Morrowind is set in the world of Nirn, specifically in the providence of Morrowind in the empire that spans the whole continent of Tamriel. The home of the clannish and taciturn Dunmer, or Dark Elves, Morrowind is a land rich in history and culture, and steeped in rivalries and conflicts that simmer just below the surface. Civilized Dunmer and Nomadic Dunmer regard each other with deep suspicion, the Great Houses of the Civilized Dunmer wage continual war among themselves, and Dunmer in general look upon any outlanders living in their homelands with attitudes ranging from apathetic animosity to outright hatred. Strange creatures and otherworldly monsters lurk outside of the civilized areas, offering either fame and fortune or else a ignoble end for any who brave forging through the wilderness. Morrowind is a land full of mystery, adventure, and risk; only the wise and cunning will make it to the top and join the ranks of the powerful.
So of course, the game starts you off as a complete outlander, a recently-pardoned prisoner sent to Morrowind on the orders of the Emperor himself - though not, mind you, with any indication as to why you are going to this far-flung land ^_^. Starting with just the clothes on your back, a handful of gold coins that will barely last you a week if you live frugally, and a strange coded package you're to deliver to some guy you've never met before in some city you've never seen before about a day north of the port where you are released, you're thrust into the world of Morrowind and left to find your own way, in a game which allows the player a great degree of freedom in choosing your own path. Along the way, you'll discover many citiies and towns, even more caves and tombs filled with bandits, smugglars, undead, otherworldly creatures, and even vampires, incredible scenery, and the odd lost traveller looking for a hand in getting to their destination; you can easily lose yourself in the vastness of the game world, advancing to high levels and great fame without even touching the main quest of the game itself ^_^
My character is named Alanya; she is an orphan of the Breton race of Tamriel - a race born of the unions between men and elves, and blessed with strong innate magical ability. While an infant, Alanya lost both her parents to plague, and was raised by a kindly friend of her family - a Bosmer, or Wood Elf, who took Alanya to her old homelands and raised her to love the forest and its inhabitants. Becoming a huntress and a ranger, Alanya set off at a young age to travel the world, her curiosity leading her to explore many strange lands, but while visiting the capital of the empire she offended a bully in the Thieves Guild, who framed Alanya for the theft of some noble's jewels. Tossed in prison, she languished for four years before the Emperor's pardon sent her east, to Morrowind . . .
Click Here to see a picture of Alanya from the game itself; this is Alanya's usual adventuring attire, at least until she upgraded her armor to the more powerful and lovely outfit featured Here. As you can see, Alanya has a marked preference for partial suits of armor; she developed this quirky taste in dress as a teenager and doesn't comment on why she likes running around bare-legged and barefoot all the time ~_^
The story itself does not actually start with Alanya'a arrival in Morrowind; the original story was a recount of one of a major victory Alanya managed to achieve, my most impressive gaming moment in Morrowind at the time. The Main Story starts with this major event and continues from there, telling the tale of Alanya's discovery of the reasons behind her being sent to Morrowind, and her greater destiny in this land. The Side Stories will eventually contain tales of Alanya's adventures that occured during her travels but which didn't necessarily affect her main quest, as well as stories of some of the people she met on the way and their adventures; Morrowind has a LOT of side quests available and I've decided it's easier to only focus on those I feel affected Alanya's main quest in the main story proper, leaving the other quests as extras for those interested.
And now, as they say, On With The Show ^_^
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