Planemeld Conflict
Reality fractures under the weight of Coldharbour, as Molag Bal drags Nirn into his realm of eternal torment.
The Planemeld is a cataclysmic invasion of Nirn orchestrated by the Daedric Prince Molag Bal during the Second Era, specifically 2E 582. This event serves as the central narrative driver of The Elder Scrolls Online, where Bal attempts to merge his dark realm of Coldharbour with the mortal world to extinguish all free will and life. Standing against this cosmic horror is the Vestige, a soulless warrior who, after being trapped in Coldharbour and undergoing the Soul Shriven process (or aided by Sheogorath), is guided and empowered by the Daedric Prince Meridia to unite fractured alliances across Tamriel to halt the merging.
- Timeline Placement
- Second Era 2E 582
Lore & Background
Central to this struggle was Meridia's light and the Vestige's unique nature, which proved pivotal in sealing the Dark Anchors that threatened to merge worlds. Although the Planemeld saw reality fracture as anchors pierced the sky, the invasion was halted before entire cities could be successfully dragged into Coldharbour or permanently merged with Bal's realm. The conflict required divine intervention; Meridia championed the mortal resistance, guiding the Vestige through realms where logic held no sway to prevent the total erasure of Tamriel's free will.
In Their Own Story
The sky above Cyrodiil bruised purple as Dark Anchors descended, tearing holes in the heavens. The ground shook not with an earthquake, but with the grinding of two worlds forced together. From the ridges, observers saw familiar stone cities twist into jagged obsidian spires, while the air grew thick with sulfur and rotting flesh. A scream echoed through the valley—not from a man, but from the earth itself, crying out as it was dragged toward the cold embrace of the Prince of Domination.
Reader's Guide
The conflict begins with the sudden appearance of Dark Anchors across Tamriel, signaling Molag Bal's arrival. The player, known as the Vestige, is resurrected by Meridia after being killed and must navigate a world in chaos. Early on, the three great alliances—the Ebonheart Pact, the Aldmeri Dominion, and the Daggerfall Covenant—are forced to suspend their civil war to address this greater threat.
As the story progresses, the Vestige travels to each major region to destroy the Dark Anchors, uncovering a conspiracy involving traitorous leaders within the alliances who seek to aid Bal. Key allies include Prince Jorunn of the Pact, Queen Ayrenn of the Dominion, and King Emeric of the Covenant. The narrative reveals that Molag Bal has manipulated events from the shadows, using the war to weaken Tamriel's defenses.
The climax sees the Vestige infiltrating Coldharbour itself, a realm of eternal torment where time and logic hold no sway. After recovering the Amulet of Kings and uniting the leaders against their own internal betrayals, the heroes launch a final assault on Bal's fortress. The Planemeld is ultimately reversed through a massive ritual that severs the connection between Nirn and Coldharbour, though the scars of the invasion remain visible across the land.
Did You Know?
- The Vestige is unique because they lack a soul, which makes them immune to Molag Bal's power to steal souls.
- Molag Bal's goal was not just conquest, but the complete erasure of free will by merging his realm with Nirn.
- Despite joining the Aldmeri Dominion, Daggerfall Covenant, or Ebonheart Pact, the central narrative involving Dark Anchors and Molag Bal remains identical regardless of alliance choice.