User:Vincentius1/Sandbox

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Introduction[edit]

This article is about the city. For the kingdom, see Wayrest (kingdom).

Wayrest
Type Settlement
Continent Tamriel
Province High Rock
Region
Demonym(s) Wayrester[1]
Wayrestian[UOL 1]
Appears in Arena, Daggerfall, Redguard, ESO, Legends
Wayrest ca. 2E 582
Map of High Rock
One feels that one is in a modern city when one visits Wayrest, but there is a magic in the air that could only come from centuries of civilization. —Sathryr Longleat, Wayrest, Jewel of the Bay

Wayrest is the capital city of the eponymous kingdom in High Rock, as well as the major settlement in the central region of Stormhaven, at the mouth of the Bjoulsae River. Wayrest is perhaps the most important trading hub in northwest Tamriel

The kingdom flourished because of its relationship with its merchants, who helped secure its abundant wealth. The money used to expand and elevate Wayrest has earned it the moniker, the Jewel of the Bay.[1][2]

Layout and Geography[edit]

Wayrest ca. 2E 864
Wayrest on the kingdom's map ca. 3E 405

Wayrest is located in the south-central region of Stormhaven, specifically in the geographical subregion, Menevia.[3] It is a temperate woodland,[4] but Stormhaven is known for its thunderous and stormy weather, over the rolling hills, lush plains, and rocky outcrops.[5] On some Second Seed mornings, the skies open up over the city, revealing the blue sky and mild, warm breeze of the Iliac Bay.[6] On the high summers, however, Wayrest can be unbearably hot and the pestilent swarms can be irritating.[7]


Several nobles and families own land outside the city. The Arcole family owns the Farangel's Landing estate, just west of the city's harbor.[8][9] The Cumberland region, owned by the eponymous family of merchants, is located outside the city limits and is where they built several mines, including the one that held one of the largest orichalcum veins in history.[5][10]

Wayrest is also located west of a strait, between the mainland and a large island that belongs to the kingdom. The largest settlement there is Penwall Derry, exactly west across Wayrest city on the strait coast.[11]

Wayrest is neighbored by several settlements, such as Kings Guard to the far northwest, Vermeir Wastes to the northeast,[12] and Hammerfell to the south towards Thorstad Place.[13] Other notable settlements include the minor city of Merwark Hollow and the town of Chesterhead Wood, directly southeast and north of Wayrest respectively.[14] There is also the village of Candlemass, about a day away by boat on the Bjoulsae River. To the northeast is the Kingdom of Evermore and to the southeast is the Kingdom of Skaven.[UOL 2]

Castle Wayrest ca. 3E 405

Wayrest is a large walled city, and Stormhaven's roads meet here in the center. The only part not in its walls is Dreughside, a shantytown on the northwest wall. It is part of a local baron's fief, including the Dreugh hatching pools a little further west. Many districts make up the city. From the northern main entrance is the Residential District,

  • Gardens District[15]


Notable Locales[edit]

†Either this location was destroyed or its associated faction is dissolved. See the linked page for more information.

Districts[edit]

  • Merchant District[3]
  • Palace District[3]
  • Residential District[3]
†This district is not present in-game and only mentioned in text or dialogue.

History[edit]

For the history of the kingdom and region, see the: History of Wayrest

Early History[edit]

The Kingdom of Wayrest ca. 3E 405, north along the Bjoulsae River
King Golkarr of Orsinium's banner

Before it was a large city and central trade hub in northwest Tamriel, it was a sleepy fishing hamlet, a collection of rudimentary huts on the Bjoulsae River.[21][22] Historians have difficulty deciding on when Wayrest was founded, but a settlement of some kind had existed there since as early as 1E 800.[1] It could possibly date back even further as Aliera; mother of the fabled King of Daggerfall, Edward is supposedly from Wayrest.[23] Though no mention of it exists from the Skyrim Occupation of the early First Era.[1]

One of its earlier known references comes from 1E 801, by an Imperial sailor named Silvia Cato, who comments on the disease and waste of the Bjoulsae River, coming from "that damned Breton city", meaning Wayrest.[2] Despite this negative attribute about the settlement, Wayrest was a respite for travelers passing through to the eastern Iliac Bay region. This sleepy fishing village was a "welcomed rest" on the Bjoulsae River.[1]

Outside the town, however, was constant danger, with the Orcs' growing presence to the north and pirates, some of Akaviri origin, crowding the islands to the west.[1] The Bjoulsae River was a valuable area for the growing Kingdom of Orsinium in Wrothgar. King Golkarr invaded Stormhaven and blockaded routes through Wayrest,[24] forcing people to pay them regularly and halt traffic to the High Rock heartland.[25]

The Orcs' oppression over the region and Wayrest was what inspired King Joile of Daggerfall to attack Orsinium in a forty-year war called the Siege of Orsinium. It was Joile's letter to Gaiden Shinji of the Order of Diagna that marked one of Wayrest's first notable mentions in history. In the Annals of Daggerfall, it states, "The orcs have been much plaguing the Wayresters and impeding traffic to the heart of the land." This was dated in 1E 948, two years before the siege commenced. The war ended in 1E 980, and while its contenders saw little gain in the war, Wayrest benefitted the most.[1] With travel through the Bjoulsae River becoming more accessible, the city blossomed and in twenty years, equaled Daggerfall's profits. In forty years, it became acknowledged as the master of the Iliac Bay trade.[1][26]

The Gardners and Wayrest[edit]

Castle Wayrest in the mid-Second Era
The Wayrest Sewers

Wayrest established the Masconian Trade Way and formed a trade alliance with its hard workers and merchants, greatly reducing pirate activity in the Iliac Bay. Unlike now, the settlement occupied both sides of the river, which placed it briefly in Hammerfell. One of the city's merchant families, the Gardners built a walled palace on the High Rock side, allowing banks and other businesses to work inside its walls. When Farangel Gardner claimed the title of King and started the newfound Kingdom of Wayrest in 1E 1100, Wayrest was able to secure the eternal wealth it holds today.[1][27] Under his reign, lesser merchants thrived and were granted hospitality and staunch protection in the city's walls.[5]

The money from this partnership between the kingdom and merchant has helped Wayrest develop over the years, from the shimmering stones used to expand it to the bright armor worn by law enforcement. But the greatest testament to that is the Wayrest Sewers. Designers began plans for it as far back as before the Siege of Orsinium and after donations from several noble families, it was completed. Today it is considered a modern marvel of western Tamriel, rivaling the Dwemer's engineering.[2] Sometime later, King Aphren Gardner built Castle Wayrest in the city's palace district[1] and that itself is considered arguably one of the most famous castles in all of Tamriel.[28]

Throughout the years, Wayrest has also survived many conflicts and plagues with good humor and practicality. When the Thrassian Plague spread into the Iliac Bay, Wayrest's people hid in the Gardners' walled estates[1] while its nobles fled to Balfiera.[29]:6 From before the kingdom's founding to the late First Era, High Rock was a part of the Alessian Empire in Cyrodiil.[30] That was until 1E 2305 when the Kingdoms of High Rock left the Empire, after merchants were pressured by heavy taxation and prejudice from the Imperials taking a toll on the Bretons.[31][32] In Wayrest, there was a call for citizens to support the province's secession. Though one of these reasons was because of the prejudice, based on an old secession stamp block discovered by the Antiquarian Circle, it is implied that money was more of a motivation in Wayrest than the former.[33]

Though the Empire tried in vain to fight back against the Bretons, it was the arranged marriage between Queen Margert Gardner's daughter and King Desynan of Skingrad's son in 1E 2319 that brought a large-scale war from Colovia to the Iliac Bay.[31] Despite the Alessian collapse, High Rock devolved as warring fiefs and pretender-kings sprung in the years since. At around this time was an event in Stormhaven called the Gavaudon Troubles and a secondary event called the flight from Wayrest.[34] Some of Wayrest's people were later involved with the All Flags Navy and the Thrassian War, like the captains, Isara and Lisolda of House Davaux.[35][36]

Wayrest in the Second Era[edit]

An illustration of Wayrest's port by ¥R[21]
High King Emeric and Wayrest

Since the Battle of Granden Tor, the Kingdom of Wayrest was at peace and its ships sailed all over the continent. The Gardner king expanded and fortified the city with new walls and battlements as the old town had greatly outgrown its original boundaries. In 2E 541, however, High Rock was invaded by the Longhouse Emperor, Durcorach and the Reach horde eventually loomed over the Bjoulsae River and Wayrest. People across Stormhaven fled the countryside to find safety and were packed into the city's walls. The Siege of Wayrest went on for fifty-seven days and nights, as the Bretons of Stormhaven held their ground on the walls. [37]

The Reachmen had no siege weapons to breach the wall, nor any ships to block the harbor and starve the city. It felt like a stalemate was inevitable and having no patience to wait it out, Durcorach left enough soldiers to keep Wayrest at bay as he moved west into Glenumbra, eventually targeting Daggerfall. King Gardner, taking advice from the heir of House Cumberland, Emeric, sent the Menevia Heavy Dragoons on merchant ships to catch Durcorach between them and Daggerfall's army. Emeric, leading the heavy dragoons smote Durcorach and ended his invasion of High Rock.[37]

The Kingdoms of High Rock came together to form the first Daggerfall Covenant, an alliance to fight against provincial threats like Durcorach.[5][37] Wayrest city experienced great growth in the years since. With the Covenant established, it was made its capital, a fact that Daggerfall resented. And although it was set to be the dominant power, Wayrest, with backing from Emeric of Cumberland, was rebuilding stronger than ever. King Folbert of Daggerfall believed Wayrest's success was just mere luck and that if it were to overextend itself, then his city would be on top.[5]

  • Orichalcum
  • Knahaten Flu
  • Vs. Ranser
  • Events of ESO

Wayrest in the Third Empire and Onward[edit]

Wayrest ca. 3E 405
Wayrest in ruins, 4E 188

Wayrest received the Third Empire well in the late Second Era, especially the Imperial Navy's Northwest Fleet, which helped deal with the region's everpresent pirate issue.[21] Even though the province fell under the Empire's total control, border distribution and a need for hired arms and mercenaries proved profitable for figures like S'rathra and Cyrus, who were active in Wayrest at this time.[38] The kingdom was eventually ruled by members of the Septim family, such as Cassynder and Uriel Lariat before the ascension to the Ruby Throne.[39][40]

During the Imperial Simulacrum in the late Third Era, the city-state of Wayrest was an active settlement. It was ruled by King Tristore and had a rivalry with Shornhelm.[41] That decade of the Third Era indirectly affected Wayrest, especially for the House of Wayrest and King Eadwyre, with the death of Queen Carolyna, the birth of Princess Elysana,[29]:15 and later the arrival of Queen Barenziah, and her children, Helseth and Morgiah.[42] Before he was the King of Morrowind, Helseth was the Prince of Wayrest, at the time known for his bad temper and rashness, but also his capacity to lead. His career as a cunning and manipulative politician began here in Wayrest.[43]

(Considering keeping and leaving some info) Helseth's career and reputation as a cunning and manipulative leader started here in Wayrest. He was known for his bad temper and rashness, throughout his time as the Prince of Wayrest, he used multiple methods to get what he wanted. Rumors perpetuated by the Mournholdian newspaper, the Common Tongue suggest that Helseth was involved with the deaths of Martyrius Arruntius, a city alderman from Wayrest who tried to accuse him of predatory adultery to the city courts, and Jusole Asciele, a diplomatic attache at the High Rock Embassy in Wayrest, who had a particular interest in Barenziah's family.[7] He also recruited people for support such as his band of warriors, the Royal Guard,[44] his champion Karrod,[45] and even Lord Castellian of the city's Elder Council, before his untimely death during holiday.[46]

In 4E 188,[19] nobles of Wayrest began plans for King Barynia's downfall. One of these figures, Arenthil Wethrin, and another noble's first plan was to kidnap the Princess and hold her captive in Dreughside to blackmail her father. After one of these nobles was killed by Dreughs, Arenthil dragged their dead body to the city's northern square and staged it as a murder. While the Princess was hidden in a boarded-up house, Arenthil Wethrin held a gala in his home, celebrating Barynia's demise. An important figure in these events was the Forgotten Hero, who came to Wayrest to join the Dark Brotherhood. While they investigated the area, trying to find a contact, they were the ones to free the Princess and kill Arenthil Wethrin at his gala. The Hero took up a Brotherhood assassin's contract, the corrupt leader of the Wayrest Order of the Hour, Markam Hawksmire. Before he could leave town, he was killed at the city docks and the Forgotten Hero successfully joined the Dark Brotherhood.[47]

Weeks later, the

Known Rulers[edit]

King Eadwyre of Wayrest
For a list of the kingdom's monarchy, see this section in the following article: Wayrest.

Castle Wayrest is the city and surrounding kingdom's seat of power, where the King lives and the Court of Wayrest convene.[48] City aldermen are employed in the Court of Wayrest, such as Martyrius Arruntius.[7]

Historically, the outer district of Dreughside and the nearby Dreugh hatching pools called Dreugh Waters are part of a local baron's fief.[49] This is one of the rare instances where a High Rock baron is granted land to govern.[50]

Culture and Society[edit]

Dreughside
The Wayrest Market Square
For more information, see the: Culture and Society sections on the Breton page.
  • Wayrest's market square, later known as Cumberland Square is the oldest and wealthiest marketplace in the city.[1] It is a bustling avenue in Wayrest, where rumors and word-of-mouth gets passed around so often and dramatically over a few hours that its like half of Wayrest is involved in several types of scandal.[51]
  • Canto Chapeau/Suede Doublet Ensemble
  • Guillotines[52]
  • Horse[53]/Menevia Heavy Dragoons[37]
  • Taxes[43]:5/Census and Excise[7]
  • Wayrest Investigators[54][55][2]

Even with its prosperity, crime is present in Wayrest. The sewers have become the home of its criminal underground, largely due to its immense size making it hard for the city guard to patrol it.[2] The city's outlaws refuge is in the sewers, with entrances underneath the Temple of the Divines and on its northern wall.[56] Like Wayrest itself, only the rich can afford its illicit activities, namely the skooma trade and necromancy.[2] But many more dark secrets hide away here, unknown to the common people on the surface.[57]

On the mainland, circa 2E 582, Stormhaven was the territory of the Midnight Union,[58] a large band of smugglers with ties to the nobility in Wayrest.


One of Wayrest's most well-known citizens was an architect named Dutheil, for better or worse. In his prime, he was perhaps the most prolific architect in the West, towering over his competition to the point of monopolizing the business. In Wayrest, he built opaline palaces in the Garden District, such as Pellingare Manor, and built inescapable prisons for law enforcement.[15] A rival architect named Gasteau Chamrond worked with his allies to ruin Dutheil's reputation and turn the Wayrest nobility against him. Driven to madness, he formed a pact with the Daedric Princes, in exchange for the souls of his enemies. In the mortal world, he fell into obscurity and became the infamous builder of Oblivion, the Mad Architect.[15][20][60]

Many noble Breton houses live in Wayrest and wield varying influence in the kingdom. Many are merchant houses, such as three of the kingdom's dynasties; the Gardners, the Cumberlands, and the Horleys.[1] There are also the Auzins,[61][62] the Davauxs,[36] the Pellingares,[55][63] and the Veins, who later re-located to Abah's Landing.[64]

Gallery[edit]

Notes[edit]

  • Arena was originally conceived as a fighting game featuring a tournament that took the player to each of Tamriel's cities to challenge different gladiatorial teams. According to a file from that stage of development left behind in the final game, Wayrest's gladiatorial team would have been called "the Highlanders".[UOL 3]
  • ^  Etien Lenac is said to have taken the throne in 1E 1270, though that would've been in the Middle Dawn.
  • ^  Magnus Septim left the throne of Wayrest after Cephorus Septim died, three years after the Siege of Solitude, which was in 3E 137.
  • ^  Later sources say that Magnus Septim married the Queen of Lilmoth, not Wayrest.

See Also[edit]

Books[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Wayrest, Jewel of the Bay — Sathyr Longleat
  2. ^ a b c d e f Wayrest Sewers: A Short History — Hilaire Beanique
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Wayrest in ESO
  4. ^ Climate Map of the Iliac Bay – The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
  5. ^ a b c d e f The Improved Emperor's Guide to Tamriel: High Rock — Flaccus Terentius, 2E 581
  6. ^ a b Dibella's Mysteries and Revelations — Sibyl Augustine Viliane
  7. ^ a b c d e f The Common Tongue
  8. ^ Serge Arcole's dialogue in ESO
  9. ^ Miranda Arcole in ESO
  10. ^ Guide to the Daggerfall Covenant
  11. ^ Wayrest map location in Daggerfall
  12. ^ Map of High Rock – The Elder Scrolls: Arena
  13. ^ Map of Hammerfell – The Elder Scrolls: Arena
  14. ^ Wayrest in Daggerfall
  15. ^ a b c d e To All Who Pass Through — Dutheil
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h Wayrest (city) in Daggerfall
  17. ^ a b c d e Wayrest in Legends
  18. ^ Sacred Rites of the Stonechewers — Nellic Sterone
  19. ^ a b Cicero's Journal - Volume 2 — Cicero
  20. ^ a b Reynelle Derone's dialogue in ESO
  21. ^ a b c d Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: High Rock — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
  22. ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition: The Sons and Daughter of the Direnni West: High Rock — Imperial Geographical Society, 3E 432
  23. ^ King Edward, Part I — Anonymous
  24. ^ Antique Map of Stormhaven antiquity codex entries in ESO: Greymoor
  25. ^ Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: The Wild Regions — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
  26. ^ A History of Daggerfall — Odiva Gallwood
  27. ^ Wayrest, Jewel of the Bay — Sathyr Longleat the Elder
  28. ^ A Travel Guide to Tamriel Castles — Astinia Isauricus
  29. ^ a b The Daggerfall Chronicles — Ronald Wartow
  30. ^ Bangkorai, Shield of High Rock — King Eamond
  31. ^ a b On the War of Righteousness — Valenca Arvina, Historian-in-Residence at Gwylim University
  32. ^ Systres History: Volume 4 — Trilam Heladren, Associate Dean of Eltheric History, University of Gwylim
  33. ^ Secession Stamp Block antiquity codex entries in ESO: Greymoor
  34. ^ Noble Knight's Rest antiquity codex entries in ESO: Greymoor
  35. ^ The All Flags Navy Started Here
  36. ^ a b Captain Isara Davaux's dialogue in ESO
  37. ^ a b c d Triumphs of a Monarch, Ch. 3 — His Majesty King Emeric
  38. ^ S'rathra's biography – The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard
  39. ^ Brief History of the Empire v 2 — Stronach k'Thojj III
  40. ^ Brief History of the Empire v 3 — Stronach k'Thojj III
  41. ^ Wayrest location and rumors in Arena
  42. ^ Biography of Barenziah, v 3 — Stern Gamboge, Imperial Scribe
  43. ^ a b The Daggerfall Chronicles/Narrative
  44. ^ Plitinius Mero's dialogue in Morrowind: Tribunal
  45. ^ King Hlaalu Helseth's dialogue in Morrowind: Tribunal
  46. ^ Blackmail story quest in Daggerfall
  47. ^ The Corsair Conspiracy episode in Legends
  48. ^ Wayrest Castle in ESO
  49. ^ Baron Sorick's dialogue in ESO
  50. ^ Noble Ranks and Titles — Hercian, Steward at Castle Navire
  51. ^ The Alduin/Akatosh Dichotomy — Alexandre Simon, High Priest of the Akatosh Chantry, Wayrest
  52. ^ Wayrest Guillotine item description in ESO
  53. ^ Wayrest Vanner Pillion Steed mount description in ESO
  54. ^ Investigator Irnand's dialogue in ESO
  55. ^ a b Investigator Lienne's dialogue in ESO
  56. ^ Wayrest Outlaws Refuge in ESO
  57. ^ Wayrest Sewers loading screen text in ESO
  58. ^ Wayrest Outlaws Refuge loading screen text in ESO
  59. ^ King Farangel's Ode to Wayrest — King Farangel
  60. ^ Gasteau Chamrond's dialogue in ESO
  61. ^ Bastian Hallix's dialogue in ESO: Blackwood
  62. ^ Inalieth's dialogue in ESO: Blackwood
  63. ^ Pellingare Manor in ESO
  64. ^ Abah's Landing Merchant Lords, V. 3 — Tamonir, Master of Secrets for the Queen of Taneth

Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.

  1. ^ Ted Peterson's Posts in Campaign 7/The Evening Star Parade – Loranna's RP
  2. ^ Ted Peterson's Posts in Campaign 8/The Blue Dawn – Loranna's RP
  3. ^ Original TES: Arena texts at the Imperial Library
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