Morrowind Morrowind , formerly known as Resdayn and sometimes called Dunmereth , is a province in the northeastern corner of Tamriel . It is divided into two main parts : the mainland of the same name , and the island of Vvardenfell , which are separated by the Inner Sea . Solstheim is also considered to be part of the province as of 4E 16 , before which it was a part of Skyrim . Morrowind was formerly the homeland of the Dwemer and Chimer , and now of the Dunmer , also known as Dark Elves . Although the Tribunal was a great influence in politics , Morrowind was ruled by King Hlaalu Helseth and the Grand Council during the events of and in 3E 427 . The island of Vvardenfell serves as the setting for . History . Merethic Era . The prophet Veloth led the Chimer to the land that would be known as Morrowind at some point in the Middle Merethic Era . The Dwemer also settled the area around this time . It is unclear exactly which group of mer arrived in the area first , although the records of the Dwemer allegedly reach back further . The Velothi built many towers at this time , alongside a number of " High Elven " towers . The term " High Elven " is unexplained in this text , as the Altmer are not mentioned by name as having any political involvement with the Chimer at this time . This period of success was followed by an unexplained period of decline of the original Velothi Chimer culture , which allowed the Dwemer to gain a more established foothold on the land , and the first known Dwemer settlements date from this period . This ultimately led to intercine war between the Chimer and Dwemer , which lasted into the First Era . First Era . Chimer - Dwemer Warfare . Disputes over territory marked the early interactions between the two groups of Mer in Morrowind in the First Era . These battles were allegedly fueled by conflicting religious beliefs of the two cultures , with the Chimer affronted by the Dwemer ' s lack of respect for the Daedra they worshipped , and the Dwemer either worshiped an unknown force or were more agnostic in their beliefs . Invasion of the Nords and the Formation of the First Council . This disorganization contributed to the conquest of Morrowind by the Nords under Vrage the Gifted , which took a mere 50 years . The Nord invasion forced the Chimer and Dwemer to overlook their differences and unite , forming the First Council . This coalition drove out the Nords and formed the nation of Resdayn , which stimulated the formation of the Great Houses . It was achieved largely because of the friendship between Indoril Nerevar and Dumac Dwarfking , but ended with the War of the First Council . The War of the First Council . Some claim that the war was simply due to continued religious differences between the Chimer and the Dwemer , others because the Chimer found various Dwemer sorcerous practices detestable . The event that likely sparked the march to war was the discovery by House Dagoth that the Dwemer had unearthed the Heart of Lorkhan beneath Red Mountain . This led to heated negotiations between Nerevar and Dumac Dwarfking . Upon being told by Azura that the Dwemer were building a new god under the mountain , Nerevar and the Tribunal , currently only advisors , issued an ultimatum to the Dwemer to stop work on their new god , or face destruction . Dumac , ignorant of the discovery of the Heart , refused . And so the Chimer and Dwemer went to war . The war saw the Chimer divided , as House Dagoth sided with the Dwemer against the other Dunmer houses . House Dagoth invited Orcs and Nords as allies , which the latter saw as an opportunity to retake their old domains and claim the Heart of Lorkhan . The exact course of the war is unclear , but all sources claim the war ended in the Battle of Red Mountain . The Battle of Red Mountain . All forces involved in the War met at Red Mountain . During the battle , there was a major standoff at the chamber where the Heart of Lorkhan was kept . One tale claims Nerevar , the Tribunal and Dagoth Ur snuck into the chamber where the Heart of Lorkhan was kept , and confront Dumac and Kagrenac . In the ensuing battle , Dumac was killed , although precisely who killed him is uncertain . Some sources claim it was Nerevar , others Wulfharth , and yet others a Khajiit called Dro ' Zira . Sources are similarly unclear as to whether Nerevar was killed during the battle , died from his wounds afterward or was murdered by the Tribunal . All sources agree that the Dwemer disappeared , and some elaborate that Kagrenac ' s Tools fell into the hands of Nerevar and the Tribunal . Voryn Dagoth , a traitor of House Dagoth , was left guarding the Tools with the Heart while the Tribunal and Nerevar met to discuss the artifacts ' fates . The resolved to destroy them . When they returned , Dagoth refused to hand them over , but was defeated and fled into the depths of Red Mountain . The Tribunal ' s Apotheosis and Azura ' s Curse . Following the battle , either directly after or some years later , the Tribunal use Kagrenac ' s Tools to tap the power of the Heart and become living gods . Either at this point , or the point where they murdered Nerevar , Azura cursed them for their treachery , turning the Chimer into the Dunmer as a punishment , and prophesying Nerevar ' s return . Formation of the Temple and Grand Council . Following their apotheosis , the Tribunal formed the Tribunal Temple , claiming that they were better - suited to look after the people of Morrowind than the fickle Daedra . The Tribunal also outlawed the inter - house conflicts that had been a part of much of Chimer history , sanctioning the Morag Tong guild to carry out assassinations in lieu of full - blown inter - house conflict . However , there are instances of conflict between the Houses even after this time . The First Council was renamed the Grand Council , and consisted of only the victorious houses . The Ashlanders , nomadic Dunmer arranged into tribes rather than settled Houses , refused to worship the Tribunal , continuing in ancestor and Daedra worship . Over time , the webs of allegiances between the settled Dunmer and the peace brought by the Grand Council meant that they developed rapidly , forcing the nomadic Ashlanders into the less fertile lands of the province . The First Akaviri Invasion . In 1E 2700 or 2703 , a force of Tsaesci invaded Tamriel . The Tribunal joined with the Second Empire to defeat the Tsaesci , Vivec allegedly forming an alliance with the king of the Dreugh as part of this effort . The Four Score War . Relations ultimately worsened between the Empire and Morrowind , resulting in the Four Score War breaking out in 1E 2840 . The Tribunal took an active role in both the battles and negotiations of the war , which ultimately ended with no change of territories in 2920 , the last year of the First Era . At the same time as the treaty was being negotiated , Reman III and his sons were murdered by the Morag Tong . Some claim this was done on the orders of the Akaviri Potentate Versidue - Shaie , who also ratified the final treaty between the Empire and Morrowind . Second Era . The Second Akaviri Invasion and the Ebonheart Pact . Kamal from Akavir invaded the kingdom of Eastern Skyrim in 2E 572 . The Dunmer joined with the Nords and Argonians to drive them out , forming the Ebonheart Pact . Following the expulsion of the Akaviri , the Pact made a bid for the Ruby Throne of Cyrodiil , led by the Nord Jorunn the Skald - King . The reasons for the traditionally insular Dunmer following this venture are unclear , but it may be that they believe that the divine nature of the Tribunal and their ability to defend Tamriel from external threats gave them that right , or as part of a desire to remain independent of any continent - spanning empire . The Pact ultimately disbanded before the end of the Interregnum , in unknown circumstances . War and Armistice with Tiber Septim . Tiber Septim made clear preparations to invade Resdayn after conquering Hammerfell . The Great Houses were divided on how to oppose the Empire , leaving House Redoran standing alone against the legions . There were several border skirmishes , and Mournhold was destroyed by Imperial troops . Shortly after this , Vivec met with Tiber Septim and signed an armistice which integrated the new province of Morrowind into the Empire while guaranteeing " all rights of faith and self - government . " The Empire installed Barenziah as a figurehead queen , and the Imperial Legions occupied Morrowind , but also agreed to not interfere with the affairs of the Tribunal , and left most of the local government to the Great Houses and the Temple . There are also rumors that Vivec offered Tiber the Numidium as part of the agreement . The Armistice was unilaterally declared by Vivec , and came as a surprise to most of the Grand Council , and the Temple . It was accepted by Houses Hlaalu , Redoran and Telvanni , while House Indoril , backed by House Dres , swore to resist to the death . The head of the council , an Indoril , refused to sign the treaty , was assassinated and replaced by a Hlaalu , who also seized control of several local councils . Many remaining Indoril nobles committed suicide rather than submit to Imperial rule , further weakening the House . Third Era . Arnesian War . The Arnesian War started as an Argonian slave revolt during the Imperial Simulacrum ( 3E 389 – 399 ) . The revolt escalated into full conflict thanks to the alleged torture and death of Roris , who was later canonized by the Temple . The revolt caused the death of the Imperial general Symmachus , and the flight and abdication of Queen Barenziah . Despite these setbacks , Morrowind ultimately prevailed in the war , taking land from the Argonians . The Rise of Dagoth Ur and the Nerevarine . Since their ascension , the Tribunal had to make annual pilgrimages to the Heart of Lorkhan to renew their powers . However , they had been unable to do so since 2E 882 , having been driven off by Dagoth Ur . This began a series of raids against Red Mountain by the Tribunal , in an attempt to access the Heart , culminating in the ambush of Almalexia and Sotha Sil and the loss of Sunder and Keening in 3E 417 . Meanwhile , followers of Dagoth Ur had begun to occupy various places and build up their strength , including their old headquarters in Kogoruhn , while recruiting followers by compulsion and visions in dreams . In 3E 427 , an individual who came to be known as the Nerevarine arrived on Vvardenfell . The Nerevarine , rumored to be the propesied reincarnation of Nerevar , or a member of the Blades and an Imperial plant , recovered Kagrenac ' s tools , destroyed the Dwemer enchantments on the Heart of Lorkhan , and defeated Dagoth Ur . The Nerevarine also killed the deranged Almalexia , who herself murdered Sotha Sil , before disappearing . Following the disappearance of Vivec , Lie Rock , a moon or meteor originally kept suspended above Vivec City by Vivec ' s power , began to fall again . A group of mages in Morrowind created the Ingenium , a soul - powered machine , to keep the moon suspended above the city . Return of Barenziah and Coronation of King Helseth . Barenziah returned to Morrowind some time before 3E 427 when her son Helseth became king after the sudden death of King Llethan , and took the title of Queen Mother for herself . A ruthless and paranoid king , Helseth ordered the assassination of the Nerevarine by the Dark Brotherhood , fearing that they were a threat to his rule . Some time after his coronation , King Helseth outlawed slavery in Morrowind , and reformed the Grand Council to be closer to a traditional Dunmeri governmental structure . Oblivion Crisis . The Oblivion Crisis affected Morrowind along with the rest of Tamriel , causing the destruction of Ald ' ruhn and forcing the Imperial garrison at Solstheim , where no Oblivion Gates are known to have opened , to be recalled to Cyrodiil . Following this , the Houses sent out various expeditions to help re - establish themselves , and House Redoran sent one such group to Solstheim . These assisted the East Empire Company with their mining operations in Raven Rock . Fourth Era . Red Year . In 4E 5 , a woman named Ilzheven was chosen to help power the Ingenium . Her lover , a Dunmer named Sul , fought to free her , destroying the Ingenium in the process . This caused Lie Rock to resume its descent and crash into Vivec City , destroying it . This sent shockwaves which caused Red Mountain to erupt , triggering earthquakes and tsunamis across Morrowind . The ensuing natural disasters destroyed Gnisis , and heavily damaged Balmora , Sadrith Mora . On Solstheim , Fort Frostmoth was decimated . On the mainland , shocks reached as far as Tear , but Mournhold was unaffected . A House Redoran councillor from Mournhold coordinated relief efforts , and teams were sent to Vvardenfell to help rebuild a month after the eruption . Telvanni magelord Master Neloth also took in some refugees at his tower of Tel Mithryn . Ongoing relief efforts on Vvardenfell were however disrupted by the Argonian invasion in the following year . Argonian Invasion . In 4E 6 , the Argonians invaded Morrowind at the bidding of the Hist , and possibly the Thalmor . Much of southern Morrowind was lost to the Argonians , and also apparently most holdings of House Telvanni . The Empire ' s ineffectual protection and seeming indifference to Morrowind ' s plights made them reviled by the Dunmer . After the Empire " released its grasp " on Morrowind House Hlaalu ' s Imperial ties resulted in it being replaced by House Sadras on the Council of Great Houses . Furthermore , the An - Xileel ' s invasion of Morrowind during the Accession War prevented the Empire from reclaiming Morrowind . The combination of the Red Year and the invasion forced most Dunmer to flee to Solstheim , then technically part of Skyrim , and into Skyrim itself . In 4E 16 , Solstheim officially became part of Morrowind , forcing the East Empire company to give over the rule of the island to House Redoran . Government . Morrowind is officially a province of the Empire , governed by a titular king put in place after the Armistice . This king historically has very little power , with most administration falling on the Grand Council and the Great Houses . The Temple and , while they existed , the Tribunal , also had an input in governmental affairs . King of Morrowind . One of the terms of the Armistice with the Empire was the creation of a King of Morrowind , who served as an Imperial representative . Traditionally a figurehead more than an active ruler , the king does have a variety of powers in Morrowind ' s government . His edicts have generally covered points of provincial trade and settlement , but have been more far - reaching in some cases , including a ban on the Morrowind slave trade , and a restructuring of the Grand Council . Grand Council . The main ruling body of Morrowind is the Grand Council , instituted following the War of the First Council . The Tribunal had seats on the council , as did the Great Houses and the Temple . The Grand Council was governed by a Lord High Councillor at the time of the Armistice , whose assent is apparently required for motions to pass . The structure of the Grand Council was reformed by King Hlaalu Helseth in the late Third Era , although exactly what this has meant for the Council ' s composition and role in Morrowind governance is unclear . District Councils . Under the Empire , Morrowind was divided into districts , which were administered by Dukes representing the Empire , and self - governing preserves . The Temple and the Great Houses govern subdistricts within each district territory , under the guidance of District Councils . Local law is enforced under the mandate of these councils , resulting in a mixture of Imperial , Temple and House law being enforced , depending on precisely who governed the subdistrict in question . Great Houses . The Great Houses have their origins in ancient Velothi tribes , and function effectively as political parties within the Morrowind polity , as well as controlling much of the trade and local administration in the province . Representatives from each of the Great Houses sit on the Grand Council , the body that has ruled Morrowind since the late First Era . The Houses themselves also have ruling councils , which enforce House policy and conduct . Great Houses that have been referenced in the games to date are : House Dagoth , House Dres , House Hlaalu , House Indoril , House Redoran , House Sadras and House Telvanni . All but House Dagoth and House Sadras had a stake in Morrowind ' s governance for most of its history . House Dagoth was destroyed following the events at the Battle of Red Mountain , while House Sadras replaced House Hlaalu following the Red Year . During the time of Resdayn in the First Era , the Dwemer were also accorded the status of a House , referred to as " House Dwemer . " Membership of the Great Houses is generally a matter of birth , but members can be adopted into a Great House . This typically requires the sponsorship of an existing House councilor . Following House Dagoth ' s dissolution , many of it ' s members were assimilated into other Houses thusly . House Dres . House Dres , whose influence stems from agriculture and the slave trade , is located in the south - eastern part of Morrowind , and has no holdings in Vvardenfell . A strong and rich House in the Second Era , with a thriving economy , its influence on Morrowind politics has weakened considerably since Morrowind ' s surrender to the Third Empire , which it strongly opposed . House Dres is the most conservative of Morrowind ' s Great Houses , to the extent that the Daedra worship of the Chimer is still commonly practiced by its members . During the war in which Morrowind became a province of the Empire of Tiber Septim , it was one of the Houses , along with House Indoril and House Redoran , to resist Imperial forces , opposing the treaty even after Redoran agreed to its terms . More recently , after the defeat of Dagoth Ur , House Dres has apparently undergone some significant changes . King Hlaalu Helseth has outlawed slavery in Morrowind , but Dres is apparently prospering in spite of this . House Hlaalu . House Hlaalu was always one of the weaker Great Houses , and so tended to rely on trade and relations with external political forces to keep up with the rest of the Houses . This meant that they were one of the few sincere members of the Ebonheart Pact during the Three Banners War . The House itself positions this as the ability to be nimble and adjust to events , which is for them a political necessity . The House had holdings on Vvardenfell during the Third Era , and its old capital was Narsis . However , the key members of the Hlaalu council all resided on Vvardenfell . House Hlaalu was always pro - Imperial in its outlook , urging accommodation with Tiber Septim in the period leading up to the Armistice . When the head of the Grand Council , an Indoril , refused to sign the treaty that Vivec negotiated , he was assassinated and replaced by a member of House Hlaalu . Their cooperation with Imperial authorities during the Third Era allowed them to expand aggressively and build and support many new settlements on Vvardenfell . The exact status of these settlements in the political climate following the events of Red Year and the Argonian invasion is unknown . Following the abdication of Queen Barenziah , Athyn Llethan , a member of House Hlaalu , became King of Morrowind . He died soon after her return , shortly before the events of . House Hlaalu saw its status of Great House revoked during the Fourth Era . This was due to the Empire ( supposed ) abandonment of Morrowind during the Oblivion Crisis . Since the other Great Houses could not take their anger out on the Empire , they targeted House Hlaalu , who were staunch Imperial supporters . The House became an outcast and a pariah , losing almost all of its power . House Indoril . House Indoril is one of two Great Houses that do not have holdings in Vvardenfell . Its capital is Almalexia , which also functions as the capital of Morrowind as a whole . The vast majority of members serve the Temple , a tendency which only increased following the events of Red Year and the fall of the Tribunal , resulting in all of House Indoril ' s power passing into the hands of the Temple in the Fourth Ea . The Chimer warlord Nerevar was an Indoril , and the House claimed that from it came the Tribunal itself . These connections allowed them to maintain a strong control of Morrowind ' s governance throughout much of Morrowind ' s history . When the Third Empire invaded , House Indoril wished to fight to the death rather than submit , and proposed fighting a geurrilla war against the invaders . Following the Armistice , many House Indoril nobles committed suicide rather than accept the treaty , and the House lost a great deal of influence because of it . This has only continued in later years , with House Indoril now effectively functioning as an ancillary part of the Temple . House Redoran . House Redoran is a martial house that consider themselves the hereditary defenders of Morrowind . The House prizes the three virtues of duty , gravity and piety , and they are typically considered one of the more honorable Houses in the region . The house claims their first duty is to the Temple , although not as part of its structure as House Indoril is . The House motto is : " " A Redoran is a warrior whose duty is first to the Tribunal , second to House Redoran , and third to family and clan . " " They have holdings in Vvardenfell island and on the west of the Morrowind mainland . Their holdings in the mainland of Morrowind include a large portion of the northwest of the province . Their capital on Vvardenfell and council seat for much of their history was Ald ' ruhn . In the Fourth Era , They also control much of the island of Solstheim , including the settlement of Raven Rock , following the departure of the Empire in 4E 16 . The House was seen to be in decline for much of the Third Era , losing influence on Vvardenfell as the more expansionist and underhanded Telvanni and Hlaalu houses , in addition to suffering from severe levels of crime organized by the Cammona Tong and the Thieves Guild . The most severe blow came during the Oblivion Crisis , when Ald ' ruhn was destroyed . After the Oblivion Crisis , House Redoran established holdings on Solstheim and mainland Morrowind , taking over Raven Rock after the withdrawal of the Empire . On the mainland , House Redoran was one of the least damaged houses following the Red Year , and was able to take over the position of leadership on Morrowind ' s Grand Council . House Sadras . House Sadras is a great house that rose to prominence during the Fourth Era . They joined the ruling Council of Morrowind , along with House Telvanni , Dres , Indoril and Redoran . House Telvanni . House Telvanni is a house governed by powerful and idiosyncratic mage - lords , with little formal code of conduct being imposed by the House hierarchy . As a result , many of the most powerful Telvanni lords work in solitude , and do not concern themselves directly with House affairs . During the Three Banners War , despite being a member of the Ebonheart Pact , the Telvanni were most concerned with keeping the other Pact members out of their territories . Despite this , there is a " de facto " code of conduct in the House , which considers that might makes right . The House motto reflects this , being : " " The forceful expression of will gives true honor to the Ancestors . " " This cut - throat attitude also means that murdering one ' s political opponents is a perfectly acceptable way of resolving disputes . It is also the way that the current ruling Archmagister must be deposed . Their indifference to politics is reflected in the structure of House governance . While the Telvanni council is made up of some of the most powerful wizards in the House , they are represented and their votes are cast by " Mouths , " who speak for their patron in council so that the actual Councillor does not have to . Most Telvanni Councillors on Vvardenfell do not live at the Vvardenfell district seat of Sadrith Mora , but have their own towers , populated by their retainers . Their isolationism is also reflected in the governance of their main territories . Non - members of the House are required to have " hospitality papers " to be in Sadrith Mora at all . Despite being laissez - faire in their attitude to internal and political affairs , House Telvanni is one of the most competitive when it comes to obtaining resources and power . The House was in direct competition with House Hlaalu for land on Vvardenfell for much of the Third Era , and dominated much of Vvardenfell ' s eastern regions . Alongside House Dres , House Telvanni is one of the more vocal proponents of slavery on Morrowind , as it allows them to have a fresh supply of both test subjects and cheap labor . They even worked with House Hlaalu to break the Mages Guild monopoly on transportation magic in the Third Era . During the Oblivion Crisis , the House was rumored to be defending Morrowind directly by invading and closing Oblivion gates . However , the House suffered badly from the subsequent Argonian invasion in 4E 6 , with some fearing that the House would be wiped out altogether . Military . It is argued by historians and scholars that , aside from Cyrodiil , the Dunmer are the most powerful province in terms of military might , yet political division has always prevented this from being utilized effectively . Only during invasion has Morrowind stood united to any great degree . During the Oblivion Crisis , however , it fell to House Redoran to organize the Dunmer into an effective fighting force against the Daedra . House Redoran had a very effective army by the end of the crisis and were able to hold their own when the Argonians invaded . While the southern half of Morrowind was ravaged , House Redoran led the Dunmer in the defense of the northern half and was able to hold the invaders . Redoran ' s demonstration of the superior effectiveness of it ' s armies gained them much respect from their people , and from then onward they became the most powerful and respected Great House in Morrowind . Dunmer warriors favored a wonderfully light armor made from the carapace of insects , covered over with a finely - woven cloak of spider silk and wrapped several times around the torso . A turban protected the head and face from the ubiquitous ash , with goggles of transparent resin ; loose trousers and high boots completed the dress . While this made for an outlandish appearance , travelers would understand the utility of these garments the first time one is caught out of doors in one of the frequent ash storms without such protection . This natural , light armor was known as Chitin Armor . Warriors of the Great Houses wear a unique heavy plate armor called Bonemold Armor . It was fashioned from actual bone that was reinforced with a resin - like material and then shaped to form the armored plating . Although it appeared brittle , it was said to be comparable to iron or steel armors . Economy . Morrowind was originally an agrarian aristocracy ; mostly free farmers and herders and fishermen , all ruled by the Great Houses and their noble councils . After the Imperial occupation , and especially on Vvardenfell , the Dunmer developed a mercantile economy based on the model of the Empire , ruled by the Emperor , law , and legions , but driven by trade in crafts and goods . Morrowind ' s production was based on the mining of kwama eggs , ebony , and glass . One of the main reasons for the Empire ' s invasion was due to the vast mineable ebony deposits present in the province . Geography . Located in the northeast of Tamriel , Morrowind is a largely alien and inhospitable place where the sky is darkened regularly by furious ash storms belched forth from the mighty Red Mountain , the largest volcano in Tamriel . The familiar flora and fauna of Tamriel is exchanged for bizarre and twisted forms that can survive the regular ashfall . In the ash lands , cloaked and masked Dunmer tend herds of giant insects and Netch . One can also observe Dunmer riding extremely large insects . Much of the landscape is as twisted and mountainous as its neighbor Skyrim , but it is a hot and desolate land , even far from Vvardenfell , where Red Mountain is located . Previously named Resdayn , Veloth , Dwemereth , and Dunmereth , it had been called " Morrowind " for the last two Eras . Notable locations . Regions . Bal Foyen . Bal Foyen is a pocket realm along the Inner Sea , located east of Stonefalls , before the Telvanni Peninsula . Bal Foyen has a large population of Argonians in the area , likely a reserve for former slaves . The township of Dhalmora is built in the traditional Argonian mud - style and it is where the people of Bal Foyen generally live . Fort Zeren is a bulwark that protects the area from invading forces . Because Dhalmora is an agriculture and trading community , the Bal Foyen Dockyards serve as an in - between point for resources from Bal Foyen to the rest of Morrowind . Clockwork City . The Clockwork City is the domain of Sotha Sil , a member of the Tribunal . The Clockwork City is far more advanced than the rest of Tamriel , with artificial flora and sunlight to safeguard the people . The Brass Fortress is the capital of the Radius , the wild reaches of the Clockwork City . Throughout the Radius , Sotha Sil ' s factotums inspect the land , for various disturbances and other activities . The Mnemonic Planisphere is where Sotha Sil ' s memories are held and preserved . The location of the Clockwork City is largely unknown , but it is expected to be underneath Mournhold , deep in the ruins of Bamz - Amschend . Deshaan . Deshaan is the grazelands along southern Morrowind , and it is the center of the province ' s theopolitical power . The city - state of Mournhold is the traditional capital of Morrowind , and it is the capital of the Great House Indoril . It is a part of the larger city of Almalexia . The neighboring city - state of Narsis is the capital of the Great House Hlaalu , and it serves more as a trading post than a fully - fledged city . The Shrine of Saint Veloth is the burial grounds of the Prophet Veloth himself ; it also houses his artifacts . The Shad Astula Academy is the center of Magical studies in Morrowind , and it is due east of Mournhold . Deshaan is split into Lagomere , the Redolent Loam and Siltreen . Solstheim . The island of Solstheim sits in the Sea of Ghosts , in an area between Morrowind and Skyrim . Because of that , Solstheim has been a territory for both provinces . The major township in the region is Raven Rock , originally an Imperial - charter town which has become the territory of House Redoran . On the northern coast is the Nordic settlement of Skaal Village , home to the Skaal Tribe of Nords . East of Raven Rock is the Imperial stronghold Fort Frostmoth , where the East Empire Trading Company had originally occupied Solstheim . Solstheim is split into the Felsaad Coast , Hirstaang Forest , Isinfier Plains and the Moesring Mountains . But with the Red Year , the Hirstaang Forest was obliterated , leaving the Solstheim Ashlands . Stonefalls . The Stonefalls Ashlands stretches from the northern portion of the Valus Mountains , the southern coast of the Inner Sea , to the eastern border to the Telvanni Peninsula . The capital of the region is the city - state of Ebonheart , which is a city of House Hlaalu . It is located at the center of the region . To the western edge is the city - state of Kragenmoor , a trading city with ties to House Dres . The city - state of Davon ' s Watch is a city of House Indoril , and it is located on the eastern coast . The twin volcanoes Ash Mountain and the Tormented Spire tower throughout Stonefalls . The region is split into Daen Seeth , Varanis and Zabamat . Vvardenfell . The sub - continent of Vvardenfell is the massive island located in the middle of Morrowind , surrounded by the Inner Sea and the Sea of Ghosts . The center of the island is Red Mountain , perhaps the largest volcano on Tamriel . The city - state of Vivec is the capital of the region , and it is on the Ascadian Isles . The city - state of Balmora is a city of House Hlaalu , on the northern end of the Odai River , in a pocket of the West Gash . The city - state of Ald ' ruhn is a city of House Redoran , and it was built around the carcass of Skar , the Emperor Crab of Vvardenfell . The city - state of Sadrith Mora , is a city of House Telvanni , among Azura ' s Coast . Vvardenfell has various regions , the most notable ones are the West Gash , Molag Amur , and Sheogorad , among others . Major cities . Vivec City . Named after one of the Tribunal gods , Vivec City lay on the southern coast of the island of Vvardenfell and projected well into the sea . The city of Vivec is owned by the Tribunal Temple , with Great Houses renting property from it in order to have a presence in the city . After Baar Dau fell , the city was destroyed , and the region where it once stood being named Scathing Bay . Mournhold . The city of Mournhold , sometimes called the City of Gems , or Almalexia , was home to King Hlaalu Helseth , the current king of Morrowind , and the god Almalexia , a member of the Tribunal , as well being as birthplace of Queen Barenziah . It is referred to as " The city of light and magic " by the local people . Mournhold was sacked by Argonians some time during the Fourth Era , and the province ' s capital was moved to Blacklight . Balmora . Balmora is located in the southern part of Vvardenfell and is the district seat of House Hlaalu , and was the largest settlement on Vvardenfell after Vivec City in the Third Era . The Hlaalu Council Manor , the location of House Hlaalu ' s bureaucracy and leadership , was located within Balmora . The city was badly damaged during the Red Year , but is in the process of being rebuilt . Ebonheart . The town of Ebonheart is composed of several islands , surrounded by walls and connected by small bridges . There is also a port , offering ship transfer to various coastal towns on Vvardenfell . Ebonheart is the seat of Imperial rule on the island of Vvardenfell , the regional headquarters of the East Empire Company , the Imperial Legion , and the home of Castle Ebonheart , wherein the Duke of Vvardenfell , Vedam Dren resides . It is named after the city of Old Ebonheart on the mainland of Morrowind , across the Inner Sea . The castle is very well protected from attack , since it resides on hills surrounded by water . The Second Era faction the Ebonheart Pact was named after the city . Sadrith Mora . The coastal city Sadrith Mora is located on an island on the eastern side of Vvardenfell . It is ruled by House Telvanni , and in the Third Era was home to Master Neloth , one of the House ' s councillors . Sadrith Mora had the Imperial Fort , Wolverine Hall , which includes several Imperial guilds and an Imperial Shrine . Stalls , shops and homes line the curving main pathway that runs around the base of the central hill on which Master Neloth ' s tower , Tel Naga , was built . It was destroyed in the eruption of Red Mountain in 4E 5 . Ald ' ruhn . Ald ' ruhn was the Vvardenfell district seat of House Redoran , and a large settlement . The Redoran Council Chambers are located inside the shell of an ancient , extinct giant crab . Imperial - constructed roads lead north to the villages of Maar Gan and Gnisis , and lead south to the major city of Balmora . Ald ' ruhn was destroyed by Daedra during the Oblivion Crisis , and the rebuilding efforts suffered significant damage following the Red Year . Blacklight . Blacklight is a city located on the northwestern coast of Morrowind , near the border of Skyrim . Following the Red Year and the sack of Almalexia by the Argonians , it became the capital of Morrowind and home to House Redoran . Many citizens of Blacklight moved to parts of Skyrim , most notably Windhelm , and also a large proportion moved to Solstheim . A Temple of Azura is known to exist , where Neria Relethyl resides . Necrom . Necrom is in the east of Morrowind and is a city of the dead . The city is a place white towers , and of pilgrimage for many Dunmer , who wish to bury their dead there . Narsis . Narsis , situated in the south of Morrowind , is the capital city of the Great House Hlaalu . In the Fourth Era , it was sacked by the Argonians of Black Marsh , during the Argonian Invasion , which is one of the reasons why House Hlaalu has lost great influence in Morrowind . Tear . Tear is the southern most city of the province of Morrowind . It is the capital of House Dres , and , as such , had a large population of slaves . The Argonians destroyed the city in the Fourth Era to take revenge on years of slavery by the Dunmer . Culture . Three major cultural groupings settled Morrowind : the Great House groups , the Ashlanders , and the Imperials . The smallest settlements were the Ashlander nomadic camps , compromised of small , portable huts . Recent Imperial colonies like Pelagiad display the same half - timbered homes and stone castles as might be found in High Rock or any other western province . The Dunmer Great Houses maintain a cultural dominance , however , with each displaying their own distinct customs and architecture . Religion . Daedra worship . Chimeri Daedra Worship . The Chimer were led away from Summerset by Veloth and Boethiah , who ate Trinimac to aid their exodus . He was joined by Azura and Mephala in leading the Chimer to Vvardenfell , and accompanied by Malacath , Mehrunes Dagon , Molag Bal and Sheogorath . Azura , Boethiah and Mephala are credited with bringing a particular form of advancement to the Chimer . Boethiah in areas as diverse as philosophy to architecture ; Mephala in divising the House system that would define later Chimer and Dunmer society ; and Azura taught them how to be different to the Altmer . These are seen as the " Good Daedra " in much Dunmeri folklore . The other four Daedra are traditionally seen as testing and opposing figures , although this may be a later elaboration originating during the Tribunal period . The Anticipations and the House of Troubles . Following the apotheosis of the Tribunal , the worship of Daedra was prohibited by the Tribunal Temple because they claimed the Daedra were unworthy due to their inconstant and dangerous natures . This led to a decline in Daedra worship among the Great Houses , although the Ashlanders and House Dres carried on worshipping the Daedra as they had always done . Azura , Boethiah and Mephala allegedly consented to be replaced , and became the " Anticipations " of the Tribunal , sharing certain aspects with the Tribunal member who replaced them . Almalexia replaced Boethiah , Sotha Sil replaced Azura and Vivec took the place of Mephala . The other four Daedra previously worshiped by the Chimer did not accept this however , becoming the Four Corners of the House of Troubles . Their roles as testing figures and obstacles to be overcome was solidified at this point . Tribunal Temple . The Tribunal Temple worshiped the three living gods : Almalexia , Sotha Sil and Vivec , also known as the ALMSIVI . Each god was a patron of different things for Dunmer people . Almalexia was a patron of teachers and healers , Vivec was a patron of artists and roguesand Sotha Sil was a patron of artificers and wizards . According to Temple doctrine the three tribunes gained their divine power through superhuman discipline and virtue , and supernatural wisdom and insight . The Tribunal saved the Dunmer from numerous disasters , such as when Baar Dau was flung from the sky by Sheogorath and was stopped by Vivec from landing on Vivec City , or when Almalexia and Sotha Sil banished Mehrunes Dagon back to Oblivion after he destroyed Mournhold . By doing these things , the Tribunal eventually gained the trust of the Dunmer people , displacing the original Daedra worship of the Chimer and moving themselves to a position of veneration , rather than worship . Some complied with this , but others refused to accept the Tribunal ' s new position . Those who resisted the transition became framed as tempters and devil figures by the Temple , known as the " House of Troubles " . After the Nerevarine destroyed the Dwemer enchantments on the Heart of Lorkhan , the Tribunal ' s power waned . Almalexia became unhinged as her godhood left her . After she murdered Sotha Sil in a fit of rage , Almalexia herself was slain by the Nerevarine . Vivec also disappeared , and it is unknown whether he is alive or dead . The Reclamations . Following the events of the Red Year in 4E 5 , the Dunmer began to lose faith in the now missing Tribunal , and schisms broke out within the Temple . Eventually the Dissident Priests emerged predominant , and reinstituted the worship of the three Good Daedra , with the Tribunal venerated as saints . As part of this , they were named the Reclamations , and the Ashlanders heralded as the guardians of the true path of worship . Demographics . On the Isle of Vvardenfell , which was only recently opened to settlement and trade , most of the island ' s population was confined to the relatively hospitable west and southwest coast , centered on the ancient city of Vivec and the old Great House district centers at Balmora , Ald ' ruhn and Sadrith Mora . The rest of the island was covered by hostile desert wastes , arid grasslands , and volcanic badlands and thinly populated by the nomadic Ashlander tribes . On the Mainland , the population is more evenly spread across the Province , with major cities such as Mournhold , Tear , Narsis , Necrom , Port Telvannis , Blacklight and Silgrad Tower holding very large portions of the Province ' s residents . The grey - skinned , red - eyed Dark Elves seem admirably suited to their strange , ash - blighted region . They are known as the Dunmer in the Elven tongue , and now populate the great stretch of northeastern Tamriel between the Velothi Mountains and the sea , and between the southern edge of the Deshaan Plains and the northern coast . The Dunmer are descendant of the Chimer , who were themselves part of the Aldmeri tribes that chose to follow Veloth out of the Aldmers ' ancestral homelands and into Morrowind . The Chimer were cursed by Azura for the Tribunal ' s transgressions , which gave the Dunmer the ash - grey skin and glowing red eyes that make them instantly recognizable . Like all elves , they tend to be tall and gaunt , but the Dark Elves take the Elvish haughtiness to an extreme , viewing humans as no better than beasts , fit only to serve as slaves on the plantations of Tear . They consider themselves superior even to other Elves , who , in their estimation , are effete and decadent specimens of the pure Elven race . The earliest human records bearing on the subject ( which remain the best source until the archives of the Altmer are opened to Imperial scholars ) are the chronicles of the Nords . The Nords gave to the region the name of Dunmereth from being the land of the Dunmer ; but in earlier ages it was called by themselves Resdayn ; and Imperial Librarian Elba Laskee traces the foundation of the Dark Elven nation back to above 3 , 500 years from the present time . Morrowind was not given its modern name until after the first eruption of Vvardenfell .