| Nibenay | |
|---|---|
| Type | Region |
| Continent | Tamriel |
| Province | Cyrodiil |
| Appears in | Oblivion, ESO |
Nibenay is the eastern part of Cyrodiil and is the traditional heart of the Empire, comprising the modern counties of Cheydinhal, Bruma, Bravil and Leyawiin, as well as the Heartlands around City Isle. The Nibenese culture is considered esoteric and philosophical, with focus on elaborate ceremony.
The largest regions in Nibenay are the eponymous Nibenay Valley and Nibenay Basin, the former nominally including the western bank of the Upper Niben from County Bravil to the Heartlands, and the latter encompassing the eastern side of the Upper Niben and its tributaries; the Corbolo, Reed and Silverfish. South of Niben Bay sits the dark swampland of Blackwood, largely synonymous with the county of Leyawiin. The far northern and eastern parts of the region give way to the Jerall and Valus mountain ranges, respectively. The Jerall city of Bruma, though Nibenese in customs, boasts an architectural style that is more Nordic in design. Similarly, there are aspects of Dunmeri architecture in the eastern city of Cheydinhal.
Nibenay is regarded as the soul of Cyrodiil, where the original Cyro-Nordic tribes began to grow culturally and economically separate from Skyrim. During this time, in opposition to the oppression from the Ayleids, the role of the battlemage was conceived, and these mages went on to become the ruling class of the Nibenese people. The Alessian Reformation turned the focus of Eastern productivity towards merchantry, and the Alessian priesthood superseded the battlemages as the cultural leaders. This lasted until the priesthood became too large to support itself, and the Alessian Order collapsed following the resistance of Western Cyrodiil to their doctrines and the subsequent creation of the autonomous Colovian Estates. Nibenay then reverted to its previous battlemage aristocracy, and they have been near the top of Nibenese social standing, right above the merchant nobility, to this day.
One of the most notable noble families from Nibenay are the Tharns, who have held estates in and around Cheydinhal since the First Era, and have frequently served directly under the Emperors as ministers and battlemages.