Editing Scrollhammer: Imperial Legion (section)

===The Imperial Province===

[[Image:Cyrodiil1.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Despite initial appearances, The Imperial province can be distinguished from Australia by the fact that liquid water is present, and only some of the things there are trying to kill you.]]

The Imperial Province covers a vast portion of Tamriel, stretching its western coast over a thousand miles to Morrowind, and south to the great Niben Bay. North of the bay, upstream of the great Nibenay Valley, lies the Imperial City. Docks bustle with ships bringing goods to and from every part of the Empire. Alabaster apartments and parks filled with towering trees and statues stand high above the endless winding streets. Dignitaries from all the known world congregate in this city, all swearing loyalty to the great Emperor of Tamriel. Ladies and gentlemen of fine breeding live their entire lives within the city's shining walls, while strange cults and goblin outlaws inhabit its sewers. For this city the Emperor's seat, and the ancient White Gold Tower, pride of the conquered Ayleid elves, is his palace. The tower can be seen for hundreds of miles, a landmark for travelers, a monument as great and mysterious as it is ancient.

The Nibenay Valley is a cosmopolitan center of trade and agriculture. The climate is rainy yet temperate; its excellent condition for crops is a gift from the Voice of Talos himself, a reward to his armies and all their descendants for their years service. West of the Heartland are the highlands of Colovia. The people of Colovia are hardier than the Nibenese, and embrace a rural lifestyle. It is among the sons of these humble farmers that many of the great generals of the Legion are found.

The people of Cyrodiil follow the most orthodox form of the worship of the Divines. The Divines consist a mix of Elven and Human deities, the most righteous and holy of the gods, the ones to whom Alessia prayed for help. For the Divines are prayed to by mortals, and deliver them protection. It is the Empire upon whom they smile, and grant their blessings. The Divines are as follows:

[[Image:Ninedivines.jpg|thumb|600px|right]]

Akatosh, God of Time: Akatosh is the mightiest of all the Divines. The father of the Dragons, Akatosh metaphysically embodies time itself. His guardianship of the world of mortals is the greatest powers made manifest through the Amulet of Kings. But as the spirit of time itself, he can be manipulated through the making or breaking of prophecy, and his alliance with the human race may be merely tentative.

Arkay, God of Life and Death: Arkay is among the more powerful of the Nine. He is the holy protector of mortals; his faithful, should they be buried with the proper rites, can never be enslaved after death to the whims of dark sorcery. It is Arkay's will that the righteous die in peace, and enter the Aether for eternal rest.

Dibella, Goddess of Beauty: Dibella embodies the arts and the sensual. She is the patron goddess of all that is lovely, romantic, or pleasing to mortals. Many great sonnets and hymns are made in her name; the erotic is also within her sphere.

Julianos, God of Law: Julianos is a god of wisdom and logic, and a judge of mortals. The keepers of the Elder Scrolls hold a special devotion to him.

Kynareth, Goddess of Air: Kynareth watches over the elements of the world. The sky is her domain, and she blesses Nirn with her living breath.

Mara, Goddess of Love: Mara is the consort of Akatosh. She grants love and kindness to mortals, and teaches them to love one another as she does. Her blessing is given to those who wish to marry; in some provinces, her icon is worn around the necks of those proposing marriage.

Stendarr, God of Might and Mercy: Stendarr teaches the kings of mortals to rule those beneath them with a firm, yet merciful, hand. He watches over the Imperial Legion and over those who abide by the laws of their land, blessing all who would be just and righteous at once.

Zenithar, God of Work: Zenithar is a god to whom all who toil for a living are devoted. His blessings are upon all those who would seek prosperity through honest work.

Talos, God of War: When Tiber Septim died he ascended to godhood. He became the entity known as Talos, a Divine of incredible power, dedicated to the protection of Man and this smiting of his foes.

The Empire stretched across all Tamriel at its height. Depending on the Emperor, the Empire was often a unifying force, promoting trade and prosperity between provinces. At other times, it was known to be corrupt and tyrannical. The provinces of the Empire each swear nominal loyalty to the Emperor; nevertheless, the various provincial nobility are known to war amongst each other, or against the Empire itself. Such actions often relegate the position of Empire to becoming one nations among many; maintaining true authority is a constant struggle for Imperial officials outside of Cyrodiil. It is through the power of the Legions that strong Emperors maintain their will among the squabbling peoples of Tamriel.