Tiber Septim

Tiber Septim later Talos, also known as General Talos, Hjalti Early-Beard, the Dragonborn, and Ysmir, was a Dragonborn and the first Emperor of the Septim Empire. He is regarded as one of Tamriel's most famous figures. Starting with his service under the Cyrodilic king Cuhlecain, Tiber Septim fought as general Talos to unify Cyrodiil and finally all of Tamriel, an effort that culminated in the birth of the Third Empire. Tiber Septim gave his name to the lineage of Cyrodiil Emperors, the Septims. Upon his death he, arguably, became the god Talos and took his place in the pantheon of the Nine Divines.
He is also responsible for declaring the onset of the Third Era at the end of the same year. He ruled for 81 years and is considered by many to be the greatest emperor throughout history. Tiber Septim gave his name to the lineage of Cyrodiilic Emperors, the Septims. Tiber is revered as one of the Nine Divines under the name of Talos,Varieties of Faith... which means "Stormcrown".
==History==
Accounts differ on Tiber Septim's biography. There are two commonly accepted theories, with the first usually taking precedent over the latter.
===Orthodoxy===
The most commonly accepted story within the Empire is that Tiber Septim was born in Atmora as Talos, meaning Stormcrown in Ehlnofex, hence Talos Stormcrown. He had a brother named Agnorith. He grew up in Skyrim and learned the ways of war there. 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 cliffs of Sancre Tor. The Skyrim army joined him when they saw him use the thu'um and knew him to be blood of the Dragon and heir to the Empires of Men. However, there are also records that state that the Nords joined Tiber Septim after he had caught them off guard.Battle of Sancre Tor
Cuhlecain and Talos conquered West Cyrodiil in one year. No one could stand before Talos' storms. They marched east and the enemy's battlemages surrendered before their armies. In 2E 854 they conquered the Imperial City and thus gained the full control over Cyrodiil. That year, a High Rock nightblade managed to assassinate Cuhlecain and slit Talos's throat, burning the palace in the process. Talos survived, but he could no longer shout, instead leading armies with a whisper.Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition: Cyrodiil At one point, Talos had an affair with Barenziah of Morrowind, who became pregnant. Talos quickly had the unborn child aborted to prevent conflict with his legitimate heir.The Real Barenziah, Book III
The human kingdoms were conquered, even Hammerfell, which was predicted to be an arduous task. After sending the commander of the New West Navy Amiel Richton to Stros M'kai, the Battle of Stros M'kai had begun. Richton's assassin Dram shot a poisoned arrow at Hammerfell's Prince A'Tor, killing him and defeating the last of the Crown resistance. After this Tiber Septim appointed Amiel Richton as provisional governor of the island.Intro of 
After the conquest of Hammerfell, Tiber turned to Morrowind. Following some initial skirmishes and after increasing internal friction between Morrowind's Great Houses, a treaty was signed by either Tiber or Zurin Arctus. This included Vivec giving the Numidium to Tiber in exchange for a higher degree of autonomy and self-rule for Morrowind.On Morrowind
The acquisition of the Numidium allowed Tiber to conquer the Summerset Isles, completing the conquest of Tamriel in 2E 896.
===Heresy===
Tiber Septim was born on the island kingdom Alcaire, as Hjalti Early-Beard, in 2E 828, where he learned to use a sword.Dialogue with the Ghost of Old Hroldan Nords and Bretons had been fighting for centuries at the northern border of Falkreath, a kingdom in the Colovian Estates. At the age of twenty, Hjalti led the forces of Skyrim against the Reachmen of High Rock. During those days he met Cuhlecain,Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition: Cyrodiil the king of Falkreath, who came to secure his northern border. They became allies and Hjalti was named general of the joined forces. Hjalti was a shrewd tactician, and his small band of Colovian troops and Nord berserkers broke the Reachmen's line, forcing them back beyond the gates of Old Hrol'dan.Dialogue of Eydis A siege seemed impossible, as Hjalti could expect no reinforcements from Falkreath. That night a storm came and visited Hjalti's camp. Hidden in the storm was Wulfharth, a long-dead Nordic king, who spoke with him in his tent and taught him the Way of the Voice. At dawn, Hjalti went up to the gates, and the storm followed just above his head. He shouted down the walls of Old Hrol'dan, and his men poured in. After their victory, the Nords called Hjalti "Talos", meaning "Stormcrown".
Cuhlecain's intent was to crown himself emperor. But Talos was still haunted by the prophecy given him by the Greybeards. Before Cuhlecain could be crowned, Talos secretly murdered him. The Imperial Palace was burned to the ground in the action, and Talos slit his own throat to take the suspicion off of him. Though he lived, his Voice failed him. To prevent Cyrodiil from falling apart again, Zurin Arctus, the Grand Battlemage, crowned Talos as Tiber Septim, new Emperor of Cyrodiil. In order to hide his involvement in the assassination, a lie was made that Tiber's own throat was cut.
Following the assassination, Hjalti enlisted the help of both Ysmir Wulfharth and Zurin Arctus to help administer the empire. Ysmir was consistently pushing for further invasions of Hammerfell and Morrowind, but Tiber resisted his urgings. Wulfharth ultimately left Tiber in disgust at his inaction. Hammerfell and Morrowind were ultimately brought into the empire by a combination of peaceful accommodation and support of various warring factions, rather that unilateral conquest.
In that time, the great Dunmer general Symmachus, a friend of Tiber Septim's, brought Barenziah to the Imperial City where she met the Emperor and they fell in love. The Emperor and Barenziah engaged in an affair but it was soon discovered that Barenziah was pregnant. Septim determined that he could not allow such a threat to his son's dominion and so ordered a healer to force Barenziah to miscarry. Barenziah was dispatched from the Imperial City very soon after this.
After receiving the Numidium from the Tribunal, Tiber Septim summoned Wulfharth back to his court, saying that he had been right all along. On his return, Tiber seized him and had his soul ripped out to power the Mantella, a soul gem that functioned as the power source for Numidium. this allowed the device to be activated and complete Tiber's conquest of the Summerset Isles.
==Race==
The exact race of Tiber Septim is unknown, but what is known is that he was not a Mer or Beastfolk, but a subspecies of Men.Dialogue with Heimskr If the statement that he is from Alcaire is true, then he was most likely a Breton. According to Kier-jo, General Stormcrown was a Breton, not a Nord.Kier-jo, Forum Archives: Other Developers — Imperial Library Kyne also refers to him as a "manmer," and Bretons are both man and mer.C0DA, Page 40
If the statement that he is from Atmora is true, then he was most likely an Atmoran or Nord.Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition/Cyrodiil Some sources often say that Septim was an Atmoran, but not a Nord.Letters to The Elder Scrolls Adventures — Bethesda Softworks However, Heimskr states directly that Tiber Septim was a Nord.
During the Tiber Wars, it was said that Tiber Septim was not an Imperial, which was not uncommon for Emperors during the Interregnum regardless.Dialogue of Tobias Despite most of his Septim's heirs being Imperial, though this was likely a result of his successors breeding with the locals of Cyrodiil. His avatar, Wulf, however, is also an Imperial, who is stated to look like the figure on the Septim coins, which would imply that Tiber Septim might have been an Imperial.Dialogue with Lalatia Varian
===Appearance===
Tiber Septim was described by Queen Barenziah. He was of average height, half a head shorter than Symmachus, well-knit of figure and flexible of movement. He had a winning smile, bright blue eyes, and his hair was stark white, while his face was lined and weathered. Barenziah presumed his age ranged from forty to sixty years old at the time. Other features of Tiber Septim were a ruthless brow and powerful chin.The Wolf Queen, Book IV
==Godhood==
Talos died in 3E 38, and was succeeded by his grandson, Pelagius. After his death Septim is believed by most to have ascended to godhood. He became Talos again, the God of Might, and Governance, for after a lifetime of war, he had united Tamriel for the first time in history. Upon his ascension the Eight Divines became the Nine. He is most important hero-god of Mankind,Loading Screen in as well as the and the heir to the Seat of Sundered Kings.
During the Great War between the Empire and the Aldmeri Dominion however, peace was agreed upon with one of the conditions being that the Empire cease to recognize Talos as one of the Divines.The Great War After word got out that the Empire wasn't enforcing the Talos ban,Dialogue with Thalmor Justiciars the Thalmor had all shrines to him removed from the temples in towns loyal to the Empire.Dialogue with Alvor The Stormcloaks in the province of Skyrim reject the White-Gold Concordat that instates this law.Events of 
If Talos did ascend, it is possible he did so by mantling Lorkhan.Nu-Hatta of the Sphinxmoth Enquiry Tree
===Third Era===
During the Third Era, Talos would take a role in history several times. During 3E 427, his avatar of Wulf appeared when the Nerevarine was on his way to defeat Dagoth Ur. Wulf offered the Nerevarine a coin, which would offer increased luck when accepted.Events of "A Lucky Coin"
Talos' influence would become more apparent during the Oblivion Crisis. In order to recover the Amulet of Kings from Mankar Camoran, the blood of a Divine was required. As no blood of the Eight Divines existed, the encrusted blood on the Armor of Tiber Septim was used in order to meet the requirement.Events of "Blood of the Divines" The divinity of Talos would provide more than just this during this time period, however. As Umaril the Unfeathered had returned to Tamriel, the next Divine Crusader had to follow the Pilgrim's Path of the Divines to speak to Pelinal Whitestrake. Talos' Wayshrine had to be prayed at, proving his divinity.Events of "Pilgrimage" Likewise, where as Pelinal had failed to successfully beat Umaril due to Pelinal's limited power, the Blessing of Talos provided the Hero of Kvatch with the means to chase Umaril into the spirit realm and truly defeat him.Events of "The Blessing of Talos"Events of "Umaril the Unfeathered"
===Fourth Era===
During the Fourth Era, a war broke out between the Aldmeri Dominion and the Third Empire, and this war came to be called the Great War. The war concluded with the signing of the White-Gold Concordat. Two provisions in the treaty had serious impacts on what remained of the Empire, but one of the terms banned the worship of Talos.The Great War Following the Markarth Incident, the Emperor was forced to permit the Thalmor entry into Skyrim,Dialogue with Alvor as the treaty terms had been broken due to the Empire's open acceptation of free Talos worship.Dialogue with Igmund The Thalmor Justiciars within Skyrim were tasked with stamping out Talos worship within the land,Dialogue with Ondolemar during "Diplomatic Immunity" as they were treaty enforcers.Conversations between Thalmor Soldiers Due to the Talos ban being enforced, a civil war would break out within the province.Nords Arise!Dialogue with Jora Within the city of Solitude, the shrine of Talos was removed due to the Concordat,Dialogue with Freir and within Whiterun, Riften and Windhelm, the priests of Talos supported Ulfric.Dialogue with HeimskrDialogue with Nura Snow-Shod Many Nords within the land still revere Talos. If the Stormcloaks win the civil war, Talos worship will be permitted within the province again.Aftermath of "Siege of Solitude"
An Imperial Liason to the Aldmeri Dominion wrote a book in which Talos worship was outlawed due to sincere beliefs.The Talos Mistake However, as a Liason, their job is to keep relations between the Empire and Dominion intact. Contrary to the claim in the book that the Empire and Thalmor want centuries of peace, it is contradicted by both members of the LegionDialogue with Imperial LegatesDialogue with General Tullius following the "Battle for Windhelm" and the Thalmor.Thalmor Dossier: Ulfric Stormcloak
==Legacy==
Tiber Septim had a bloodline, but it went extinct in the main line with the death of Pelagius Septim. The line then switched to Pelagius' cousin Kintyra and her heirs, who were the descendants of Tiber Septim's brother, Agnorith.Brief History of the Empire, Book I Tiber Septim was the founder of the Septim Dynasty, which ruled Tamriel for the entire Third Era until the bloodline died out with Martin Septim.Events of "Imperial Dragon Armor" in 
Tribunal goddess Almalexia commissioned an expansion of Mournhold as a reaction to Septim's rising greatness, returning the city to its former glory since its destruction in 1E 2920. The expansion was finished in the early third era.Zenimax Online Writer's AMA — Lawrence Schick An aspect of Tiber appeared in 3E 427, as a retired Imperial Legionnaire named Wulf. He aids the Nerevarine by asking him to keep his lucky coin while they journey to Red Mountain to defeat Dagoth Ur. Later, an Imperial priest in Ebonheart tells the Nerevarine that Wulf may have actually been a divine manifestation of Tiber Septim and that this visitation may be "a sign of great doom" for the Hero.Events of Wulf's dialogue regarding the weakening empire and old emperor later occurred during the Oblivion Crisis of 3E 433, with the Septim bloodline ending with Martin Septim's sacrifice.Events of 
Tiber Septim's bloodline restored in 4E 129 when the remaining Septim families were farmers since the death of Pelagius Septim. Farmer Cephorus rose up against Attrebus Mede II, which become a dictator; which caused a civil war in Cyrodiil. Cephorus's victory after the battle of Ruby throne which Attrebus Mede II died suddenly four months later on 4E 128. It say that Attrebus was assassinated or faked his death.
==Conflicting reports==
There are still conflicting reports about Tiber's life due to many aspects of his early reign being rewritten, and this is why there is such confusion over his origins. Brought up by Ysmir in The Arcturian Heresy:
*His birthplace is left as a matter of debate. Aclaire claims to be the birthplace of Tiber Septim, while various other sources suggest that he was born in Atmora.
*Tiber Septim begins to change in character and personality after his roaring conquests.
*It is left unclear why Tiber Septim betrayed his battlemage.
*It is unknown whether the Mantella is the heart of the battlemage, the heart of Ysmir, or the heart of Tiber Septim.
==Artifacts==
*Totem of Tiber Septim
*Boots of the Apostle
*Armor of Tiber Septim
*Hjalti's Sword
*Old Man's Lucky Coin
==Gallery==
Tiber Septim Imperial City Statue.png|A statue of Tiber Septim in the Imperial City.
Talos Shrine - Front.png|Shrine of Talos near Windhelm.
Talos Shrine.jpg|Concept art of the Shrine of Talos.
Amulet of Talos Concept art.png|Concept art of the Amulet of Talos.
Inside Temple of Talos.png|The Temple of Talos in the city of Windhelm.
Shrine of Talos Riften.png|The Shrine of Talos near the graveyard in Riften, Skyrim. Nura Snow-Shod, the priestess of Talos is praying in front of it.
Talos Stained Glass Circle.png|A stained glass symbol dedicated to Talos seen in chapels in .
==See also==
*Battle of Sancre Tor
*The Legendary Sancre Tor
*Pocket Guide to the Empire, First Edition
*The Real Barenziah
*2920, vol 12 - Evening Star
*The Arcturian Heresy
*Pocket Guide to the Empire, Third Edition
*Blessing of Talos
*Altar of Talos
*Great Chapel of Talos
*Wayshrine of Talos
*Blood of the Divines
*Amulet of Talos
*Shrine of Talos
==Trivia==
*Tiber Septim's name was based on the first names of the Roman Emperors Tiberius Caesar and Septimius Severus, thus creating the name Tiber Septim.
*The currency of the Empire, the Septim, is derived from Tiber's surname.
*His first name, Hjalti, is likely delivered from the Swedish word hjälte, meaning "the hero."
*Tiber Septim is one of three oversouls that make up the ultimate oversoul of Talos, along with The Underking and Ysmir. It is furthermore theorized that he himself is also an oversoul of the spirits of Hjalti Early-Beard, a Breton, and Zurin Arctus, an Imperial. This is one reason for the contention regarding his race.From The Many-Headed Talos36 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 1936 Lessons of Vivec, Sermon 34
*How Tiber Septim became the god Talos is a matter of debate. In , much of the conflict between native Nords (particularly the Stormcloaks) and the Aldmeri Dominion comes from the Dominion's claim that a man could not become a Divine, and thus Talos is not a god and should not be worshipped.
**In , the "blood of a divine" is needed to open the portal to Mankar Camoran's Paradise. The blood used is from the Armor of Tiber Septim, which implies that Tiber Septim indeed became a god.
**In the Blessing of Talos is what allows the player to follow Umaril the Unfeathered into the spirit world and destroy his very soul preventing him from being reborn in Oblivion and returning again. The blessing also allows the player to return to his body afterwards, further evidence of Talos' divinity.
**At the end of , the player is met by an aging Imperial named Wulf, who bestows on him/her a power called "Favor of the Emperor." If Lalatia Varian is asked about this, she will tell the player that this is a manifestation of Talos; similar manifestations of Mara and Zenithar occur in the Imperial Cult quest line.
*The deification of Tiber Septim, the first emperor of Tamriel, as Talos could be a reference to the deification of Caesar Augustus, first emperor of Rome as Divus Augustus.
*The name Talos is of Cretan origin, and means "sun." In ancient Greek mythology, Talos was the name of the legendary living bronze statue on Crete built to guard the island at the command of Zeus (who was worshipped as Zeus Tallaios in Crete). In addition, Talos is similar to another Greek figure, Heracles, as he too was a mortal who ascended to divinity.
*Talos is also the name of a deity in Forgotten Realms, a campaign setting for the Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.
**The Talos of Forgotten Realms is also known as The Storm Lord. The name Talos Stormcrown may be referential to this title.
*It is possible that after the events of Talos replaced Reymon Ebonarm as god of War. Since Reymon Ebonarm is never heard from again and Talos began his existence as a God back then.The Ebon Arm
==Appearances==
==Notes==
Category:Characters of Unknown Race
Category:Emperors of the Septim Empire
Category:Lore: Characters
Category:Lore: Males
Category:Tongues
Category:Royalty
Category:Septim Bloodline
Category:Dragonborns