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<noinclude>{{Trail|Races}}[[Category:Lore-All Terms]]</noinclude>{{{image|[[File:Lore-race-Imperial.png|frame|Illustration of a typical Imperial male.]]}}}
Also known as '''Cyrodiils''', '''Cyrodilics'''{{ref|name=PGE3C|{{Cite book|PGE|3|Cyrodiil}}}}, '''Cyro-Nordics''' and '''Imperial Cyrods'''{{ref|name=ON|Events of [[Online:Online|ESO]]}}, the well-educated and well-spoken '''Imperials''' are the natives of the civilized, cosmopolitan province of {{Lore Link|Cyrodiil}}. Imperials are also known for the discipline and training of their citizen armies, and their respect for the rule of law.{{ref|name=LB|{{Cite book|Legal Basics}}}} Though physically less imposing than the other races, the Imperials have proved to be shrewd diplomats and traders, and these traits, along with their remarkable skill and training as light infantry, have enabled them to subdue all the other nations and races and erect the monument to peace and prosperity that comprises the Glorious Empire.{{ref|name=POT|{{Cite book|Provinces of Tamriel}}}} Their hegemony has waxed and waned throughout the eras, and most historians refer to three distinct Empires, the ends of which each mark a new epoch in {{Lore Link|Tamriel}}ic history.{{FMI|dummy=}}<noinclude>
[[Image:Cyrodiil map Oblivion.jpg|right|thumb|[[Lore:Cyrodiil|Cyrodiil]], the home of the Imperials.]]
==History==
[[File:LO-person-Tiber Septim.png|thumb|right|An engraving of Tiber Septim.]]
The Imperial race emerged out of the original Nibenese tribesman, {{Lore Link|Nede}}s and Cyro-Nords in the {{Lore Link|Merethic Era}}.{{ref|name=PGE3C}}{{ref|name=PGE1C|{{Cite book|PGE|1|Cyrodiil}}}}{{ref|name=PGE3S|{{Cite book|PGE|3|Skyrim}}}} They were subjugated by a race of {{Lore Link|Aldmer}}, the {{Lore Link|Ayleids}}, but a rebellion against them formed under the guidance of {{Lore Link|Alessia|Saint Alessia}} in {{Year|1E 242}} would prove so successful that Ayleids were driven to extinction (though they left behind many treasures{{ref|name=MFTS|{{Cite book|Magic from the Sky}}}}).{{ref|name=PGE3C}}{{ref|name=PGE1C}}{{ref|name=TLKOTA|{{Cite book|The Last King of the Ayleids}}}} The {{Lore Link|Alessian Empire}} united Imperials and pursued campaigns in other provinces, but when the {{Lore Link|Colovia}}n west broke away, the resulting civil war in Cyrodiil ended the Empire.{{ref|name=PGE1C}}
The eastern Nibenay Valley region and the western Colovian Estates developed distinct cultures, but still united under the Colovian {{Lore Link|Reman I}} to repel an {{Lore Link|Akavir}}i invasion in {{Year|1E 2703}}, creating the {{Lore Link|Second Empire}}.{{ref|name=PGE3C}}{{ref|name=PGE1C}} The Akaviri had devastated many human lands, and Reman feared invasion from the {{Lore Link|Summerset Isle}}, so he allowed the remaining Akaviri to live and fight for him against the Elves.{{ref|name=PGE1C}} Soon the Second Empire controlled every province of Tamriel except Morrowind.{{ref|name=PGE1C}} The events surrounding the attempted conquest of Morrowind led to the end of the Reman emperors, and the First Era, in {{Year|1E 2920}}: the Akaviri {{Lore Link|Versidue-Shaie}}, who had earned a position as a trusted advisor, took control following the deaths of the Remans and the disastrous {{Lore Link|Four-Score War}}.{{ref|name=2920L|{{Cite book|2920, The Last Year of the First Era}}}}
The {{Lore Link|Akaviri Potentate}}s would rule until {{Year|2E 430}}, but eventually assassinations and poor leadership would make the Empire crumble, leading to the {{Lore Link|Interregnum}}: for four hundred years, petty states all over Tamriel quarreled with each other, especially Cyrodiil.{{ref|name=PGE3C}}{{ref|name=PGE3AS|{{Cite book|PGE|3|Arena Supermundus}}}} The Imperial Province devolved into a collection of warlords squabbling over a no-man's land of cultural stagnation.{{ref|name=PGE3C}}{{ref|name=DHAC|{{Cite book|Dwemer History and Culture}}}} Ironically, it would take a {{Lore Link|Nord}} to reunite the Imperial Province: Tiber Septim was appointed general of the forces of {{Lore Link|Cuhlecain}}, a petty Colovian king. He routed all of Cuhlecain's enemies who would face him and his armies on the battlefield, quickly reuniting Cyrodiil. When Cuhlecain was assassinated in {{Year|2E 854}}, Tiber Septim assumed the throne.{{ref|name=PGE1C}} In a few decades, the provinces would be reunited once more under his {{Lore Link|Third Empire}}, and this outsider to Cyrodiil had become the symbol of the whole realm.{{ref|name=PGE3C}}
Ironically enough, most if not all of the Emperors of the {{Lore Link|Third Era|Third Age}} would be Nordic or {{Lore Link|Breton}}, not Imperial. Following the cataclysms of the {{Lore Link|Oblivion Crisis}}, the leaderless Empire would once again begin to crumble, but it was an Imperial who seized the opportunity for glory: {{Lore Link|Titus Mede}}, a Colovian king, would seize the Imperial City with less than a thousand men and declared himself the new Emperor, though not much is yet known about this new dynasty.{{ref|name=TIC|{{Cite book|The Infernal City|ns=Books}}}}
[[File:OB-map-All Regions.jpg|thumb|left|A color-coded map showing the different regions of Cyrodiil.]]
===Society===
The defining feature of Imperial culture is its cosmopolitanism.{{ref|name=PGE3C}} Although some individuals may be the most arrogant bigots in Tamriel,{{ref|name=GTA|{{Cite book|Guide to Anvil}}}}{{ref|name=GTB|{{Cite book|Guide to Bravil}}}}{{ref|name=PGE1|{{Cite book|Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition}}}} culturally the Imperials are very conciliatory and congenial, making them skilled diplomats and traders.{{ref|name=PGE3C}} Even Imperial {{Lore Link|vampire}}s claim some semblance of civility.{{ref|name=MCV|{{Cite book|Manifesto Cyrodiil Vampyrum}}}} It's easy to understand given their geography and cultural schisms: Cyrodiil borders almost every other province, and the historical separation yet underlying unity and interaction of the Cyrodilic regions made the Imperials well practiced at building bridges and maintaining order. Though there are many regions, the two most powerful effectively controlled all regions close to them: the western Colovian Estates and the eastern Nibenay Valley.
Early Imperials in eastern Cyrodiil strongly believed in the Alessian Doctrines, even after the Empire's fall, which made them disfavor many practices, notably farming.{{ref|name=PGE1C}} They defaulted to mercantilism, and became a wealthy merchant power with a vibrant society that made colorful clothing, conducted elaborate ceremonies, and loved tattoos and philosophy.{{ref|name=PGE1C}} Through their river network, they were able to export many goods, including textiles, fabrics, moon sugar, rice and armor.{{ref|name=PGE1C}} Though their beliefs were monotheistic, they often focused on the numinous nature of some facet of society, and many diverse cults operated openly over the years, dedicated to many animal spirits and hero-gods, as well as ancestor worship.{{ref|name=PGE1C}}{{ref|name=SATD|{{Cite book|Shezarr and the Divines}}}}{{ref|name=MH|{{Cite book|Modern Heretics}}}} The Colovians, in contrast, took on a more austere but adventuresome lifestyle, in keeping with their Nordic ancestry, and often became mercenaries and pirates.{{ref|name=PGE1C}}{{ref|name=SATD}} The unification under Reman I didn't eradicate these differences, although, of course, the {{Lore Link|Eight Divines}} was predominant all over the province by the end of the First Era.{{ref|name=PGE3C}}{{ref|name=PGE1C}}
The respect and admiration Imperials had for Tiber Septim is nothing compared to the veneration they have for him as a god of the {{Lore Link|Nine Divines}}, regardless of the heresies often espoused about him.{{ref|name=VOF|{{Cite book|Varieties of Faith...}}}}{{ref|name=TAH|{{Cite book|The Arcturian Heresy}}}} His accomplishments inspired them to believe they could do anything they set their mind to.{{ref|name=TKOTN|{{Cite book|The Knights of the Nine}}}} The end of his dynasty was greeted with great mourning, although also with great pride, as his last known descendant, {{Lore Link|Martin Septim}}, sacrificed himself to save all of {{Lore Link|Tamriel}}.{{ref|name=Oblivion|Events of the {{Lore Link|Oblivion Crisis}}.}} Imperials know all too well that dynasties are destined to rise and fall; all it will take is time before the Glorious Empire once again reigns over Tamriel.
==Notes==
* Common [[Lore:Imperial Names|Cyrodilic names]], certain aspects of Nibenese architecture and Colovian martial tradition (military organization and equipment) should seem familiar, as they are inspired by the real world Roman Empire.
* Imperials were not considered a distinct race within the games until Redguard, but have been a playable race in every major entry since.
==See Also==
*For game-specific information, see the [[Online:Imperial|Online]], [[Skyrim:Imperial|Skyrim]], [[Oblivion:Imperial|Oblivion]], and [[Morrowind:Imperial|Morrowind]] articles.
===Books===
* {{Book Link|Frontier, Conquest|authprefix=the}}
* {{Book Link|The Last King of the Ayleids}}
* {{Book Link|Modern Heretics}}
* {{Cite book|PGE|1|Cyrodiil}}
* {{Cite book|PGE|3|Cyrodiil}}
==References==
<references/>
{{Races}}</noinclude>
Also known as '''Cyrodiils''', '''Cyrodilics'''{{ref|name=PGE3C|{{Cite book|PGE|3|Cyrodiil}}}}, '''Cyro-Nordics''' and '''Imperial Cyrods'''{{ref|name=ON|Events of [[Online:Online|ESO]]}}, the well-educated and well-spoken '''Imperials''' are the natives of the civilized, cosmopolitan province of {{Lore Link|Cyrodiil}}. Imperials are also known for the discipline and training of their citizen armies, and their respect for the rule of law.{{ref|name=LB|{{Cite book|Legal Basics}}}} Though physically less imposing than the other races, the Imperials have proved to be shrewd diplomats and traders, and these traits, along with their remarkable skill and training as light infantry, have enabled them to subdue all the other nations and races and erect the monument to peace and prosperity that comprises the Glorious Empire.{{ref|name=POT|{{Cite book|Provinces of Tamriel}}}} Their hegemony has waxed and waned throughout the eras, and most historians refer to three distinct Empires, the ends of which each mark a new epoch in {{Lore Link|Tamriel}}ic history.{{FMI|dummy=}}<noinclude>
[[Image:Cyrodiil map Oblivion.jpg|right|thumb|[[Lore:Cyrodiil|Cyrodiil]], the home of the Imperials.]]
==History==
[[File:LO-person-Tiber Septim.png|thumb|right|An engraving of Tiber Septim.]]
The Imperial race emerged out of the original Nibenese tribesman, {{Lore Link|Nede}}s and Cyro-Nords in the {{Lore Link|Merethic Era}}.{{ref|name=PGE3C}}{{ref|name=PGE1C|{{Cite book|PGE|1|Cyrodiil}}}}{{ref|name=PGE3S|{{Cite book|PGE|3|Skyrim}}}} They were subjugated by a race of {{Lore Link|Aldmer}}, the {{Lore Link|Ayleids}}, but a rebellion against them formed under the guidance of {{Lore Link|Alessia|Saint Alessia}} in {{Year|1E 242}} would prove so successful that Ayleids were driven to extinction (though they left behind many treasures{{ref|name=MFTS|{{Cite book|Magic from the Sky}}}}).{{ref|name=PGE3C}}{{ref|name=PGE1C}}{{ref|name=TLKOTA|{{Cite book|The Last King of the Ayleids}}}} The {{Lore Link|Alessian Empire}} united Imperials and pursued campaigns in other provinces, but when the {{Lore Link|Colovia}}n west broke away, the resulting civil war in Cyrodiil ended the Empire.{{ref|name=PGE1C}}
The eastern Nibenay Valley region and the western Colovian Estates developed distinct cultures, but still united under the Colovian {{Lore Link|Reman I}} to repel an {{Lore Link|Akavir}}i invasion in {{Year|1E 2703}}, creating the {{Lore Link|Second Empire}}.{{ref|name=PGE3C}}{{ref|name=PGE1C}} The Akaviri had devastated many human lands, and Reman feared invasion from the {{Lore Link|Summerset Isle}}, so he allowed the remaining Akaviri to live and fight for him against the Elves.{{ref|name=PGE1C}} Soon the Second Empire controlled every province of Tamriel except Morrowind.{{ref|name=PGE1C}} The events surrounding the attempted conquest of Morrowind led to the end of the Reman emperors, and the First Era, in {{Year|1E 2920}}: the Akaviri {{Lore Link|Versidue-Shaie}}, who had earned a position as a trusted advisor, took control following the deaths of the Remans and the disastrous {{Lore Link|Four-Score War}}.{{ref|name=2920L|{{Cite book|2920, The Last Year of the First Era}}}}
The {{Lore Link|Akaviri Potentate}}s would rule until {{Year|2E 430}}, but eventually assassinations and poor leadership would make the Empire crumble, leading to the {{Lore Link|Interregnum}}: for four hundred years, petty states all over Tamriel quarreled with each other, especially Cyrodiil.{{ref|name=PGE3C}}{{ref|name=PGE3AS|{{Cite book|PGE|3|Arena Supermundus}}}} The Imperial Province devolved into a collection of warlords squabbling over a no-man's land of cultural stagnation.{{ref|name=PGE3C}}{{ref|name=DHAC|{{Cite book|Dwemer History and Culture}}}} Ironically, it would take a {{Lore Link|Nord}} to reunite the Imperial Province: Tiber Septim was appointed general of the forces of {{Lore Link|Cuhlecain}}, a petty Colovian king. He routed all of Cuhlecain's enemies who would face him and his armies on the battlefield, quickly reuniting Cyrodiil. When Cuhlecain was assassinated in {{Year|2E 854}}, Tiber Septim assumed the throne.{{ref|name=PGE1C}} In a few decades, the provinces would be reunited once more under his {{Lore Link|Third Empire}}, and this outsider to Cyrodiil had become the symbol of the whole realm.{{ref|name=PGE3C}}
Ironically enough, most if not all of the Emperors of the {{Lore Link|Third Era|Third Age}} would be Nordic or {{Lore Link|Breton}}, not Imperial. Following the cataclysms of the {{Lore Link|Oblivion Crisis}}, the leaderless Empire would once again begin to crumble, but it was an Imperial who seized the opportunity for glory: {{Lore Link|Titus Mede}}, a Colovian king, would seize the Imperial City with less than a thousand men and declared himself the new Emperor, though not much is yet known about this new dynasty.{{ref|name=TIC|{{Cite book|The Infernal City|ns=Books}}}}
[[File:OB-map-All Regions.jpg|thumb|left|A color-coded map showing the different regions of Cyrodiil.]]
===Society===
The defining feature of Imperial culture is its cosmopolitanism.{{ref|name=PGE3C}} Although some individuals may be the most arrogant bigots in Tamriel,{{ref|name=GTA|{{Cite book|Guide to Anvil}}}}{{ref|name=GTB|{{Cite book|Guide to Bravil}}}}{{ref|name=PGE1|{{Cite book|Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition}}}} culturally the Imperials are very conciliatory and congenial, making them skilled diplomats and traders.{{ref|name=PGE3C}} Even Imperial {{Lore Link|vampire}}s claim some semblance of civility.{{ref|name=MCV|{{Cite book|Manifesto Cyrodiil Vampyrum}}}} It's easy to understand given their geography and cultural schisms: Cyrodiil borders almost every other province, and the historical separation yet underlying unity and interaction of the Cyrodilic regions made the Imperials well practiced at building bridges and maintaining order. Though there are many regions, the two most powerful effectively controlled all regions close to them: the western Colovian Estates and the eastern Nibenay Valley.
Early Imperials in eastern Cyrodiil strongly believed in the Alessian Doctrines, even after the Empire's fall, which made them disfavor many practices, notably farming.{{ref|name=PGE1C}} They defaulted to mercantilism, and became a wealthy merchant power with a vibrant society that made colorful clothing, conducted elaborate ceremonies, and loved tattoos and philosophy.{{ref|name=PGE1C}} Through their river network, they were able to export many goods, including textiles, fabrics, moon sugar, rice and armor.{{ref|name=PGE1C}} Though their beliefs were monotheistic, they often focused on the numinous nature of some facet of society, and many diverse cults operated openly over the years, dedicated to many animal spirits and hero-gods, as well as ancestor worship.{{ref|name=PGE1C}}{{ref|name=SATD|{{Cite book|Shezarr and the Divines}}}}{{ref|name=MH|{{Cite book|Modern Heretics}}}} The Colovians, in contrast, took on a more austere but adventuresome lifestyle, in keeping with their Nordic ancestry, and often became mercenaries and pirates.{{ref|name=PGE1C}}{{ref|name=SATD}} The unification under Reman I didn't eradicate these differences, although, of course, the {{Lore Link|Eight Divines}} was predominant all over the province by the end of the First Era.{{ref|name=PGE3C}}{{ref|name=PGE1C}}
The respect and admiration Imperials had for Tiber Septim is nothing compared to the veneration they have for him as a god of the {{Lore Link|Nine Divines}}, regardless of the heresies often espoused about him.{{ref|name=VOF|{{Cite book|Varieties of Faith...}}}}{{ref|name=TAH|{{Cite book|The Arcturian Heresy}}}} His accomplishments inspired them to believe they could do anything they set their mind to.{{ref|name=TKOTN|{{Cite book|The Knights of the Nine}}}} The end of his dynasty was greeted with great mourning, although also with great pride, as his last known descendant, {{Lore Link|Martin Septim}}, sacrificed himself to save all of {{Lore Link|Tamriel}}.{{ref|name=Oblivion|Events of the {{Lore Link|Oblivion Crisis}}.}} Imperials know all too well that dynasties are destined to rise and fall; all it will take is time before the Glorious Empire once again reigns over Tamriel.
==Notes==
* Common [[Lore:Imperial Names|Cyrodilic names]], certain aspects of Nibenese architecture and Colovian martial tradition (military organization and equipment) should seem familiar, as they are inspired by the real world Roman Empire.
* Imperials were not considered a distinct race within the games until Redguard, but have been a playable race in every major entry since.
==See Also==
*For game-specific information, see the [[Online:Imperial|Online]], [[Skyrim:Imperial|Skyrim]], [[Oblivion:Imperial|Oblivion]], and [[Morrowind:Imperial|Morrowind]] articles.
===Books===
* {{Book Link|Frontier, Conquest|authprefix=the}}
* {{Book Link|The Last King of the Ayleids}}
* {{Book Link|Modern Heretics}}
* {{Cite book|PGE|1|Cyrodiil}}
* {{Cite book|PGE|3|Cyrodiil}}
==References==
<references/>
{{Races}}</noinclude>