders, however, quickly fell to Tiber Septim's armies.

• Morrowind — Morrowind was the only province to never be incorporated into the two prior Empires of Cyrodiil, therefore little was known of the province by official Imperial records. Tiber Septim, possibly under the guidance of Ysmir Wulfharth, was advised to incorporate the province of Morrowind into the Empire, but was very hesitant as he was aware of the divine power of the Tribunal, the living trio of Dunmer gods. However, he coveted the rich source of Ebony located in the province as he needed a source of capital to rebuild Cyrodiil which had been ravaged by 400 years of war during the Interregnum. Ultimately, the need for the Ebony and the dream of a fully united Tamriel won out, and Tiber set his sights on the land of the Dark Elves.
  The rulers of the Dunmer and the Empire could not reach initial agreements and Tiber's armies laid waste to the capital of Morrowind, Mournhold. In the wreckage of the great city, Tiber and his Dark Elf general Symmachus came across the young Barenziah, who they agreed might prove valuable some day, and took her into Imperial care. Amidst all the skirmishes between the Empire and the Dunmer, mutual reservations were growing for both parties. Unbeknownst to the populace, the Tribunal's power was waning with the return of the sharmat, Dagoth Ur, who had cut them off from their source of divine power. Because of this, Vivec saw fit to reach an agreement with Tiber. On the Empire's side, Tiber Septim felt similarly compelled to reach a truce instead of dealing with the might of three living gods and the lingering threat of the returning Dagoth Ur.
  Thus Vivec and Tiber Septim signed the Armistice: a treaty that gave Morrowind near full autonomy, a right no other province possessed, in exchange for provincial status in the Empire. Additionally, Vivec gifted Tiber Septim the all-powerful brass golem, Numidium, per terms of the treaty. Tiber also personally approached the leaders of the Morag Tong and reached an agreement that no non-Dunmer citizen could use their services, or have a mark placed on them; likely so he did not have to worry about facing the same threat that eliminated the majority of the Second Empire.

• Valenwood — The elven provinces of Valenwood and Summerset Isle had formed an alliance, the second Aldmeri Dominion. The government of Valenwood under this alliance was known as the Thalmor, which consisted of Bosmeri chieftains and Altmeri diplomats. This governing body was annihilated by Tiber Septim and his armies; however, Tiber allowed them to retain certain traditions, such as a tribal council. A Camoran king was permitted the throne of Valenwood, though he was reduced to ruling as a figurehead.

• Summerset Isles — The Altmer of Summerset were incorporated into the Second Empire of Reman Cyrodiil under extremely loose circumstances. They were very resistant to the taint of humanity on their sacred island of Alinor, and merely accommodated Reman per their own account. They expressed that Tiber Septim would receive no such luxury. Tiber Septim knew that acquiring the province in totality would be next to impossible, and early on in his conquest he sent Zurin Arctus to make peace with the King of Alinor. Some were curious why Tiber Septim did not use the crusade against the Aldmeri Dominion as an opportunity to revitalize the worship of Shezarr the anti Aldmer warlord aspect of the Missing God. One theologist theorized that being tied to the dark legacy of the Alessian Order would hurt his campaign for the Imperial Crown.
  Another telling reminder of their might came at Black Rocks, where the Aldmeri Dominion nearly destroyed the entire Third Legion with a strategic trap. On a ground to ground level Tiber's legions felt very unthreatened by the Aldmeri Dominion forces and tauntingly referred to them as "Old Mary Dominion" for their supposed womanly offense. However at sea they were simply outmatched and the Dominion allegedly allied with Maormeri, Reachman, and even Khajiiti forces to oppose the expanding Empire. This all changed after Tiber acquired the Numidium from Vivec per terms of the Armistice. Septim had it rebuilt in either the Halls of Colossus or in Cyrodiil, at the headquarters of the Imperial Battlemages. Then, he had his battlemage, Zurin Arctus, look into the Numidium's potential and purpose. After learning of Numidium's true power, Tiber realized it was the key to his completing the conquest of Tamriel; the only issue he faced was the lack of a power source, as its original power supply, the Heart of Lorkhan was being carefully guarded by Dagoth Ur.
  What follows is a point of much dispute; some sources claim that an artifact known as the Mantella sprouted from the heart of either Zurin Arctus or Ysmir Wulfharth. While not as adequate as the Heart of Lorkhan, it was able to power the brass golem. Additionally, another artifact known as the Totem of Tiber Septim was crafted by Zurin Arctus to allow one to control the Numidium. What is agreed upon is that both Ysmir and Zurin were vanquished by this point, and Tiber moved on to the Summerset Isles.
  After activating the Numidium near Rimmen Tiber Septim wrought trauma on the Khajiit populace before marching towards Alinor. Numidium besieged the capital of the Summerset Isles, its fall occurring within an hour. Many great Altmer were slain such as the legendary battlemage Areldur. Alinor's fall marked the end of the Tiber War, finally unifying Tamriel.

Aftermath of War

The Brass Golem Numidium

After having finally unified the whole of Tamriel, Tiber Septim used the Numidium to further fortify his Empire and rule over the land by crushing neutral ruling families all throughout the continent, enthroning rulers who were loyal to him in their place. Suddenly, a new foe appeared: the Underking, a rotting undead wizard who controlled the skies. Disgusted by Septim's actions, the Underking engaged the Numidium in an epic battle. The Underking destroyed the golem, but was killed by the construct's final flailings. He lived in a state of half-life thereafter, as he no longer possessed his life force. Despite all this, Tiber Septim crowned himself as the first ever ruler of a fully unified Tamriel, and the Third Empire was truly born. He declared the end of the Age of Chaos (the Second Era), and the beginning of the Third Era.

While order would follow his coronation, the years of bitter war and bloodshed caused by the Talosian conquest deeply affected the populace of the Empire. The proper name for the continent, "Tamriel", fell out of favor during this time, as the people instead saw fit to describe the land they dwelt on as "the Arena". The task of conquering the entire continent of Tamriel had some laud Tiber Septim as the greatest warrior to ever live, while others argued that he accomplished this mostly as a noncombative ruler.

Golden Age

"You have suffered for me to win this throne, and I see how you hate jungle. Let me show you the power of Talos Stormcrown, born of the North, where my breath is long winter. I breathe now, in royalty, and reshape this land which is mine. I do this for you, Red Legions, for I love you."
—Tiber Septim to his captains after the fall of Alinor

Tiber Septim (Skyrim Tarot)

With this, Year Zero (also referred to as Year Aught) of the Third Era was commenced. Certain writings claim that at the onset of his fully unified reign, Tiber acknowledged that the dense jungles that encompassed Cyrodiil were hated by his people, thus he proclaimed to have breathed in royalty to reshape the very land that his Red Legions dwelt upon.

Around this time period Tiber used the massive supply of funds he had received from Imperial tithes, the rich source of Ebony in Morrowind, and steep tolls along patrolled highways to completely rebuild and fortify Cyrodiil and the Imperial City. While still standing, the city was badly ravaged by the war-torn years of the Interregnum.

One of the few documented occurrences during the unified reign of Tiber Septim is Barenziah, the Heiress to Mournhold, being returned to Imperial care after her rebellious flight. After being rounded up by General Symmachus, Barenziah was brought to the Imperial City where she was presented before the emperor himself. It was already decided that she would not be punished for these misdeeds; rather, she would stay with the royal family until she came of age to depart for her home province of Morrowind, and rule as the Imperial Queen from the capital city Mournhold. During this time, Barenziah was adored by the locals and the royal family alike. Tiber's heir, Pelagius, loved her like a sister.

According to some accounts, Tiber Septim and Barenziah developed a romantic connection that, to the Emperor's dismay, led to a pregnancy. As the story goes, Tiber had the pregnancy terminated, as it posed a threat to the reign of his sons. Regardless, Barenziah departed from the Imperial City on her eighteenth birthday and set out for Mournhold, where she was to rule as queen with Symmachus as her Prime Minister. She would occasionally return to the Imperial City to visit Tiber, and they managed to maintain a positive relationship.

Towards the very end of his reign in 3E 36, the holy site of Sancre Tor was corrupted by an unknown evil. Tiber sent the four greatest Blade agents of his day, Alain, Valdemar, Rielus, and Casnar to investigate what had befallen the sacred place. It turned out to be the work of Zurin Arctus, the Underking, who in an act of vengeance cursed the Blades with undeath to guard the ruin for all time. The Grandmaster of the Blades subsequently sealed the ruins to prevent any other from falling to the Underking's powerful magic.

Overall, the near four decades that Tiber Septim ruled over a united Tamriel was said to be a just, pious, and peaceful time for everyone from serf to sovereign, known as the Golden Age.

Divinity

Apotheosis

A Nordic statue of Talos

In the year 3E 38, despite rumors that his court mages had developed spells to extend his vitality or that he had been granted immortality by the One, Tiber Septim perished at 108 years of age. Some sources suggest this was due to old age, while others claim he was fatally wounded in the Battle of Sancre Tor. On his deathbed, he yielded the Imperial throne to his heir Pelagius, and thereafter certain artifacts associated with Tiber Septim vanished. Regardless of this, it is believed he ascended to Aetherius as a Divine upon his death, making the Eight become Nine. It was said to have rained for a fortnight after he died, as if the very land itself wept over the Emperor's loss. His mortal death was merely a catalyst for his prominent worship in the pantheons of man. Some erroneous rumors circulated that Tiber Septim never actually died, but instead became the Underking. Certain somewhat dubious sources claimed that upon his ascension, Talos absorbed the essence of many of the dragons. He died the richest man in history.

Divine Deeds

Circa 3E 427, amidst the turmoils of the Nerevarine Prophecy, the Nerevarine passed through the Ghostgate in pursuit of Dagoth Ur. There, they came across an old Imperial war veteran named Wulf, who turned out to be an aspect of Tiber Septim. Wulf confided in the Nerevarine, expressing that the age of his own empire had passed, and it was time for the new generation to come up with fresh ideas. He then granted the Nerevarine an old coin as a parting gift, intending for the Hero to take it with them on the way to Red Mountain. The blessed coin granted the Hero good luck.

In 3E 433, the calamity known as the Oblivion Crisis befell Tamriel, and all of the heirs of the Septim bloodline were wiped out, save for one Martin Septim. These Mythic Dawn, a cult dedicated to Mehrunes Dagon, was responsible for the assassinations and the onset of the crisis. The leader of the Mythic Dawn was the son of the infamous Camoran Usurper: Mankar Camoran. He fled with the Amulet of Kings to Paradise, an Oblivion realm of his own making.

An Imperial statue of Talos

Martin Septim's allies sought to pursue Mankar Camoran into Oblivion, but in order to enter the realm, they needed three things: a Great Sigil Stone, the blood of Daedra, and the blood of a Divine. In order to satisfy the need for the blood of a Divine, the Hero of Kvatch set off to the ruin of Sancre Tor to retrieve the Armor of Tiber Septim, which was still stained with his blood. Retrieving the armor proved to be an arduous task, as the ruin was corrupted by the vengeful Underking. He cursed the four mightiest Blades of Tiber Septim's day with undeath to guard over the old fortress. After freeing the four ancient Blades from their bindings, their spirits helped the Hero enter the Reman crypt and recover Septim's armor. The Hero was also aided by a mysterious guardian known as Baynham. The armor was adequate for the need of the blood of a Divine, attesting to the ascension of Talos.

Later that same year, the mortal enemy of the Divines and their champion, Pelinal Whitestrake, returned to the world of men: Umaril the Unfeathered, the half-Ayleid half-divine champion of Meridia. Umaril swore vengeance upon the Divines for championing the enemy who slew him. He was able to cheat death due to the fact that he bound himself to the realm of his mistress.

The Hero of Kvatch became an embodiment of Pelinal Whitestrake, collected all of the Crusader's Relics, and was bestowed with the blessing of the newest Divine, Talos, by a mysterious prophet. With this blessing, the Hero was able to do what Pelinal could not: they slew Umaril in the physical world and killed his spiritual form, destroying him utterly.

With Martin Septim's sacrifice, the Septim lineage was no more. The Third Empire would live on through the Mede Dynasty, but the unity that persisted under Septim rule was quickly deteriorating. In 4E 175, after a bloody, years-long war with the Aldmeri Dominion, Titus Mede II signed the controversial White-Gold Concordat, which saw the complete ban of all worship of Talos. The Blades, who sought to preserve his legacy, were also disbanded.

After the concordat was signed, the Thalmor took it upon themselves to eliminate any remaining Talos worshippers, and hunted down the remnants of the Blades. One surviving Blade known only as the Warrior survived the Thalmor's crusade and returned to their home town of Rivercrest in Cyrodiil, along with their mentor and fellow surviving Blade, Henrik Seven-Swords. Led by Justiciar Aranande, the Thalmor soon arrived in town and claimed they were looking for Blades holdouts. The Warrior proved to be a great foil to the Thalmor operatives, managing to lure them into suicide missions, rescue Talos worshippers whom the Thalmor intended to execute, intercept couriers who carried critical information on the whereabouts of the Blades, and finally killing the lead Justiciar personally.

A temple of Talos (Blades)

Ulfric Stormcloak of the Stormcloak Clan was a Nordic figure who staunchly fought for the restoration of Talos worship in Skyrim. This led to his capture and imprisonment on multiple occasions. The signing of the White-Gold Concordat, Empire's compliance with the Thalmor (especially the banning of Talos worship), eventually culminated in Ulfric leading a movement known as the Stormcloak Rebellion, the goal of which was for Skyrim to secede from the Empire and reinstate the worship of Talos. Stormcloak sources claimed that the thu'um Ulfric possessed was a gift of Talos himself.

In 4E 201, amidst the Prophecy of the Dragonborn, the World Eater Alduin returned to the Mundus to bring about the end of the Kalpa. The Last Dragonborn was called to High Hrothgar by the Greybeards, who spoke for the first time since the rise of Talos. After proving their legitimacy as a true Dragonborn, Arngeir and the rest of the Greybeards proclaimed the Last Dragonborn the claimant of the name "Stormcrown", and declared them Ysmir, Dragon of the North, just as they had done for young Talos centuries prior.

Personal Life

Engraving of Tiber Septim from the Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition

"Some things are universal, shared by all sentient folk of good will," he said. "So the One teaches us. We must unite against the malicious and the brutish, the miscreated -- the Orcs, trolls, goblins, and other worse creatures -- and not strive against one another."
—Tiber Septim

Biography and Race

Tiber Septim was of average height with a "winning" smile and bright blue eyes, along with a strong brow and a powerful chin. In his lifetime, his hair ranged from dark black to a stark white.

Tiber Septim's race is something that many sources differ on. Official Imperial records claim he was Atmoran, born on the icy continent from where he would eventually sail to Skyrim, where he spent his youth. Some claim Talos was a Nord, while others find it an important distinction to note that he is not a Nord, but rather Atmoran. The Bretons of Alcaire see Tiber Septim as Hjalti Early-Beard, native to the island kingdom of High Rock. They believe Tiber Septim was a Breton. When Tiber Septim manifested before the Nerevarine as an Imperial named Wulf, his appearance was likened to the depiction of Tiber Septim on a Septim coin. Some sources even suggest the Emperor had mixed ancestry. General consensus holds that Tiber Septim was not a descendant of Reman, the previous Empire's progenitor. However, official Empire documents claimed Tiber was the Scion of Emperors and that he was the True Emperor of Cyrodiil and heir to all of its prior holdings.

Tiber Septim worshipped a single god known as the One. The One was the supreme deity of singularity of the Alessian Order, and Tiber Septim revived his worship during his reign as Emperor. He had a famous hatred of Orcs, viewing them as lesser beings and denying them citizenship within the Third Empire, which they had been granted in the previous Empire under the Akaviri Potentate. He similarly viewed goblins and trolls as among "the miscreated". He apparently developed a particular fondness for guar during one of his various tours of Morrowind. Septim struggled with the Dunmer language, and so instead took to calling them "tigers"—another animal he was fond of from the storybooks of his youth. Many Imperial Legionnaires and even Dres slavers still refer to their cattle guar as tigers in honor of this.

Family and Lineage

Statue of Tiber's heir, Pelagius

Tiber Septim was born in a disputed birthplace to unknown parents. However, he did have one known sibling: his brother Agnorith. Tiber had multiple children with his Empress, and the honor of succeeding his throne went to Pelagius, who was referred to in some sources as his eldest son, while other accounts claim him to be Tiber's grandson. Regardless, after the death of Pelagius (who was believed to have no living children), the throne passed on to Agnorith's daughter Kintyra, the former queen of Silvenar.

Throughout most of the Septim Dynasty, the Emperors descended from Kintrya I's line, and while they were blood relatives of Tiber Septim, they were not direct descendants. The lineage from Kintyra's line becomes uncertain with the rise of Emperor Cephorus II, who was a Nordic King. By the near end of the Septim Dynasty, Emperor Uriel Septim VII was himself identified as a direct descendant of Tiber Septim, which would implicitly mean that the direct bloodline of Tiber was at some point returned to the throne; the progenitor of such a descendance, be they an ancestor or parent of Uriel VII, is uncertain.

The noble blood and legacy of Tiber Septim lived on throughout Tamriel after his death in the form of many ruling families, most notably the remainder of his Imperial heirs in the Septim Dynasty. Furthermore, in the Third Era, members of the Septim Dynasty became the ruling family of Wayrest, which included figures such as Eadwyre and Elysana. Even the lordship of Daggerfall was believed to have Septim blood, as the "Dragon of Daggerfall", Lysandus, was identified by the Underking as a true descendant of Tiber Septim.

Worship

After Tiber Septim's death and subsequent ascension, he became a prominent figure of worship in numerous cults and pantheons of man.

Imperial

Wulf, an Aspect of Tiber Septim

The Imperials of Cyrodiil and those who practice their faith believe that after Tiber's death the very face of the Divine changed; where once was only Eight had now become Nine, as Tiber had taken his place among the gods. The primary religion of the Empire was known as the Church, and in the Church, Tiber was acknowledged as the patron of just rulership, civil society, questing knights, and war.

Beyond the mainstay that is the Church, the Imperial Cult was the missionary arm of the Nine Divines religion. Along with his eight Aedric counterparts, this order emphasized Tiber as a Divine hero-god, not unalike fellow founding Emperor Reman Cyrodiil, the earthly hero-god of the Imperials. Indeed, the two Emperors were both worshipped as conquerer gods.

The Order of Talos was dedicated to the monastic worship of Talos, who served as the order's god and patron saint. They held an alliance with the Blades, and many members of the Blades retired to the Order. Indeed, the incarnation of the Blades that presided over the Septim dynasty had accepted Talos as their patron god, and they coveted and protected artifacts associated with him.

Another order known as the Talos Cult was a fringe group comprised of members of the Imperial Legion. They sought to protect the glory of Talos, which amounted to them wanting to put a strong person akin to Talos back on the throne, deeming heirs such as Uriel VII unworthy, and being willing to go as far as assassinating him to remove the "false heir". Yet another group was the Cult of Tiber Septim, a famous Nibenese cult which held personal sentiment among military, provincial colonists, and recently assimilated foreigners. It also had a significant charismatic sub-cult. A possibly related faction was the Tiberius Imperator Cult, also known as the Citizenship Cult, an order that had gained footing in Hlaalu territory.

The Knights of the Nine were a group of knights that quested in the name of the Nine Divines, or the Eight and One, and their champion, the Divine Crusader Pelinal Whitestrake. Along with the eight Aedra's Crusader's Relics, the blessing of Talos was bestowed upon the Divine Crusader reborn.

Nord

A Nordic amulet of Talos

The Nords of Skyrim acknowledge Talos as Ysmir, Dragon of the North due to the fact he was able to withstand the Greybeards' voices long enough to hear their prophecy. After this, many Nords could not look upon Talos without seeing a Dragon. Some even believed him to be a literal Dragon who shapeshifted into a human form. In the aspect of Ysmir, Talos is invoked as the patron of questing heroes. Nords often swear by Ysmir's beard, and his Dragon blood. Much like the Imperials, the Nords believe that upon Tiber Septim's death, their Eight Divines became Nine, with Talos serving as the lord of the Divines and the true god of man.

Talos was seen as Skyrim personified: an overall crucial figure to the culture, heritage, and tradition of the Nords. A proper Nordic burial often consisted of tributes to all Divines, with the tribute to Talos involving the offering of an item of sentiment associated with war at one of his many shrines. In the old animal totemic religion of the Nords, Talos is a Twilight God and his totem is that of the Dragonborn. The Nords blessed a great many things with this totem, as they believe of all the gods, it is he who will survive into the next cycle. Some Nords see the culmination of the Oblivion Crisis much differently than the heartland Imperials. They believe it was Talos as the Dragonborn god who rose up and aided Martin Septim instead of Akatosh in the defeat of Mehrunes Dagon. These differing beliefs were known to cause serious tension between the Nords and The Church of the Imperials in the past with Nords strongly preferring their dragon Ysmir to the Imperial's Akatosh. On the contrary, oral traditions of more modern Nords who worship a pantheon much more akin to the Church maintain that it was indeed Akatosh that Martin ascended as to defeat Dagon. Despite its status as an Imperial order, the Cult of Tiber Septim also serves as a Nordic hero-cult that provides a strong counter-current to the dominant secularism of the Empire.

Artifacts

Amulet of the Kings of Glory

Amulet of Kings

The Amulet of Kings was a pendant worn by legitimate Dragonborn rulers of Cyrodiil in honor of Alessia's covenant with Akatosh. Talos acquired this legendary artifact during the Battle of Sancre Tor; his unshakable resolve in taking on an army that far exceeded his in the dead of winter was inspired by his divine vision that it was located in the tomb of Reman III at the sacred Golden Hill. After the death of Cuhlecain, he was able to don the necklace proving he was a true Dragonborn as the amulet can only be worn by those of such blood. Prophetic visions of Tiber envisioned him wearing a crown that looked like shackles with eight imperfections rubbed into precious stones. This refers to the Amulet of Kings and the eight stones embedded into it that represent the Eight Divines. The Red Diamond in the center became the symbol of the Septim line.

Armor of Tiber Septim

Armor of Tiber Septim

The Armor of Tiber Septim was a set of Imperial Dragon Armor worn by Tiber during his reign as Emperor. The type of armor known as "Imperial Dragon Armor" is generally reserved exclusively for the Emperor. It was most notably worn by Tiber during his declaration of the end of the Second Era, and beginning of the Third. At some point, the artifact was given to the Blades by Tiber himself to honor their role in the Battle of Sancre Tor. Sometime after, the Blades erected a shrine to Tiber in Sancre Tor, on the spot he received the blessing of Akatosh. The armor would remain there for many centuries. The armor proved to be instrumental in ending the Oblivion Crisis, as the Hero of Kvatch plundered the artifact from Sancre Tor, and used his blood stains to satisfy the need for the "blood of the Divines" to open a portal to Mankar Camoran's Paradise.

Boots of the Apostle

Boots of the Apostle

The Boots of the Apostle are shrouded in mystery. The wearer is rumored to be granted the ability to levitate, though sightings of them in use have been extremely rare. The boots are considered relics of Tiber Septim and legendary treasures of Cyrodiil. When he descended from the mountains of High Hrothgar, Tiber Septim purportedly came down riding the clouds, striding through the air in the boots, which were gifted to him by the Greybeards for his cunning craft and riddling. The Nerevarine reportedly recovered the boots and sold them to the Mournhold Museum of Artifacts in 3E 427.

Hjalti's Sword

Hjalti's Sword

Hjalti's Sword was the blade of Hjalti Early-Beard which he wielded in the sacking of Old Hrol'dan. Circa 4E 201, a restless spirit who fought alongside Hjalti during the battle mistook the Last Dragonborn for his old comrade. The spirit was unable to rest due to an unfulfilled promise Hjalti had made him: to become his sworn brother after the battle. The Last Dragonborn retrieved the sword and presented it to the ghost, which finally allowed him to rest.

Horn of Summoning

The Horn of Summoning is an artifact of immense power that was obtained by Tiber Septim. In exchange for the Horn, Tiber gave the Dunmer possession of the Staff of Chaos, which was thereafter guarded by the Dark Elf god Ephen. The Horn was said to have been capable of even greater devastation than the ever-powerful Staff Of Chaos.

The Mantella

Mantella

The Mantella was a massive green gem that was used to power the Brass God Numidium in place of its original power source, the Heart of Lorkhan so Tiber could use it in his conquests. The Mantella was created by Zurin Arctus but what was used as the source of power is a point of much dispute. It was powered by the heart or life force of either Zurin Arctus, Ysmir Wulfharth,, Tiber Septim himself, or even various combinations of the three of them. What is known is that ultimately Tiber Septim was the one to wield the artifact which he used to empower the Numidium and crush his enemies throughout Tamriel.

Totem of Tiber Septim

Totem of Tiber Septim

The Totem of Tiber Septim is an artifact that allows its bearer to control Numidium, the ancient Dwemer construct. It was created at the end of the Second Era by Imperial Battlemage Zurin Arctus, to allow Emperor Tiber Septim to use the golem in his conquest of Tamriel. Only an individual of Septim lineage or special supernatural affinity can safely wield the Totem; it will reject an unworthy owner, and has been known to telepathically do so to such individuals.

The Totem was lost along with Numidium shortly after the conquest of Tamriel, when the automaton was destroyed by the Underking. It was known to have resurfaced in the Iliac Bay region some time around 3E 401. After changing hands several times over the next few years, it was recovered by a mysterious adventurer sent by Emperor Uriel Septim VII.

In 3E 417, the Totem was simultaneously given to (and used by) seven factions around the Iliac Bay. This caused the phenomenon now known as the Warp in the West, during the events of which the Totem was apparently lost again.

Titulature

Statue of Tiber Septim (Oblivion)

"Let me show you the power of Talos Stormcrown, born of the North, where my breath is long winter."
—Tiber Septim

Given his great fame all throughout Tamriel, Tiber was known by a plethora of titles. His nature as a Dovahkiin earned him titles such as Dragonborn, Ysmir, 'Dragon of the North', Dragon Emperor, Dragon Prince, the Dragon-in-Flesh, and King of Earth and Sky. This status as the first Dragonborn emperor since the days of the Reman Dynasty garnered him appellations like the Warrior Emperor, Our Glorious Emperor, Heir to the Empires of Man, Heir to the Seat of Sundered Kings, True Emperor of Cyrodiil, and even designations that possibly imply a direct lineage between Reman and Tiber such as Scion of Emperors. During the Tiber War, he was also known as the Warrior-King. Other descriptors that were in reference to his Imperial Legion armies he led like Red King, and red jewel of conquest were attributed to him as well. Several other titles that were given to him in reverence were numerously Lord of Shining Hosts, Protector of Oathman, Feeman, and Yeoman, Guarantor of Right and Justice, Broad Blessing of Thrones and Powers, Cynosure of Celestial Glory, The Most High, Skyrim's Son, and His Most Discerning Majesty. His achievement of being the first individual to ever fully unite the continent earned him the distinction First Emperor of Tamriel. As the antithesis of Zurin Arctus under the name "Other" and in regards to his ascension to the pantheon of the Eight Divines, Tiber has been referred to as the One.

Subordinates

Many key (and equally shadowy) figures, known collectively as the "Dragon-Tribe of the Emperor", played a crucial role in the rise of Tiber Septim and his Empire.

Tiber Septim, surrounded by his subordinates (Redguard)

• Cyrodiilic Grand Vizier Zurin Arctus — Septim's closest subordinate who served as his Grand Imperial Battlemage. A master strategist and diplomat who advised Tiber Septim in warfare such as the battle of Five Bridges, and helped broker negotiations such as the terms of the Armistice, in particular the acquisition of the powerful golem Numidium. Talos and Zurin joined together to form an Oversoul to fortify the throne and land of Tamriel. In this form they were known as the Enamtiomorph and described as the two-headed ruling king, and the red jewel of conquest who contained multitudes. The Oversoul ended when One betrayed the Other and the world shuddered from this separation. Some viewed the aftermath as the malignant half of the Oversoul (Tiber) forming an Empire of Evil with the Numidium. Died towards the very end of the Tiber War, but later returned with a vengeance as the Underking.

• Ysmir Kingmaker Wulfharth — While not a member of Tiber Septim's council per official Imperial record, certain controversial sources claimed that ever since the beginning of the Tiber War, the reincarnated Wulfharth, known by this point as the Underking served alongside Talos as his general. As the story goes, Wulfharth with his ability to summon great storms, and extreme affinity for thu'um that he wielded as a fellow Dragonborn, was able to help Talos route many enemies on the field of battle, but Wulfharth desperately wanted to kill his ancient enemies the Dunmeri gods Almsivi. Tiber sought no such thing and instead reached a truce with the Tribunal. This infuriated Wulfharth who left the side of Tiber, only to return under the guise of a trap set by Tiber Septim and Zurin Arctus in which Wulfharth was soul trapped and vanquished.

• Lord Admiral Amiel Richton — A naval officer who started his service as a captain under Cuhlecain. Rose in rank rather quickly during the Tiber War. He commanded the Imperial New West Navy against Hammerfell, dealing a crushing blow in the Battle of the Hunding Bay. Appointed Provisional Governor of Stros M'Kai and killed three months later in an insurrection.

• Attrebus — Youthful soldier of Tiber Septim who was fiercely loyal to him. Took part in campaigns in several provinces with some success, but was ultimately slain during the Stros M'Kai uprising.

• Commander Beatia of Ylliolos — Officer in charge of a legion stationed in Porhnak. Known for her tactical brilliance with which she survived an ambush by the Nords in 2E 855.

• Chevalier Renald — A captain of the ancient Akaviri Dragonguard, Renald had served under Reman III and witnessed the fall of the Reman Dynasty. He and many among his rank awaited the return of the fated Dragonborn Emperor to restore the reign of man and end the Interregnum. Before the onset of the Tiber War, Renald had supported Cuhlecain's bid to the Red Ruby Throne, only later for it to be discovered this was a ruse to get closer to Tiber Septim, per the instructions of a mysterious "pig".

• Imperial Emissary Dram — A former assassin of the Morag Tong, loyal to Tiber Septim since the very beginning and also acted as the apprentice of Zurin Arctus. served as Tiber Septim's personal emissary and one of his chief lieutenants. Tiber Septim was very fond of this ally, warning his officers who worked alongside Dram to never underestimate the subtlety of his schemes. Heavily involved in the campaigns in Hammerfell, where he was killed in an insurrection.

• Nafaalilargus — Tiber Septim's "proud soldier" and "loyal vassal", said to be the very jewel of the crown. In exchange for his services Nafaalilargus was a well-paid mercenary, and sworn protection. Indeed, Nafaalilargus was one of the few surviving dragons of the period who made a pact of loyalty in exchange for protection, with Septim being able to negotiate with them in their own tongue as a Dragonborn. Being a red dragon, he was a living symbol of the rapidly expanding Empire.

• General Pottreid — Commander of the Third Legion. According to an account of one of his legionnaires, he, along with his legion, was deployed all over Tamriel. It is uncertain if he shared the fate of the Third Legion at the Battle of Black Rocks.

• Provisional Governor Senecus Goddkey — Appointed the Provisional Governor of Sentinel after Baron Volag went into hiding, who cast him out of Sentinel a couple of months later in a planned insurrection.

• Count Sven Advensen — Known only as a retired Nord officer. Lived to see the end of the Tiber War and was given the county of Blackmoor to rule as a reward for his loyalty.

• General Symmachus — A high-ranking Dunmer officer, involved in the invasion of Morrowind, from where he hailed. Received the rank of a general after the Sack of Mournhold, having a personal grudge against the ruling family of the city. Lived to see the end of the Tiber War, becoming the Prime Minister of Morrowind and later on king consort to Barenziah.

• Provisional Governor Titus Alorius — Appointed the Provisional Governor of the Western Reach, a region that had always had poor relations with the Empire.

• Admiral Vasi Hadrach — Known only as Richton's predecessor. Murdered in a Daggerfall brothel by rebel Reachmen.

Gallery

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  A Nord purported to be Tiber Septim (Castles)

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  "Tiber Septim" in armor (Castles)

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  A shrine to Talos in Skyrim (Skyrim)

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  Talos Statue (Castles)

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  Gold currency depicting Tiber (Morrowind)

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  Gold currency depicting Tiber (Oblivion)

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  Gold currency depicting Tiber (Skyrim)

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  Tiber, surrounded by subordinates

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  A depiction of Talos Stormcrown

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  Talos (far right)

Notes

• ^	Barenziah in recounting this memory seems to allege that Septim was aided by the Numidium in the siege of the capital city; however, this does not match in any way with the time period that Septim ultimately received the Brass Golem, at which point the Empire and Morrowind were at peace.

• Tiber Septim did not tolerate any harboring of fugitives during his reign and personally mandated summary execution via hanging for anyone who did so.
• Tiber Septim founded a knightly order known as the Order of the Dragon; the highest possible rank in the order was that of the Champion of Cyrodiil, which was an honor bestowed upon only 7 individuals in the history of the Third Empire.
• Monastic orders founded by Tiber and dedicated to Julianos are the keepers of the Elder Scrolls.
• After the death of Cuhlecain, Tiber founded the Cult of Emperor Zero in his honor and emphasized his wisdom in appointing Talos as his general.
• In response to Tiber's rising greatness, Almalexia commissioned an expansion and rebuilding effort in Mournhold. As a whole, the city then became known as Almalexia in her honor.
• Given his historical significance, the days of Tiber Septim are often used as an interval of time.
• Tiber Septim utilized the abandoned island city known as Olenveld as his own personal graveyard, lining the desolate streets with gravestones.
• Tiber Septim founded the Imperial College of the Voice in Markarth in an attempt to restore the Way of the Voice to the art of war.

References

Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.