» Wed Jan 12, 2011 3:14 am EDIT: Update! Last Update: March 8th, 4:32PM CST
The http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSRtYpNRoN0 shows us the first in game look at dragons and also gives us our first glimpse of how the player actually goes about combating dragons and the dragon shout system. If you haven't seen it already go watch it! It's EPIC!:flamed:
For a the full dragon battle scene with the Alduin's Wall parts cut out click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSVMWzysCqo&t=2m39s.
You can http://bit.ly/e516Sj from their website, http://elderscrolls.com/
For a the full dragon battle scene with the Alduin's Wall parts cut out click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSVMWzysCqo&t=2m39s.
You can http://bit.ly/e516Sj from their website, http://elderscrolls.com/
Also if you haven't listened to it already http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIKRJTBCTFk
There have been many threads about the Dragons that will be a main part of TES V: Skyrim but I just thought it would be nice to have one thread as a sort of hub or place to compile all the info on these extraordinary and captivating legendary creatures of fantasy. I'm going to need the communities help keeping this up to date though. So if I'm missing something please post and let me know and I'll add it.
This thread should also serve for a place to discuss anything and everything about Dragons in Skyrim. Have a question, ask it here rather then start a new thread. The community will try to answer it to the best of our knowledge and as quickly as possible. Want to make a suggestion or discuss a specific topic about dragons, go ahead! This is the one stop shop for all things dragons.
If you want skim through the http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1159301-dragons/ and http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1161098-dragons-a-thread-to-discuss-all-things-about-skyrims-dragons/ threads pages, as this is the third and read through the replies as there has been a lot of discussion already and questions answered, but if you have any questions about dragons or dragonshouts just feel free to ask in here.
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The base information is all on screen, if you wish to go more in depth in definition or description I've added spoiler boxes, if you click them they'll either explain something further or include my take on something.
Dragon's Appearance / Looks
Most, if not all, the Dragons in Skyrim appear to be Wyverns.
Wyvern's have hind legs and wing-like arms.
Dragons appear to have ridges or spiky spiny backs from the three confirmed screenshots in the Game Informer Magazine article, Issue 214.
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7051/dragonscreenshot.jpg: On page 47 you see a dragon perched on top a pillar of carved stone. It's wings are sort of draqed or hanging down to the sides. It's mouth open as if it were roaring. The tail appears to have a rudder appearance to it. There's definitely something more to it then just coming to a point with the same texture as the rest of the tail. It is possible that they have a rudder like wing bodypart at the tip of the tail as the picture of concept art on page 56 shows this in clear view.
http://www.gameinformer.com/cfs-filesystemfile.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Components-ImageFileViewer/CommunityServer-Components-SiteFiles-imagefeed-featured-bethesda-elderscrolls-elderscrollsv/dragonshoutfeatured.jpg_2D00_1680x0.jpg: On page 48 you see the Dovahkiin, player character, walking up a snowy mountain path with craggy mountain formations to the right with some carved stone ruins jutting out of these rock formations. (Perhaps this is the climb to High Hrothgar?) In the sky you see a dragon flying, wings outstretched as if gliding through the air. Tail straight with the hind legs retracted for better aerodynamics. The dragons head appears to be turned and looking at the player, rather then looking straight ahead the direction it is flying. Indicating it probably just noticed him.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4lrm97dBqNo/TTBUaRpZzTI/AAAAAAAAAXk/paz_Vi26-Og/s1600/skyrim_016.jpg: On page 56/57 there is a Dragon, also with a spikey back, battling the Dovahkiin who is behind a shield. The Dragon appears to be using a fire attack that is illuminating the screenshot to where it's hard to see the rest of it's body.
All four pictures (3 screenshots + 1 concept art on pg.56) seem to show a horn structure or a sharp pointy elongated ear structure on the head of the dragons.
The Dragons in the screenshots wings are very bat-like in appearance.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat#Wings are bat's most distinctive -- and perhaps most remarkable -- feature. Bats are flying mammals in the order Chiroptera literally meaning, "hand-wing". http://www.biolib.cz/IMG/GAL/44679.jpg. Bats do not flap their entire forelimbs, as birds do, but instead flap their spread out digits, which are very long and covered with a thin membrane or patagium. The digits support the wing and at the end of one digit is a claw. The digits are attached to the radius which is also long and thin, but it is a strong bone that supports the wing. (http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/resources/anatomical_images/bat_wings.jpg/medium.jpg)
Dragons have 3 talons with one dewclaw.
Pictures: Released Screenshots or Concept Art of Dragons:
This section is sort of empty right now as far as pictures go because there's not many screenshots/concept art of dragons released. I'm not allowed to post images from the Game Informer article so I'm not going to be posting the scans or youtube videos of them. http://tinyurl.com/4unt4y5 Go buy the Magazine already.
Once we get the some official released screenshots or any other pictures, videos screens, or concept art I'll add it.
EDIT: Update! http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/4616/dragoncombatart.jpg and some screenshots taken from the Official Trailer.
http://media.pcgamer.com/files/2011/02/Skryim-Trailer-anolysis-10-Dragongurn.jpg
http://i.min.us/ilKUHo.png & http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/9328/incomingdragon.png
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/2193/dragonbattle4.png
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/1369/dragonfire.png
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/717/skyrim25.jpg
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/9827/skyrim14.jpg
http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/3923/dragonbattle2.png
http://media.pcgamer.com/files/2011/02/Skryim-Trailer-anolysis-19-Futile-Slash.jpg
http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8599/dragonbattle3.png
http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/7747/skyrim29.jpg
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/183/dragonen.png
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/8974/skyrim27.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/j8d6cz.jpg
and you can see plenty more in the actual trailer itself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSRtYpNRoN0
Dragon Encounters & Combat | Powers and Attacks
"Lesser Dragons are flying free across the world."
"Dragons are real and regular threats in the game world. They fly into battle at unexpected times. They ravage towns. They wield awesome power. And you'll have to face them repeatedly in single combat" - GameInformer
More on how they ravage towns, "while talking to people a dragon might attack and you'll see them running for cover and guards running to their posts" - Spanish Mag Article
However not ever encounter with a dragon starts a battle. Just because a dragon flies by doesn't mean it will automatically attack you. Todd Howard in a earlier podcast http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIKRJTBCTFk&t=0m34s from Bioshock. The US Official Xbox Magazine explains why,
"In theory, you can engage a dragon whenever you see one simply by pelting it as it flies past, but make sure you're ready for the fight."
It sounds as if some of these "lesser dragons that fly free across Skyrim" are optional to fight. Some of the Dragons won't attack you on sight or at all unless you attack them first.
"Make one angry and it'll swoop, circle and, every so often, crash to the ground, tearing a furrow in the landscape" - Official Xbox Magazine UK
So it's nice to know that these extremely powerful creatures will tear up the landscape when attacking.
"Not every Dragon will be found flying through the wild: some will have taken up residence in dungeons or other places. If you stumble upon one of these "bad boys", they won't be content to just let you run off again... You'll have to take them down, or die trying." - OXM
Animations
"The animations are sure to make them look believable and non-mechanical, even when the dragons are speaking/shouting or doing other powerful and menacing things like when banking, flapping their wings, gaining altitude before making another strafing run, and breathing fire on their hapless victims." - http://www.gameinformer.com/games/the_elder_scrolls_v_skyrim/b/xbox360/archive/2011/01/17/the-technology-behind-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim.aspx?PostPageIndex=2.
The http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSRtYpNRoN0 shows some pretty cinematic combat with a dragon but believe it or not it is all in-game and happens dynamically like that.
In a http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Articles.Detail&id=89 with Matt Grandstaff, Senior Community Manager at Bethesda, he was asked...
"As for Skyrim, can players expect to have similar encounters and battles with dragons to the face off played throughout the trailer? Will the dragons' behavior be the same?
Dragons do all of the things you see in the trailer: bite, breathe, crawl, crash land. And their actions are not scripted, so you never know when one might attack you, or what they're going to do when you fight them."
This was confirmed by Nick Breckon, "http://twitter.com/#!/nickbreckon/status/40798586128039936." and Pete Hines, "http://twitter.com/#!/DCDeacon/status/40799803394756608
How many Dragons are there?
As for how many Dragons there are out and about in the world we don't quite know yet. Through many indications however it's suggested it's no small amount.
Q:Throughout the trailer dragons can be seen looming in the distance and flying overhead. How many dragons are in the world and what determines an encounter with them? (Is it only quest based, regional, or anytime anywhere?)
A:There's a significant number of dragons in the game – there's definitely more dragons in Skyrim than Super Mutant Behemoths in Fallout 3. Beyond that we aren't getting into specifics. - Matt Grandstaff Interview
Attacks: What are some of these astounding powers they wield?
Todd Howard confirmed that "our dragons are speaking this ancient language, or this dragon language, that http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvpoR7knnI0&t=5m55s"
Defeated, what happens to them?
It is not fully known yet what happens to dragons when they die or are defeated. We know the Player (Dovahkiin) will absorb their souls fueling his/her ability to use Dragonshouts (More on this below in the Dragon Shout section) but if the dragon's body stays for awhile or what happens to it has sparked a bit of discussion. Some believe it turns to stone while others, as magazines have suggested, believe the bodies of defeated dragons burn up in flames.
In the UK OXM Article there is a text-box that is next to a picture of a dead dragon that is being surrounded by what looks like the flame animation you briefly see in the game trailer:
"SOUL PURPOSE: One of the benefits of being a Dragonborn is that when you finally manage to slay one of the ruddy great things, you're able to absorb its soul, learning new shouts in the process. There's even an impressive animation as the dragon's body burns to cinders."
And from GI article, "you dive to the side and stab your blade up into the creature’s neck. it flails wildly, and finally collapses. Instantly, its body begins to combust, burning itself out from the inside. your blood quickens, and a glow of power suffuses you."
EDIT: Update! If you haven't listened to it yet http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIKRJTBCTFk from http://www.gameinformer.com/b/podcasts/archive/2011/02/03/toddhowardse.aspx.
Transcript of all what Todd Howard said about Dragons. SEE SPOILER
Spoiler
21:49 What are the dragons going to be like in the game?
"If you're a fan of fantasy you see a lot with dragons. They've been a part of classic fantasy that we've never done. So we wanted to do them in a way that they were part of the world, and put them on screen, and fight them in a way that you conjure up in your head when you read fantasy that you haven't really seen in a game. And that's what we're trying to pull off, that they are these fierce beasts. They do become these kinds of boss fights, like a mix between a Big Daddy and a Helicopter in half life 2. These things that you see coming and you're like, 'Oh. Oh NO.' They are really difficult to kill."
23:15 Are they the enemies you end up fearing the most?
"Definitely. Oh yeah."
"We had a lot of back up plans for them when we were developing the game. Because when you deal with a creature that big and its AI and how powerful it is. You know, how much can it fly, can it land, will it be able to do this? We made a little team of people to work on dragons and put some of our best people on it. They worked on it for two years. They really came out like... We got to go past the list we had and then more. We're ecstatic with how they came out. They can dive bomb and breathe fire down a street. They can get on the ground and march around now. They can pretty much go anywhere. So we can call them and do random encounters. When they come, they generally now just work. We can throw multiples of them in a scene. They just, you know you just... like... when I get bored in the game I just summon dragons now and they can terrorize the town. It's always cool.
There are multiple types of them. As far as riding them, I would not expect that. It's not something I see happening. It's kind of not how we're approaching them, first of all."
24:42 Jumping up on one of their backs might not get the best results.
"No."
21:49 What are the dragons going to be like in the game?
"If you're a fan of fantasy you see a lot with dragons. They've been a part of classic fantasy that we've never done. So we wanted to do them in a way that they were part of the world, and put them on screen, and fight them in a way that you conjure up in your head when you read fantasy that you haven't really seen in a game. And that's what we're trying to pull off, that they are these fierce beasts. They do become these kinds of boss fights, like a mix between a Big Daddy and a Helicopter in half life 2. These things that you see coming and you're like, 'Oh. Oh NO.' They are really difficult to kill."
23:15 Are they the enemies you end up fearing the most?
"Definitely. Oh yeah."
"We had a lot of back up plans for them when we were developing the game. Because when you deal with a creature that big and its AI and how powerful it is. You know, how much can it fly, can it land, will it be able to do this? We made a little team of people to work on dragons and put some of our best people on it. They worked on it for two years. They really came out like... We got to go past the list we had and then more. We're ecstatic with how they came out. They can dive bomb and breathe fire down a street. They can get on the ground and march around now. They can pretty much go anywhere. So we can call them and do random encounters. When they come, they generally now just work. We can throw multiples of them in a scene. They just, you know you just... like... when I get bored in the game I just summon dragons now and they can terrorize the town. It's always cool.
There are multiple types of them. As far as riding them, I would not expect that. It's not something I see happening. It's kind of not how we're approaching them, first of all."
24:42 Jumping up on one of their backs might not get the best results.
"No."
Dragon's Voices | Sounds
In Skyrim the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTuN8LVFnWo&t=1m40s as Mark Lampert, Skyrim's sound designer and audio director, explains. "How do they speak? Do they sound like people? Do we find someone with a naturally very deep voice and try a straight read? That's sort of what I'm hoping for. Is to find someone who already has a very interesting gravelly or a deep voice. Have them effected in some way to put on some sort of, not an accent persay, but just a manner of speaking whether they drop their pitch or slow it down or something like that."
Possible Voice Actors who could voice these dragons as other posters have suggested; SEE SPOILER
Spoiler
If I missed anybody's suggestion or if anybody has another one please post it and I'll add it to the list. Also props to redonwhite for his http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1159020-who-would-suit-the-dragons-voice-well/.
- Steven Blum who http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSp4gKo5Zk4 in Dragon Age: Origins & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2UxZYnoHMg&t=5m20s in Mass Effect 2 & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXVqa675BSI&t=1m10s in Guild Wars 2 (Suggested by A-z-a-r-a-h-a-l, Kitoro, & Chopy)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBxF5x0TdP0 who voiced Draco in Dragonheart. (Suggested by Werewolf&Vampire)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbrbZ6Bh1-A who voiced Smaug in the 2003 video game The Hobbit.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc1QvI_llE0 who voiced Raze a Lycan in the Underworld movies. (Suggested by Outlaw_Omega & BaptisedBrawler)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcrToyMDCkI who http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlmiLbcpRNs on the tv show Merlin. (Suggested by Vixulation)
- Michael McConnohie a voice actor known for many roles such as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJTARvDHzNc, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxeQkk1UcdY, and The Lich King from World of Warcraft. (Suggested by Bloody Toccata)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CW0QSg5f1Kk&t=2m54s who voiced Gimli and the ent, Treebeard, in The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. (Suggested by Wahoo)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMFl8p1Bhuo&t=0m21s voice of Hellboy and narrator for the Fallout game(s). (Suggested by fourtrax450)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwVbSOLvWjM&t=0m46s who is known for his loud booming voice in such roles as Boss Rugor Nass in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. (Suggested by Stokie Mcpot)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMRi8tYYnEs&t=2m49s who voiced Wrex in Mass Effect (Suggested by Vixulation)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaRdcVYTjRw who voiced Harbinger in Mass Effect 2 (Suggested by Vixulation)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvrIFIjTGt0 who voiced Sovereign in Mass Effect (Suggested by hlvr)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNNqc4pdbNA&t=0m28s who voiced Saruman in The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. (Suggested by AveObscurum & Seti18)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEyPhm98WaE (Suggested by redonwhite)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S_yX0j4-78&t=01m13s who's done work for such games as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxKckHuHx_0 . (Suggested by redonwhite and Outlander)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_osQvkeNRM&t=0m13s (Suggested by LostInSpace & lichmisfit)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4tNz_3dGBA who voices Optimus Prime in the Transformers movies. (Suggested by Sphagne)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alqrVVK9-i0&t=0m5s the top grossing voice actor and the man who voices Megatron in the Transformers movies. (Suggested by Vixulation)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAJgnUix2kI who voiced Darth Vader. (Suggested by Werewolf&Vampire)
- Michael Clarke Duncan (Suggested by Werewolf&Vampire)
- Keith David the voice actor in such roles as the Arbiter in Halo 2 and Halo 3 and David Anderson in Mass Effect and Mass Effect 2 (Suggested by Ramjet81)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVMho2cP1NE (Suggested by Mithrys)
- Mickey Rourke who http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsusJVaAWf8, a Bethesda Softworks published game, as well as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjSkDsR3MoI from Sin City and portraying http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ar2fn-uuVj0&t=2m27s in Iron Man 2. (Suggested by Wyatt Hertz)
- Ray Winstone who http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UATg4wpNges&t=0m32s and the Dragon in that movie as well as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYOnmJOz8Ks from King Arthur. (Suggested by Myself & Rivaldo)
- Will Lyman the narrator of the http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC9mqbImrC8 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsSisukdpdE.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai62ieVlm5Y&t=0m5s who voiced Worf in Star Trek. (Suggested by worm82075)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWG6zNf4xY0 the homeless man turned internet sensation. (Suggested by BoSStealthAgent)
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tAiEFhNHZk (Suggested by rumblyguts
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My0HQ0QkGLQ&t=0m13s the lead vocalist for the German metal band Rammstein. (Suggested by LanceLeader)
If I missed anybody's suggestion or if anybody has another one please post it and I'll add it to the list. Also props to redonwhite for his http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1159020-who-would-suit-the-dragons-voice-well/.
Hopefully they will take a different voice for each different dragon approach as it would be nice to have the voices represent the dragon and, therefore, each dragon would be distinguishable from the next. Surely the dreaded Alduin, the godlike dragon destined to devour the world, will have a great voice actor at the least.
Sounds:
In the Sounds of Skyrim: Designing Shouts & Dragons video Mark Lampert http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTuN8LVFnWo&t=0m44s.
"Never done a dragon before, so it's one thing to go look in movies where they have something similar but it's another to try to come up with it yourself you know using Animal Recordings, I've tried just screaming myself, and tried manipulating that in some way and I think in the end it's a bit of everything. It's a little bit of the animal, it's a little bit of me, it's a little bit of this. And so once you got the first one the next problem is well now I need 30 more of those. He screams like this, he screams when he takes off, he screams when he dies and it's very very different. Can I make variations of that from the one? Some of it I haven't solved yet."
Dragon's Language
http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/01/20/skyrim-s-dragon-shouts.aspx?PostPageIndex=2 and on the http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/01/20/skyrim-s-dragon-shouts.aspx?PostPageIndex=3
Towards the end of the announcement trailer, you probably noticed some mysterious language being sung. What you might not have known is that the words are in the tongue of the dragons, an entirely new language crafted by Bethesda for use in the upcoming game.
This complete language plays an integral role in the story and gameplay of the upcoming epic, and introduces an intriguing new facet to the Elder Scrolls mythology.
Complete with a http://www.gameinformer.com/cfs-filesystemfile.ashx/__key/CommunityServer-Components-ImageFileViewer/CommunityServer-Components-SiteFiles-imagefeed-featured-bethesda-elderscrolls-elderscrollsv/stanza.jpg_2D00_610x0.jpg. Don't worry they will include a full grammar and syntax guide to aid you in the extensive vocabulary of words which serve as the backbone to the dragon shout system.
Todd Howard explains the Draconic Alphabet, “The idea was, how would the dragons write or scratch this language in the stone or on the ground? Everything is done with the three talons. You’ll always see combinations of one to three scratches, and sometimes the dot, which is like the dewclaw.”
The sound of the dragon language when you hear it spoken or sung has a vaguely Germanic or Scandinavian sound to it. It’s a harsh but oddly beautiful sound that feels right at home in the rugged landscape of Skyrim. And you’ll hear it in plenty of places. Not only do the dragons and the Greybeards recall this long-dead language, but many other creatures in the world do as well. Included among them are the undead draugr, http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Bloodmoon:Undead, Draugr are ancient Nord warriors who will call out in dragon language from their skeletal frames, threatening to pull you down to join them.
Every creature that cries out in dragon is saying an actual translatable thing to you. And perhaps most importantly, every dragon shout you acquire carries real meaning behind it.
The language concept abandoned tense, conjugation, and even upper and lower case letters, preferring that the context imply meanings instead. For instance, in the translation of Game Informer’s back cover, the word “fundein” translates to “unfurled,” but it could mean either unfurl or unfurled, depending on where the word is used. Similarly, the word “prodah” could mean either foretell or foretold.
The word ‘dovahkiin.’ ‘Dova’ means dragon. ‘Kiin’ means child. So we did a lot of that.
(You can get an early start http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Dragon_Alphabet.) and click spoiler for Lyrics of the trailer.
Spoiler
DOVAHKIIN DOVAHKIIN
NAAL OK ZIN LOS VAHRIIN
WAH DEIN VOKUL MAHFAERAAK AHST VAAL
AHRK FIN NOROK PAAL GRAAN
FOD NUST HON ZINDRO ZAAN
DOVAHKIIN FAH HIN KOGAAN MU DRAAL
AHRK FIN KEL LOST PRODAH
DO VED VIING KO FIN KRAH
TOL FOD ZEYMAH WIN KEIN MEYZ FUNDEIN
ALDUIN FEYN DO JUN
KRUZIIK VOKUN STAADNAU
VOTH AAN BAHLOK WAH DIIVON FIN LEIN
Dragonborn Dragonborn
By his honor is sworn
To keep evil forever at bay
And the fiercest foes rout
When they hear triumph's shout
Dragonborn for your blessing we pray
And the scrolls have fortold
Of black wings in the cold
That when brothers wage war come unfurled
Alduin bane of kings
Ancient shadow unbound
With a hunger to swallow the world
http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/01/06/translating-the-cover.aspx
Props to Senju for his http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1156123-the-language-of-the-dragons/page__p__16927268__fromsearch__1#entry16927268.
NAAL OK ZIN LOS VAHRIIN
WAH DEIN VOKUL MAHFAERAAK AHST VAAL
AHRK FIN NOROK PAAL GRAAN
FOD NUST HON ZINDRO ZAAN
DOVAHKIIN FAH HIN KOGAAN MU DRAAL
AHRK FIN KEL LOST PRODAH
DO VED VIING KO FIN KRAH
TOL FOD ZEYMAH WIN KEIN MEYZ FUNDEIN
ALDUIN FEYN DO JUN
KRUZIIK VOKUN STAADNAU
VOTH AAN BAHLOK WAH DIIVON FIN LEIN
Dragonborn Dragonborn
By his honor is sworn
To keep evil forever at bay
And the fiercest foes rout
When they hear triumph's shout
Dragonborn for your blessing we pray
And the scrolls have fortold
Of black wings in the cold
That when brothers wage war come unfurled
Alduin bane of kings
Ancient shadow unbound
With a hunger to swallow the world
http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2011/01/06/translating-the-cover.aspx
Props to Senju for his http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1156123-the-language-of-the-dragons/page__p__16927268__fromsearch__1#entry16927268.
Dragon Shouts
Dragon Shouts are one of the new gameplay mechanics in Skyrim. A new set of powers, that stand apart from the existing magic system, based around these words of power and when learned how to say them right can unleash a broad range of powerful effects. In the game, players will guide their hero to learn ever more powerful dragon shouts, and then use these arcane powers to supplement other combat and magic skills.
There are over 20 unique shouts and over time, players will collect their own arsenal of shouts. Each shout is formed from three words of power. “There are three words for each shout, and there are three levels to them. The amount of time you hold down the shout button is how many words come out,” Howard continues. “It becomes a bit of a collection mechanic – to collect all the words.”
How are Dragon Shouts acquired?
The ability to attain these powerful dragon shouts is unique to your hero and the path to attaining them is a quest in itself.
Upon defeating a dragon, Skyrim’s hero absorbs the soul of the fallen creature, which "fuels" his ability to learn a new shout. http://media.pcgamer.com/files/2011/02/Skryim-Trailer-anolysis-27-Dragon-Soul-590x425.jpg.
Later, the player must search out these http://download2.zenimax.com/akqacms/files/tes/concept_art/WordWall.jpg. Upon these walls, individual runes stand out to the hero because he or she is dragonborn. As you approach the carvings, one word in particular will begin to glow. The words are how you increase the power and intensity of each dragon shout. They are written in this ancient language, dragon language and every ancient wall you encounter carries an ancient legend.
Also new info from the Italian magazine article on Skyrim indicates there are special enemies who guard these Walls. Undead Dragon Priest are a sort of guardian of the "dragon shouts walls" That pop up, sometimes when the player approaches a wall. "a 'ghostly dragon priest' who bursts out of a sarcophagus to attack and startle the player" - Official Playstation Magazine They put up an hell of a fight apparently too.
It is also mentioned in the various magazine articles that "Some Dragon Shouts can be found inscribed on the walls of ancient Nord dungeons"
Different Dragon Shouts
The dragon shouts vary in style and power and each shout will grow in intensity with each new word you learn culminating in giving the player the same overwhelming might of the resurgent dragon population. After collecting more than 60 individual words that form up into over 20 complete shouts, Skyrim’s hero will be a force to be reckoned with, especially considering that these dragon-based abilities will be layered on top of his normal leveled-up abilities in combat, traditional magic, and stealth.
Examples of known Dragon Shouts:
- One power is a invisible push of staggering power that sends foes hurtling away from you staggered by the force of your yell. Spoken in the game, your hero will intone the three words for the full shout: “Fus, Ro, Dah!” Translated into English, “Fus” means force, “Ro” means balance, and “Dah” means push. It might be called "Unrelenting Force".
- One slows down time around you. "Once its been examined and equipped, a tap of RB slows the entire scene down for eight seconds, allowing you to casually plant arrows in the skulls of any surrounding enemies. Learn the rest of the phrase and you'll get even longer to play at being a medieval Max Payne." -OXM
- One, spoken as a whisper, aids you in stealth by sending you instantaneously from one place to another. Blinking or Teleporting very quickly.
- One particular shout has you speaking the true name of an actual dragon which then forces the beast to come to your aid and fight beside you in battle.
Any limitations / cooldowns to Dragon Shout usage?
We know there will be a cooldown to the Dragon Shouts but we don't yet know for sure how it works...
From Twitter:
@DCDeacon Question on Dragonshouts if you got time. Will there be a cooldown to prevent you from spamming them? Any details for us on that?
@Badprenup Definitely will be. We'll give details on that later.
For now we have a hint from the UK OXM Article:
"Of course, no matter how meaty your diaphragm, you can't just go around barking spells [Dragon Shouts] constantly. There's a cooldown period after every shout you perform, and individual flavours [or different shouts] will have their own individual recharges too." - UK Official Xbox Magazine
So it sounds like there is a cool-down in which all Dragon Shouts are disabled after one is used, with a longer cool-down on the specific power that you just fired off. For example if you just used the Force Push "Fus, Ro, Dah" shout you'll trigger the cooldown but the cooldown for other shouts you know will be shorter then the cooldown for that same Force Push shout. So you'll be able to use your Slow Time Shout before your Force Push shout's cooldown is finished BUT even though you used Force Push there will be a cooldown for all shouts, it will just be shorter.
Also maybe the cooldown time is deteremined by how long you held the shout button down. If you only hold down the shout button and use a 1 word / level 1 shout then the cooldown might be shorter say 30 seconds to regenerate. If you had held the button down a bit longer and used a 2 word / level 2 shout the cooldown period would be longer say 1 minute to regenerate but the shout would also have been more powerful. Finally if you held it down and used all 3 words for a level 3 shout it would take say 2 minutes to regenerate to be able to use it again but the shout would have been all powerful.
Even if you have all three words learned for a specific shout you can choose which level you want to use by how long you hold down that shout button. You would likely choose to hold the shout button down for a short period to use the first level only on a lesser enemy so that when you need it, and you'll never know when you do, the high level shout is available.
A little history about Dragon Shouts in TES Lore:
“There are other people in the world who can use the dragon shouts, but it’s very rare. It’s like arcane knowledge. It used to be done more in the past,” Todd Howard explains. “The Greybeards know it. But your ability to absorb the dragon souls and do the shouts on the level that you can is beyond them.”
Atop a great mountain that rises above the tundra and forests of Skyrim known as The Throat of the World sits High Hrothgar. A settlement that is home to the Greybeards who live in absolute silence in order to better attune themselves to the voice of the sky. The ability to use the dragon language already existed in the fiction and lore of TES. It was called “Thu’um.” The concept roughly translates as “The Voice.” These mysterious old men will play a key part in the Dragonborn’s story. http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Thu%27um and the Dragonborn hero (you) must climb the 7,000 steps to reach the remote retreat and be trained by them.
These dragon shouts are the same source of power that launched the last line of emperors. Tiber Septim would use the dragon shouts to lead his troops into battle and unite Tamriel under one empire. (More on his history http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1150358-skyrim-trailer-breakdown/page__st__100__p__16838257#entry16838257) Hundreds of years later, the Septim line has died out, and no other dragonborn have been seen for many years. That is, until the hero of Skyrim arrives on the scene.
Spoiler: My Take on where you'll learn your first Dragon Shout
Spoiler
Well perhaps one of the first things you must do is go visit someone that will teach you how to combat dragons? Like in Oblivion you are sent to visit Jauffre at the end of the tutorial, which also starts the main quest.
So I heard that At the beginning of the game your once again a prisoner but in Skyrim things are more gritty and brutal. This time around your sentenced to death by execution. The executioner is about to chop off your head when Esbern appears and saves you. Esbern is one of the last surviving Blades and mentor to Skyrim's protagonist. (voiced by Max von Sydow it's his words you hear in the trailer) I imagine that this series of events is part of the tutorial at the very beginning of the game and directly leads to where you first learn your the Dovahkiin or Dragonborn, the reason he saved you in the first place I assume.
Maybe Esbern teach you himself or maybe he'll have you visit the Greybeards atop High Hrothgar, assuming you successfully manage to climb the 7,000 steps to High Hrothgar so they can train you in the way of the tongues.
The Greybeards are known for prophesying certain people's destinies. They did so with Tiber Septim aka Talos (see spoiler)
These mysterious old men will play a key part in the Dragonborn’s story. They are highly versed in the power of dragons and the Dragonborn hero (you) must climb the 7,000 steps to reach the remote retreat and be trained by them.
It's not yet been confirmed if the Greybeards will infact be teaching you your first dragon shout but if they did it begs the question. Which one?
My guess is the one that act most like the Thu'um of Nord legends. The power of a push of great power that sends foes hurtling away from you staggered by the force of your yell. Spoken in the game, your hero will intone the three words for the full shout: “Fus, Ro, Dah!” Translated into English, “Fus” means force, “Ro” means balance, and “Dah” means push.
The ability to use the dragon language already existed in the fiction and lore of TES somewhat. It was called “Thu’um.” The concept roughly translates as “The Voice.”
This power is thought to have been learned to mankind when Orkey, the god of the orcs, tried to ruin the Nords, even in Atmora where he stole their years. Seeing the strength of king Wulfharth, Orkey summoned the ghost of Alduin Time-Eater. At Orkey's request the god of time transformed nearly every Nord to the age of six. Wulfharth, now a child, pleaded to Shor, the dead Chieftain of the Gods, to help his people. Shor's own ghost then fought the Time-Eater on the spirit plane, as he did at the beginning of time and won. Orkey's folk, the orcs, were ruined by this act. Wulfharth watched the battle in the sky and learned a new thu'um, wich he called What Happens When You Shake the Dragon Just So. He used this new magic to change his people back to normal. But in his haste to save so many, he shook too many years out on himself. He grew older than the Greybeards themself, and died. The flames of his pyre were said to have reached the hearth of Kyne itself.
That's my take on it anyways.
Well perhaps one of the first things you must do is go visit someone that will teach you how to combat dragons? Like in Oblivion you are sent to visit Jauffre at the end of the tutorial, which also starts the main quest.
So I heard that At the beginning of the game your once again a prisoner but in Skyrim things are more gritty and brutal. This time around your sentenced to death by execution. The executioner is about to chop off your head when Esbern appears and saves you. Esbern is one of the last surviving Blades and mentor to Skyrim's protagonist. (voiced by Max von Sydow it's his words you hear in the trailer) I imagine that this series of events is part of the tutorial at the very beginning of the game and directly leads to where you first learn your the Dovahkiin or Dragonborn, the reason he saved you in the first place I assume.
Maybe Esbern teach you himself or maybe he'll have you visit the Greybeards atop High Hrothgar, assuming you successfully manage to climb the 7,000 steps to High Hrothgar so they can train you in the way of the tongues.
The Greybeards are known for prophesying certain people's destinies. They did so with Tiber Septim aka Talos (see spoiler)
Spoiler
Atop a great mountain that rises above the tundra and forests of Skyrim known as The Throat of the World sits High Hrothgar. A settlement that is home to the Greybeards who live in absolute silence in order to better attune themselves to the voice of the sky.
It became known from the arriving storms that the Greybeards were about to speak. As the nearby villages were being evacuated, Talos, instead, made his way to the mountains where the Greybeards lived. When he arrived, the gags of the Greybeards were removed and when they spoke his name the World shook. The Greybeards told Talos that he would come to rule Tamriel and that he must go south to do so.
It became known from the arriving storms that the Greybeards were about to speak. As the nearby villages were being evacuated, Talos, instead, made his way to the mountains where the Greybeards lived. When he arrived, the gags of the Greybeards were removed and when they spoke his name the World shook. The Greybeards told Talos that he would come to rule Tamriel and that he must go south to do so.
These mysterious old men will play a key part in the Dragonborn’s story. They are highly versed in the power of dragons and the Dragonborn hero (you) must climb the 7,000 steps to reach the remote retreat and be trained by them.
These dragon shouts are the same source of power that launched the last line of emperors. Tiber Septim would use the dragon shouts to lead his troops into battle and unite Tamriel under one empire. Hundreds of years later, the Septim line has died out, and no other dragonborn have been seen for many years. That is, until the hero of Skyrim arrives on the scene.
It's not yet been confirmed if the Greybeards will infact be teaching you your first dragon shout but if they did it begs the question. Which one?
My guess is the one that act most like the Thu'um of Nord legends. The power of a push of great power that sends foes hurtling away from you staggered by the force of your yell. Spoken in the game, your hero will intone the three words for the full shout: “Fus, Ro, Dah!” Translated into English, “Fus” means force, “Ro” means balance, and “Dah” means push.
The ability to use the dragon language already existed in the fiction and lore of TES somewhat. It was called “Thu’um.” The concept roughly translates as “The Voice.”
King Harrald Hairy Breeks was known to have used Thu'um. Also King Wulfharth who's thu'um was so powerful that he could not verbally swear into the office when elected by the Pact of Chieftains so scribes were used to draw up his oaths, and finally with Tiber Septim who was visited at the battle of http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1150358-skyrim-trailer-breakdown/page__view__findpost__p__16838257 and taught Thu'um by Shor himself.
This power is thought to have been learned to mankind when Orkey, the god of the orcs, tried to ruin the Nords, even in Atmora where he stole their years. Seeing the strength of king Wulfharth, Orkey summoned the ghost of Alduin Time-Eater. At Orkey's request the god of time transformed nearly every Nord to the age of six. Wulfharth, now a child, pleaded to Shor, the dead Chieftain of the Gods, to help his people. Shor's own ghost then fought the Time-Eater on the spirit plane, as he did at the beginning of time and won. Orkey's folk, the orcs, were ruined by this act. Wulfharth watched the battle in the sky and learned a new thu'um, wich he called What Happens When You Shake the Dragon Just So. He used this new magic to change his people back to normal. But in his haste to save so many, he shook too many years out on himself. He grew older than the Greybeards themself, and died. The flames of his pyre were said to have reached the hearth of Kyne itself.
That's my take on it anyways.
Spoiler contains: 5 things I learned about the dragon shouts in past Lore of TES.
Spoiler
1. Thu’um sounds badass and very powerful.
A long practiced spiritual form of Nordic magic, also known as the Tongues, that is based on their worship of the Wind as a personification of Kynareth. Through the use of the Voice the power of a Nord can be formed into a thu'um, or shout - which has a large variety of applications. Shouts can be used to sharpen blades or to strike enemies. A common effect is the shout that knocks an enemy back, or the power of command. A strong Nord can instill bravery in men with his battle-cry, or stop a charging warrior with a roar.
Master Voices (known simply as Tongues) have legendary, and often unbelievable powers. They can call to specific people over hundreds of miles, and can move by casting a shout, appearing where it lands. The most powerful masters must even be careful whenever they speak, as their voice can cause great destruction. They must go gagged, and communicate through a sign language and through scribing runes. The breath and the voice are the vital essence of a Nord.
Today, all Tongues live secluded lives on the highest peaks of Skyrim in tough conditions and contemplation, and have only spoken to announce the destiny of the great Tiber Septim.
2. When the Nords attack a city, they take no siege engines or cavalry; the Tongues form in a wedge in front of the gatehouse, and draw in breath. When the leader lets it out in a Thu'um, the doors are blown in, and the axemen rush into the city.
When they defeat great enemies they take their tongues as trophies. These are woven into ropes and can hold speech like an enchantment.
3. During the Conquest of Morrowind, the Nordic war chiefs were also Tongues (Derek the Tall, Jorg Helmborg, Hoag Merkiller). They needed no typical siege weapons when attacking a city as they merely used the Voice to break down the city gate and allow their armies to storm in. The future of the Tongues was forever changed by the most powerful Tongue, Jurgen Windcaller, also better known as the Calm. Jurgen converted to a pacifist and refused to use the Voice for any martial purposes. In a confrontation with 17 other tongues he reportedly swallowed the Shouts of the 17 for three days until they lay exhausted, later to become his followers.
The art of Thu-um as a weapon is now lost and forbidden. Apart from the students of the discredited School of Thu'um in the Imperial City, Tiber Septim was reputedly the last man to wield this power. However, the ancient Greybeards still sit atop the many steps leading to the peak of High Hrothgar. (Hints that this is the training you shall receive in Skyrim)
4. The further north you go into Skyrim, the more powerful and elemental the people become, and the less they require dwellings and shelters. Wind is fundamental to Skyrim and the Nords; those that live in the far wastes always carry a wind with them.
5. Nords consider themselves to be the children of the sky. They call Skyrim or rather the tallest mountain in Skyrim the Throat of the World, because http://www.imperial-library.info/content/morrowind-children-sky They believe that they were http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Nord when the sky breathed onto the peak of this mountain, where High Hrothgar stands. The religion of Skyrim is focused on the Aedra and their old ally, Lorkhan. The Nordic Akatosh is Alduin, a terrible, ravenous dragon who presides over the cycle of existence and devours the universe at intervals. His coming is feared by all pious Nords, and he is the object of (through Nordic eyes) perverse worship by the Altmer, who venerated Auri-El. In more recent days, it has been shown that the traditional Alduin can co-exist with the less adversarial Cyrodiilic interpretation of Akatosh the Time Dragon. Kyne is notably more assertive and warlike than the nature-loving Kynareth. Although Mara is present in her role as a mother goddess, it was Kyne who is the mother of the Nords. She is also credited with sending her son Morihaus (and perhaps Pelinal) to the aid of the Cyro-Nordic slaves in their uprising. The chief of the pantheon of Skyrim is Lorkhan, and he merits the most mention. The Nords know him as Shor. The king of the gods, a champion of men in their struggles against the elves. He was treacherously slain by elven devils, yet continues to bestow favor on his people by aiding them with immortal champions such as Ysmir, another member of the Nordic pantheon. Today, Ysmir is the name by which Nords recognize the divinity of Talos.
Spoiler Contains: My theory on Shor's connection to the Dovahkiin (Dragonborn) in Skyrim
Interesting take on things by the Nords huh?
1. Thu’um sounds badass and very powerful.
A long practiced spiritual form of Nordic magic, also known as the Tongues, that is based on their worship of the Wind as a personification of Kynareth. Through the use of the Voice the power of a Nord can be formed into a thu'um, or shout - which has a large variety of applications. Shouts can be used to sharpen blades or to strike enemies. A common effect is the shout that knocks an enemy back, or the power of command. A strong Nord can instill bravery in men with his battle-cry, or stop a charging warrior with a roar.
Master Voices (known simply as Tongues) have legendary, and often unbelievable powers. They can call to specific people over hundreds of miles, and can move by casting a shout, appearing where it lands. The most powerful masters must even be careful whenever they speak, as their voice can cause great destruction. They must go gagged, and communicate through a sign language and through scribing runes. The breath and the voice are the vital essence of a Nord.
Today, all Tongues live secluded lives on the highest peaks of Skyrim in tough conditions and contemplation, and have only spoken to announce the destiny of the great Tiber Septim.
2. When the Nords attack a city, they take no siege engines or cavalry; the Tongues form in a wedge in front of the gatehouse, and draw in breath. When the leader lets it out in a Thu'um, the doors are blown in, and the axemen rush into the city.
When they defeat great enemies they take their tongues as trophies. These are woven into ropes and can hold speech like an enchantment.
3. During the Conquest of Morrowind, the Nordic war chiefs were also Tongues (Derek the Tall, Jorg Helmborg, Hoag Merkiller). They needed no typical siege weapons when attacking a city as they merely used the Voice to break down the city gate and allow their armies to storm in. The future of the Tongues was forever changed by the most powerful Tongue, Jurgen Windcaller, also better known as the Calm. Jurgen converted to a pacifist and refused to use the Voice for any martial purposes. In a confrontation with 17 other tongues he reportedly swallowed the Shouts of the 17 for three days until they lay exhausted, later to become his followers.
The art of Thu-um as a weapon is now lost and forbidden. Apart from the students of the discredited School of Thu'um in the Imperial City, Tiber Septim was reputedly the last man to wield this power. However, the ancient Greybeards still sit atop the many steps leading to the peak of High Hrothgar. (Hints that this is the training you shall receive in Skyrim)
4. The further north you go into Skyrim, the more powerful and elemental the people become, and the less they require dwellings and shelters. Wind is fundamental to Skyrim and the Nords; those that live in the far wastes always carry a wind with them.
5. Nords consider themselves to be the children of the sky. They call Skyrim or rather the tallest mountain in Skyrim the Throat of the World, because http://www.imperial-library.info/content/morrowind-children-sky They believe that they were http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Nord when the sky breathed onto the peak of this mountain, where High Hrothgar stands. The religion of Skyrim is focused on the Aedra and their old ally, Lorkhan. The Nordic Akatosh is Alduin, a terrible, ravenous dragon who presides over the cycle of existence and devours the universe at intervals. His coming is feared by all pious Nords, and he is the object of (through Nordic eyes) perverse worship by the Altmer, who venerated Auri-El. In more recent days, it has been shown that the traditional Alduin can co-exist with the less adversarial Cyrodiilic interpretation of Akatosh the Time Dragon. Kyne is notably more assertive and warlike than the nature-loving Kynareth. Although Mara is present in her role as a mother goddess, it was Kyne who is the mother of the Nords. She is also credited with sending her son Morihaus (and perhaps Pelinal) to the aid of the Cyro-Nordic slaves in their uprising. The chief of the pantheon of Skyrim is Lorkhan, and he merits the most mention. The Nords know him as Shor. The king of the gods, a champion of men in their struggles against the elves. He was treacherously slain by elven devils, yet continues to bestow favor on his people by aiding them with immortal champions such as Ysmir, another member of the Nordic pantheon. Today, Ysmir is the name by which Nords recognize the divinity of Talos.
Spoiler Contains: My theory on Shor's connection to the Dovahkiin (Dragonborn) in Skyrim
Spoiler
I posted this awhile back in my http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1152130-the-story-behind-skyrim-v20/page__view__findpost__p__16865167 but I think it pertains to the topic of discussion so I'm going to re-post it.
My Idea for who the Dovahkiin is
Well my idea, and this is just a guess, the Dovahkiin has something to do with Lorkhan/Shor.
So the history of him vs. the other Aedra would give him more then enough motive to help out the humans with a hero when the time comes that the other Aedra want to destroy him and Nirn (possibly the same thing) and go back to where they came from as free spirits.
I think he is sending another Shezzarine or avatar down.
He has a history of helping out the three other emperors with shezzarines and/or demi-gods.
Each one of the three previous dragonborn Emperors was helped by a Lorkhan or Kynareth before.
And more importantly they each conquered or united all of Tamriel under one Empire and started a new era. Another Hint as that's what the Dovahkiin is to do.
Another God that might play a role in this is Kynareth.
Well my idea, and this is just a guess, the Dovahkiin has something to do with Lorkhan/Shor.
Shor (God of the Underworld): Nordic version of Lorkhan, who takes sides with Men after the creation of the world. Foreign gods (i.e., Elven ones )
Spoiler
conspire against him and bring about his defeat, dooming him to the underworld. Atmoran myths depict him as a bloodthirsty warrior king who leads the Nords to victory over their Aldmeri oppressors time and again. Before his doom, Shor was the chief of the gods.They primarily worship those Aedra which removed themselves from the creation process in time to save their divinity.
As with nearly all Tamrielic religions, they revere Akatosh, whom they call Auri-El, as their chief deity.
As with nearly all Tamrielic religions, they revere Akatosh, whom they call Auri-El, as their chief deity.
So the history of him vs. the other Aedra would give him more then enough motive to help out the humans with a hero when the time comes that the other Aedra want to destroy him and Nirn (possibly the same thing) and go back to where they came from as free spirits.
I think he is sending another Shezzarine or avatar down.
He has a history of helping out the three other emperors with shezzarines and/or demi-gods.
Each one of the three previous dragonborn Emperors was helped by a Lorkhan or Kynareth before.
- Alessia had the infamous Pelinal Whitestrake, who was sent to Alessia to become the leader of her army. Pelinal was a demi-god possibly the son of Lorkhan.
- Reman Cyrodiil was actually a son of the gods himself! The http://www.imperial-library.info/content/oblivion-remanada-1 describes him as the product of a union between King Hrol (and the Spirit of St. Alessia. And http://www.imperial-library.info/content/oblivion-remanada-2 links him to Tiber Septim even. Reman instituted the modern coronation rites, such as the Dragonfires. Known as the Culture god-hero of the Second Empire, Reman united Cyrodiil and led its armies to victory over the Akaviri (tsaesci Invasion) the same invasion that his father King Hrol had visions of. Reman defeated the Akavir and then accepted the fealty of the invaders and accepted their military and strategic input for the good of the newly formed Second Empire. (Worth noting the dragon symbol and the blades and all that came from this) The http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Reman_Dynasty was ended by the Dunmeri Morag Tong at the end of the first era. SpoilerWhen I found out about King Hrol it got real interesting because when doing a google search for his lore page it suggested King Harold. King Hrol to a known Shezzarine, Harrald Hairy Breeks. - http://www.imperial-library.info/content/oblivion-timeline-series
Ragnar Lodbrok (Ragnar "Hairy-Breeks", Old Norse: Ragnarr Loebrók) Ragnar was a Norse legendary hero from the Viking Age who was thoroughly reshaped in Old Norse poetry and legendary sagas.
and
Harald Sigurdsson, later given the epithet Hardrada (Old Norse: Haraldr hareráei, roughly translated as "hard ruler") Harald's death is often recorded as the end of the Viking Age.
Could Harrald Hairy Breeks be a combination of the two? or at the least be inspired/named from them as we know Norse Mythology has played a role in the backstory of the Nords in many different ways.
Just thought I'de share. - Tiber Septim had Ysmir who was a avatar of Shor/Lorkhan to help him out. (Backstory on this Shezzarine http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1150358-skyrim-trailer-breakdown/page__view__findpost__p__16838257.)
And more importantly they each conquered or united all of Tamriel under one Empire and started a new era. Another Hint as that's what the Dovahkiin is to do.
Another God that might play a role in this is Kynareth.
Kynareth, whom the Nords called Kyne, was a widow of Shor.
Kynareth sent Alessia a son, the Nordic demi-god hero Morihaus, to advise and aid Alessia. He helped her to rally the other slaves to her cause. From that moment Alessia was known as the Slave-queen. Alessia had Kynareth also sent Alessia visions that would aid her fight against her masters. The third of these visions was of another legendary figure of the First Era, the infamous Pelinal Whitestrake, who was sent to Alessia to become the leader of her army.
Kynareth sent Alessia a son, the Nordic demi-god hero Morihaus, to advise and aid Alessia. He helped her to rally the other slaves to her cause. From that moment Alessia was known as the Slave-queen. Alessia had Kynareth also sent Alessia visions that would aid her fight against her masters. The third of these visions was of another legendary figure of the First Era, the infamous Pelinal Whitestrake, who was sent to Alessia to become the leader of her army.
I posted this awhile back in my http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1152130-the-story-behind-skyrim-v20/page__view__findpost__p__16865167 but I think it pertains to the topic of discussion so I'm going to re-post it.
Found something else that supports my guess that I still believe Anu is Lorkhan and Padomay is Akatosh.
More info about that whole story where the Nords cursed by Orkey with him using Alduin and Shor showing up pleaded by Wulfharth to save mankind.
There is a connection!
Way back in Atmora!
- http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Wulfharth
More info about that whole story where the Nords cursed by Orkey with him using Alduin and Shor showing up pleaded by Wulfharth to save mankind.
There is a connection!
Way back in Atmora!
Orkey, the god of the orcs, always tried to ruin the Nords, even in Atmora where he stole their years. Seeing the strength of king Wulfharth, Orkey summoned the ghost of Alduin Time-Eater. At Orkey's request the god of time transformed nearly every Nord to the age of six. Wulfharth, now a child, pleaded to Shor, the dead Chieftain of the Gods (Read Spoiler), to help his people.
Shor's own ghost then fought the Time-Eater (Alduin) on the spirit plane, as he did at the beginning of time and won. (Read Spoiler - Colored Text)
Orkey's folk, the orcs, were ruined by this act. Wulfharth watched the battle in the sky and learned a new thu'um, which he called What Happens When You Shake the Dragon Just So. He used this new magic to change his people back to normal. But in his haste to save so many, he shook too many years out on himself. He grew older than the Greybeards themself, and died. The flames of his pyre were said to have reached the hearth of Kyne itself.
Spoiler
The Nordic version of Lorkhan is Shor. He takes sides with Men after the creation of the world. Foreign gods (i.e., Elven ones) conspire against him and bring about his defeat, dooming him to the underworld. Before his doom, Shor was the chief of the gods.
Shor's own ghost then fought the Time-Eater (Alduin) on the spirit plane, as he did at the beginning of time and won. (Read Spoiler - Colored Text)
Spoiler
The first ones were brothers: Anu and Padomay. They came into the Void, and Time began.
As Anu and Padomay wandered the Void, the interplay of Light and Darkness created Nir. Both Anu and Padomay were amazed and delighted with her appearance, but she loved Anu, and Padomay retreated from them in bitterness.
Nir became pregnant, but before she gave birth, Padomay returned, professing his love for Nir. She told him that she loved only Anu, and Padomay beat her in rage. Anu returned, fought Padomay, and cast him outside Time. Nir gave birth to Creation, but died from her injuries soon after. Anu, grieving, hid himself in the sun and slept.
Meanwhile, life sprang up on the twelve worlds of creation and flourished. After many ages, Padomay was able to return to Time. He saw Creation and hated it. He swung his sword, shattering the twelve worlds in their alignment.
Anu awoke, and fought Padomay again. The long and furious battle ended with Anu the victor. He cast aside the body of his brother, who he believed was dead, and attempted to save Creation by forming the remnants of the 12 worlds into one -- Nirn, the world of Tamriel. As he was doing so, Padomay struck him through the chest with one last blow. Anu grappled with his brother and pulled them both outside of Time forever.
- Read the remainder of this tale of how man and mer came to be in http://www.imperial-library.info/content/morrowind-annotated-anuad
The first ones were brothers: Anu and Padomay. They came into the Void, and Time began.
As Anu and Padomay wandered the Void, the interplay of Light and Darkness created Nir. Both Anu and Padomay were amazed and delighted with her appearance, but she loved Anu, and Padomay retreated from them in bitterness.
Nir became pregnant, but before she gave birth, Padomay returned, professing his love for Nir. She told him that she loved only Anu, and Padomay beat her in rage. Anu returned, fought Padomay, and cast him outside Time. Nir gave birth to Creation, but died from her injuries soon after. Anu, grieving, hid himself in the sun and slept.
Meanwhile, life sprang up on the twelve worlds of creation and flourished. After many ages, Padomay was able to return to Time. He saw Creation and hated it. He swung his sword, shattering the twelve worlds in their alignment.
Anu awoke, and fought Padomay again. The long and furious battle ended with Anu the victor. He cast aside the body of his brother, who he believed was dead, and attempted to save Creation by forming the remnants of the 12 worlds into one -- Nirn, the world of Tamriel. As he was doing so, Padomay struck him through the chest with one last blow. Anu grappled with his brother and pulled them both outside of Time forever.
- Read the remainder of this tale of how man and mer came to be in http://www.imperial-library.info/content/morrowind-annotated-anuad
Orkey's folk, the orcs, were ruined by this act. Wulfharth watched the battle in the sky and learned a new thu'um, which he called What Happens When You Shake the Dragon Just So. He used this new magic to change his people back to normal. But in his haste to save so many, he shook too many years out on himself. He grew older than the Greybeards themself, and died. The flames of his pyre were said to have reached the hearth of Kyne itself.
- http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Wulfharth
Interesting take on things by the Nords huh?
Mark Lampert discussed how they create dragon shouts in game...
"They want to have different voice actors for each race and gender to perform the dragon shouts. Hopefully we'll record them a few times doing the shout a few times doing the best they can, each level or word of the shout. On top of that when you hear it in the game I'll just reverb the hell out of it and put some sort of magic effect with it whatever the shout does."
http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2011/01/20/skyrim-s-dragon-shouts.aspx
Dragon's Past History | Connection to Main Storyline Plot
As decoded from http://elderscrolls.com/assets/swf/Wall.swf. Alduin's Wall is a ancient structure that sits in the Sky Haven Temple, a last refuge for the dwindling forces of the Blades.(More on this below). The wall is named after the devastating dragon depicted upon it's carved surface. Across the wall is inscribed a history and a prophecy that speaks to one of the greatest legends of Tamriel - The story of Alduin.
More on Alduin in spoiler below
Spoiler
Alduin's sobriquet, 'The World Eater', comes from myths that depict him as the horrible, rauaging firestorm that destroyed the last world to begin this one. Akatosh was the first of the et'Ada to form an identity, bringing with him the concept of Time.
The Nord's know Alduin as a terrible, ravenous dragon who presides over the cycle of existence and devours the universe at intervals. Alduin's coming is feared by all pious Nords, and he is the object of (through Nordic eyes) perverse worship by the Altmer, who venerated Auri-El. Auri-El is just the Elven name for Akatosh like Alduin is the Nordic name for Akatosh.
Nords therefore see the god of time as both creator and harbinger of the apocalypse.
Alduin's sobriquet, 'The World Eater', comes from myths that depict him as the horrible, rauaging firestorm that destroyed the last world to begin this one. Akatosh was the first of the et'Ada to form an identity, bringing with him the concept of Time.
The Nord's know Alduin as a terrible, ravenous dragon who presides over the cycle of existence and devours the universe at intervals. Alduin's coming is feared by all pious Nords, and he is the object of (through Nordic eyes) perverse worship by the Altmer, who venerated Auri-El. Auri-El is just the Elven name for Akatosh like Alduin is the Nordic name for Akatosh.
Nords therefore see the god of time as both creator and harbinger of the apocalypse.
Thousands years ago, lost in the uncounted centuries that came before the recorded history, The Dragons ravaged the countryside. Waging war against humankind and driving them before their might. The humans could not stand against such force. Some of these humans would come to worship the dragons but all feared them.
The Dragons were banished from the world of Nirn a thousand years ago, as revealed by GI. How or why is unknown to us yet but part http://media1.gameinformer.com/images/site/pages/esv/images/info2.jpg on Alduin's Wall gives us a clue.
This cryptic image tells of Alduin’s fall to humanity’s ingenuity and bravery, but more than that is not known. This piece of the puzzle would be incredibly important to understand for someone new who might hope to defeat the dragons once again. Who are the individuals standing against Alduin? How did they expel the dreaded beast from the world? Perhaps the re-emergent Dragonborn will uncover the answers.
The Elder Scrolls prophesized the return of the dragons. The signs of their return was laid out in predictions. The shattering of the Staff of Chaos (TES: Arena), the appearance of Numidium (Daggerfall), the events at Red Mountain (Morrowind), and the Oblivion Crisis (Oblivion). The last event the Elder Scrolls foretold would happen is the citizens of Skyrim turning against each other in civil war, which is happening at the beginning of the game. With the Fourth Era begun, the sons of Skyrim “spill their own blood”, as described by the Blade named Esbern within the announcement trailer. This final terrible event heralds Alduin’s ultimate arrival. As The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim begins, the high king of Skyrim has been murdered. Many within the northern country wish to secede from the crumbling empire, which has been on the decline for 200 years since the fall of the Septim Dynasty. Other Skyrim citizens insist the Empire is still worth fighting for. Conflict between the two sides seems inevitable.
Lesser dragons are already flying free around Skyrim. These Dragons are a regular threat in the game world. They ravage towns and you'll have to face them repeatedly in single combat. Be careful for they wield astounding power.
Long ago a force existed that expelled the dragons. The Dragonborn. These individuals can wield the same mighty power as the dragons themselves and battle them on another level. These Dragonborns are anointed by the gods so they could light the dragonfires to become empire. Such as Alessia, Reman, and Tiber Septim. These powerful figures were supported by the Dragonguards, later called the Blades. After the dragons retreated long ago they came to guard one ancestry of the Dragonborn, the Septim emperors. After the events of Oblivion they are wiped out and the dragonguards have been hunted down and nearly destroyed. Not to mention there has been no Dragonborn in decades until YOU arrive.
As Skyrim begins, a lone prisoner begins to learn that he may be the one Dragonborn destined to save mankind.
The prophecy depicted on Alduin’s Wall is dire, but it is not without hope. A single individual, gifted with the same incredible powers held by the dragons themselves, may rise to fight against Alduin and assure the world’s survival. The Blades shown http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3593710/Skyrim-Wallpaper2.png bow before the Dragonborn. They’ve protected the line of the Dragonborn for generations in anticipation of this moment, when a Dragonborn would rise to face Alduin upon his return.
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=qeS_lbTd4Ws&vq=medium
Dragons in The Elder Scrolls Lore:
Todd Howard was quoted saying, "We have a different take on Dragons. So on one hand we like fantasy and we like Dragons. We always wanted to see [Dragons] done really well in a game. So we're trying that now. But the way they classically have a dragon and he breathes fire. Well now our dragons are speaking in this ancient language, or this dragon language, that creates fire"
So clearly they wanted to take the classic view of Dragons and "twist it a bit where it still familiar to somebody but it does have it's own uniqueness to being Elder Scrolls and to the culture and lore of Elder Scrolls.
I'm confident the Dragons in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim will be the best dragons ever done in any video game yet!
Other interesting tidbits about dragons in Elder Scrolls Lore.
First, let me say that there isn't much info at all. Second, let me say that what's there could easily be retconned, as stuff has been before for the benefit of gameplay or a cool story. Third, let me say that, by the nature of the way ES lore works, it's hard to get any concrete idea of what has happened in history. There's the disclaimer.
- Dragons are rumored to be able to shapeshift into human forms.
- At one time, dragons flourished in Vvardenfell (Morrowind), being drawn to the comfort of the warmth in Red Mountain. These Dragons were pushed out of Vvardenfell by the Cliffracers. In short, the cliffracers came in and pushed the dragons out. It's believed that as the cliffracers grew in numbers (just as they appear to do in Morrowind, since they seem to pop up behind you every 8 seconds) it caused problems and eventually forced the Dragons to leave. At first, this was not a problem for dragons. They were actually pretty good eating. But soon enough the dragons found themselves in a losing battle over the territory. Food sources and dwellings became overrun and the dragons simply packed their bags and moved on. Even if they stuck around and killed the cliffracers off, the food would still be at a shortage.
Some say the dragons moved on closer to Cyrodil, and it may be for this reason that dragons are sacred to the Empire. The legends tell of their aid during wars in exchange for shelter. Where the dragons gained shelter the empire gained security, along with dragons from other parts of Tamriel. Dragons are or were very sacred to the Empire, and as long as the Empire protected the dragons, the dragons MUST offer services to the Empire, such as aiding and protecting the Imperial forces in war (Redguard, the fight for Stros M'kai). - http://www.imperial-library.info/content/general-elder-scrolls-weaseling. - More on dragons and their relationship to the empire. It is also hinted in Battlespire within a journal and in the remains, that the Imperial Battlemages used dragonmounts for security on the Battlespire. In level 1, you will find the remains of an Imperial dragon names Dragonne Papre' and his rider. http://www.imperial-library.info/content/battlespire-starlovers-logcontains tidbits about the troubles in the spire and what may have happened so that only their decayed bodies remain.
As far as the Empire actually being in alliance with dragon's, there are many hints that lead on to this. Lord Richton was able to summon the Imperial Dragon, http://www.imperial-library.info/content/nafaalilargus for support in the Battle of Stros M'kai. The Battlespire incident. - The avatar of the chief deity of the Nine Divines Akatosh, is a golden dragon. Its relation, if any, to the Tamrielic dragons is unknown - but many stories tell of Akatosh co-mingling with and organizing groups of dragons.http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Dragons .
- One of the continents, Akavir, use to have dragons but this population of Dragons, which consisted of red and black dragons, fled the continent of Akavir to the continent of Tamriel because they were being hunted and eaten by the Tsaesci people. SpoilerThe meaning of term "eaten" is not clear. Although it might suggest a literal meaning, it could be a metaphor for being subdued. In Mysterious Akavir by anonymous writer, the Tsaesci are told to have: "tried to eat all the Dragons. They managed to enslave the Red Dragons, but the black ones had fled to (then) Po Tun." “ When the Tsaesci supposedly tried to eat all the dragons in their Empire, the dragons fled to Po' Tun, as the empire of tiger people was called then. [The Ka Po'Tun are a race of tiger people that live on Akavir.] A great war raged across the land, leaving all the black dragons and all but a few red dragons dead. The remaining red dragons retreated to Tamriel, where they were supposedly given refuge in Cyrodiil. Ever since, the tiger people that remained have tried to somehow become dragons. Tosh Raka is the first one to succeed. Apparently he is the largest Dragon on Nirn, with orange and black coloring, and has built Ka Po' Tun into the largest empire of Akavir. He desires the destruction of Tsaesci, after which he intends to invade Tamriel.”
Kind of a sidepoint, but the Nerevarine (main character of Morrowind) was rumoured to have traveled to Akavir for some unknown reason. - If Alduin would be defeated rather then banished, as he was before, it would result in another http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Dragon_Break. A Dragon Break is a phenomenon where linear time is broken, and becomes non-linear. The Dragon refers to the God of Time (known by many names: Akatosh, Alduin, Auriel, Alkosh see Tamriel Gods).Spoilerhttp://www.imperial-library.info/content/dragon-break-studySpoiler
The Dragon Break: Section Five
Mannimarco, God of Worms, the Necromancers:
"The Three Thieves of Morrowind could tell you where they were. So could the High King of Alinor, who was the one who broke in the first place. There are others on this earth that could, too: Ysmir, Pelinal, Hans the Fox (but, then, this is really my warning to you, Arctus; I now know who you are). The Last Dwarf would talk, if they would let him. As for myself, I was here and there and here again, like the rest of the mortals during the Dragon Break. How do you think I learned my mystery? The Maruhkati Selective showed us all the glories of the Dawn so that we might learn, simply: as above, so below."
I take "'The Three Thieves of Morrowind'" to mean the Tribunal. "' High King of Alinor, who was the one who broke in the first place'" refers to Akatosh the first of the et'Ada to form an identity, bringing with him the concept of Time. I would think. And "'The Last Dwarf'" refers to Yagrum Bagarn who resides in the Divayth Fyr's Corprusarium.
Now the line, "'There are others on this earth that could, too: Ysmir, Pelinal, Hans the Fox (but, then, this is really my warning to you, Arctus; I now know who you are).'" According to The Imperial Library, during the Merethic Era, "An immortal hero, warrior, sorceror, and king variously known as Pelinal Whitestrake, Harrald Hairy Breeks, Ysmir, Hans the Fox, etc., wanders Tamriel, gathering armies, conquering lands, ruling, then abandoning his kingdoms to wander again" It appears that Mannimarco is claiming that The immortal hero, known by many names, is also Zurin Arctus (Tiber Septim's Battlemage and The Underking). (I EXPLAINED THIS IN http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1152130-the-story-behind-skyrim-v20/page__view__findpost__p__16863989) Which makes sense sense Pelinal Whitestrake, Harrald Hairy Breeks, Ysmir, and Hans the Fox are all known to be Shezzarines or Avatar for Lorkhan AKA Shor.
So they are basically saying you can ask Lorkhan The God of the Underworld http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1150358-skyrim-trailer-breakdown/page__st__100__p__16838257#entry16838257.
Finally, "'As for myself, I was here and there and here again, like the rest of the mortals during the Dragon Break. How do you think I learned my mystery? The Maruhkati Selective showed us all the glories of the Dawn so that we might learn, simply: as above, so below.'" This seems to fit into the theory of a shift or Warp in time.
I hope your endeavor continues 
