This is my head-canon on the politics of the Iliac Bay between the Warp of the West and around the beginning of the Stormcrown Interregnum and why the mentioned kingdoms did not secede buring that period. I used the the Warp in the West (book), the Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition/High Rock (and Hammerfell's), and the little information I am aware of to write this, and save for Camaron, the other three children are made up. I am not aware of their six or their names.

An Imperial's Concern on the Iliac Bay

The War of Betony between the kingdoms of Sentinel and Daggerfall, once a threat to the stability of the Iliac Bay – arguably the Empire’s most important trading hub outside the Imperial City – has now resulted in a situation I feel demands the Elder Council’s attention as we cannot continually rely on the Empire’s role in ending the Oblivion Crisis to ensure their loyalties, more so now that we find ourselves without an Emperor and have demonstrated an inability to control the other provinces.

To briefly review the history of my concerns, King Gothryd’s and Queen Aubk-i’s marriage did not merely bring peace between the kingdoms but extended Daggerfall’s grasp to the entirety of western High Rock. Tensions with Camlorn are no more as their son Camaron married Lady Kemlena of the Duchy of Camlorn, daughter of Duke Senhyn. In addition, Camlorn lies on the path to the King’s Guard, which gives way to the kingdoms of Northpoint and Wayrest to the east. It offers them a significant position come war as well as another trading route into Wayrest. Artheryn's and Greklith’s marriages pose no immediate threat as they maintain cordial relations within Daggerfall - though I do not claim omniscience on the matter - but Asha’s marriage into a prominent merchant family in Sentinel is of note as it places her amidst her uncle King Lhotun and further strengthens the kingdoms' ties. Furthermore, King Lhotun’s territories have expanded throughout a large portion of northern Hammerfell; the Crowns chafe under his rule but the situation has yet to shake the kingdom.

History shows the Bretons will break from Imperial rule as they did during the War of Righteousness and the Interregnum of the Second Era, both of which rendered Cyrodiil divided, a condition in which we are headed. The Redguards are equally fractious: Crown’s rejoice at the idea of an independent Hammerfell and the Forebear’s will side with whomever is better for trade, and King Lhotun’s familial ties may compel him to side with Daggerfall if the worst is to come.

I thus propose the Elder Council extend its welcome to their descendants in efforts to instill the importance of a unified Empire lest we prepare for a battle we cannot afford.

Signed,

Raevulus Armataius, Council Advisor on Foreign Affairs