Aldmeri Dominion Conflict
The elves seek to reclaim Tamriel from human hands through divine right and iron will.
Rising from the gilded spires of Alinor, the Aldmeri Dominion stands as a formidable power forged in the late Second Era (2E 580) by Altmer zealots who claim a divine mandate to rule Tamriel. More than an empire, it is a crusade; the Thalmor view humanity not merely as rivals, but as a historical error—a temporary aberration that must be excised so the Mer may reclaim their god-given birthright. While currently bound by the fragile peace of the White-Gold Concordat following the Great War, this ideological war drives the political fractures of Skyrim, positioning the Dominion as both the shadow over the Empire and the sword waiting to strike again.
- Founders
- Altmer (High Elves)
- Capital City
- Alinor
- Military Arm
- Aldmeri Dominion Army & Thalmor Justiciars (Political Enforcers)
- Primary Ideology
- Supremacy of the Mer, Eradication of Man
- Current Status
- Signatory to the White-Gold Concordat; preparing for future conflict
Lore & Background
The Great War saw the Dominion push deep into Cyrodiil, nearly toppling the Empire before a stalemate led to the White-Gold Concordat. This treaty forced the Empire to ban the worship of Talos and cede significant territory, sowing deep resentment among the Nords of Skyrim who view it as a betrayal of their heritage. The Thalmor, operating from their embassy in the Imperial City and their headquarters in Summerset, now manipulate events from the shadows; while Justiciars serve distinct roles as secret police and ideological enforcers to root out dissent—separate from the regular Dominion Army—the Dominion waits for the perfect moment to resume its campaign of total conquest. Historically, despite periods of isolationism, the Summerset Isles have been a central player in Tamriel's fate, participating in major conflicts such as the War of the Red Diamond and campaigns of the First Empire.
In Their Own Story
The rain in Solitude tasted of salt and iron, but to Captain Hrothgar, it smelled only of fear. He watched the Thalmor Justiciar glide through the market square, his golden armor gleaming unnaturally bright against the grey stone of the city walls. The elf did not walk; he seemed to drift, his eyes scanning the crowd with a detached curiosity that made the blood in Hrothgar's veins run cold. Beside him, a Nord merchant clutched his sack of grain, whispering prayers to Stendarr, but the Justiciar had already turned his gaze toward the temple. The banner of the Aldmeri Dominion fluttered above the embassy, a stark reminder that while the war had paused, the enemy was still here, waiting for the day they would finish what the blades could not.
Reader's Guide
In the Fourth Era, no faction poses a greater existential threat than the Aldmeri Dominion. While their armies were halted at the gates of the Imperial City during the Great War, the true battle has shifted to espionage and subversion. The White-Gold Concordat, ostensibly a peace treaty, functions as a long-term stranglehold: by outlawing Talos worship, the Thalmor have fractured Nord loyalty from within, turning Skyrim's civil war into a proxy battleground that drains Imperial resources without Dominion bloodshed.
Unlike conquests of old seeking land or gold, this campaign aims for the erasure of the human age itself. The Thalmor believe the current timeline is flawed—a mistake born of mortal interference with divine order—and seek to reset history to an era before Men walked Tamriel. Their influence now permeates every hold and embassy, ensuring that even in peace, humanity remains on its knees.
Did You Know?
- The Thalmor actively prefer a prolonged civil war in Skyrim, as it weakens both the Empire and the Stormcloaks without them having to fight directly.
- While the Dominion includes Bosmer and Khajiit, their leadership is exclusively Altmer, and other races often face discrimination within the alliance.
- The ban on Talos worship was not just a religious restriction but a strategic move by the Thalmor to destabilize Imperial morale and Nord loyalty.
- Although often perceived as isolated today, the Summerset Isles have a rich history of direct military intervention in mainland Tamriel's greatest conflicts.