Akavir in The Elder Scrolls: Races, History, & Lore

Akavir is one of the biggest mysteries in The Elder Scrolls. This continent east of Tamriel has shaped the series’ history but has never been featured in a game. Its influence is everywhere: the Blades started there, dragons fled from it, and its invasions changed Tamriel forever.

Akavir is home to four strange races: the Tsaesci serpent-folk, Ka Po’ Tun tiger-dragons, Kamal snow demons, and Tang Mo monkey people. Here’s what the lore tells us about the Dragon Land.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:

• What Akavir is and where it’s located
• The four major races of Akavir
• Historical invasions and conflicts between continents
• How Akaviri culture shaped Tamriel
• The nations and their territories

What is Akavir?

Akavir translates to “Dragon Land” in both Aldmeris and Tsaesci. The continent sits east of Tamriel across the Padomaic Ocean. It’s home to four distinct races that seem unrelated to each other or to any creatures found in Tamriel.

No mer have ever been documented on Akavir. According to most sources, humans once lived there but were “eaten” by the Tsaesci. The exact meaning of “eaten” is unclear and debated by scholars. The term might be metaphorical, possibly referring to cultural absorption or conquest rather than literal consumption.

The continent is a mystery to Tamrielic scholars. Few have crossed the ocean separating the two landmasses, and those who returned brought back limited information. Much of what Tamriel knows about Akavir comes from violent encounters during invasions or from the Akaviri who settled in Tamriel after the first invasion.

Early records mention additional races beyond the four main ones, including beings with rat-like and canine features. These groups haven’t been seen in recorded history and may be extinct.

The Inhabitants of Akavir

The Tsaesci (Serpent-Folk)

The Tsaesci represent the largest and most powerful nation on Akavir. Their name translates to “Snake Palace,” and they’re described as vampiric serpent-folk or snake-men, though their exact nature is ambiguous.

Different sources provide conflicting descriptions of the Tsaesci. Some depict them as literally serpentine creatures, while others suggest they’re humanoid enough to pass for humans. This has led to theories that they might be shapeshifters, though no proof exists.

The Tsaesci are credited with “eating” all the men of Akavir. They also enslaved the red dragons and went to war with the black dragons, who fled to what is now Ka Po’ Tun territory.

This conflict crippled both the serpent-folk and dragon populations. Beyond dragons, the Tsaesci enslaved goblins on nearby islands, using them for labor and blood.

Their military prowess and tactical knowledge proved superior to most Tamrielic forces they encountered.

The most famous Tsaesci in Tamrielic history was Potentate Versidue-Shaie. He ruled the Cyrodiilic Empire after assassinating Reman III. His bloodline controlled the Empire for 400 years until the Morag Tong assassinated the last heir.

The Kamal (Snow Demons)

Kamal, meaning “Snow Hell,” is home to a race of snow demons who experience a bizarre seasonal cycle. These creatures freeze solid during winter months, then thaw when summer arrives.

Once thawed, the Kamal launch attacks against Tang Mo territories, though the monkey-folk have repelled every single invasion. This pattern repeats annually, suggesting the Kamal either lack strategic thinking or operate under some compulsion.

In 2E 572, King Ada’Soom Dir-Kamal led a major Kamal invasion of Tamriel. His forces bypassed Morrowind and landed near Windhelm in eastern Skyrim, sacking the unprepared city.

The army then marched south toward Mournhold. They were searching for an unknown object or person called the “Ordained Receptacle.”

The invasion ended in disaster at a beach west of Ebonheart, later named Vivec’s Antlers. A combined force of Dunmer led by Almalexia, Nords under Prince Jorunn, and Argonian reinforcements surrounded the Kamal. According to some accounts, Vivec summoned a tidal wave that helped destroy the invasion force.

Some Kamal survivors resurfaced in Cyrodiil before 2E 812, seizing the Ruby Throne from the successors of warlord Attrebus and attempting to rebuild the Empire alongside Akaviri from Rimmen.

The Ka Po’ Tun (Tiger-Dragons)

The Ka Po’ Tun are tiger-like beings who rule the “Tiger-Dragon’s Empire,” formerly known as Po Tun. Whether they share any connection to Tamriel’s Khajiit is unknown.

After the Tsaesci-dragon wars depleted both populations, the Ka Po’ Tun began attempting to transform themselves into dragons. Their leader, Tosh Raka, completed this transformation and is reportedly the largest dragon in existence.

Some scholars debate whether this change was physical or metaphorical, but Mysterious Akavir insists Tosh Raka possesses all dragon characteristics with tiger-like coloring.

Under Tosh Raka’s rule, the Po Tun became the Ka Po’ Tun and emerged as rivals to Tsaesci supremacy. The tiger-dragons consider the serpent-folk their greatest enemies and have made defeating them a primary goal.

The Ka Po’ Tun recently formed an alliance with the Tang Mo, their former enemies. After defeating the Tsaesci, they plan to invade Tamriel, though scholars debate whether this alliance will hold or collapse into new conflicts.

The Tang Mo (Monkey-Folk)

Tang Mo, meaning “the Thousand Monkey Isles,” describes both the region and its inhabitants. This race of monkey-folk is distinct from Tamriel’s Imga. The Tang Mo are described as generous, kind, brave, and simple, though many are also considered insane.

Every other Akaviri nation has attempted to enslave the Tang Mo at some point. Despite being under constant threat, the monkey-folk have defended their territory every single time. They’ve proven capable of raising formidable armies when necessary.

The Tang Mo maintain special hatred for the Tsaesci, likely due to repeated invasion attempts. The annual Kamal attacks test their defenses each summer, but they’ve never failed to repel the snow demons.

Their recent alliance with the Ka Po’ Tun marks a shift in Akaviri politics. This partnership gives both races greater strength against their mutual enemy, the Tsaesci. What will happen if they succeed in defeating the serpent-folk is unclear.

The Dragons of Akavir

Dragons are strongly associated with Akavir—the continent’s name literally means “Dragon Land.” While ancient tales also mention dragons coming from Atmora, Akavir is rumored to be their primary homeland.

These large reptilian creatures speak words of power called Thu’um or “Shouts,” which produce effects like fire or frost breath. As immortal children of Akatosh, dragons possess innate magical abilities and feel an overwhelming urge to dominate others.

The Tsaesci enslaved all red dragons on Akavir before attempting to do the same to black dragons. The black dragons fled to Po Tun territory, sparking a war that killed all remaining dragons and weakened both serpent and tiger populations.

The Akaviri who came to Tamriel under Reman Cyrodiil were renowned dragon-slayers, earning them the title “Dragonguard.” Their expertise in combating dragons shaped Tamrielic military traditions for centuries.

Other Inhabitants

Early encounters between Akaviri and Tamrielic peoples documented races beyond the four major nations. Crews of Akaviri pirates included beings with rat-like and canine features, suggesting additional cultures or species.

Little information exists about these other races. No recent reports mention their existence, leading scholars to believe they’ve either gone extinct or live in unexplored regions of the continent.

Goblins were confirmed present on islands surrounding Akavir, though it’s unclear if they’re related to Tamrielic goblins or represent a separate species. The Tsaesci enslaved many of these goblins for labor and as a blood source.

History of Conflict Between Akavir and Tamriel

The First Era: The Tsaesci Invasion

Before full-scale invasions, Akaviri pirates raided Tamrielic coasts, likely serving as scouts for future military operations. By 1E 800, these raiders established themselves on islands west of Wayrest in High Rock, becoming recognized enemies of the Bretons.

The Story of Lyrisius provides one of the earliest Akaviri narratives. General Lyrisius destroyed an Akaviri slavetrader army after losing his own forces, establishing the pattern of conflict that would define relations between continents.

In 1E 2703, Tsaesci forces launched a major invasion of northern Tamriel. The attack devastated High Rock, reducing the Iliac Bay population by a third. Wayrest’s citizens moved within Gardner’s walls for protection in 1E 2702. Scholars claim that without Daggerfall’s fortifications, the Iliac Bay would be Akaviri territory today.

The invasion reached its climax at Pale Pass, where Reman I’s army defeated the Tsaesci forces. According to legend, the Akaviri surrendered upon discovering Reman was Dragonborn, offering their service to the emperor.

Reman accepted the survivors into his army, granting them amnesty in exchange for military service. This decision proved strategically sound—the Akaviri’s superior tactics and organization helped Reman pacify the rest of Tamriel and establish his empire.

The Rise of the Akaviri Potentate

The Akaviri who joined Reman’s forces rose to positions of power within the Empire. Reman I blended Akaviri culture with influences from High Rock, Colovia, and Nibenay to create a cosmopolitan imperial identity.

The Akaviri transformed imperial military and political institutions:

• The Imperial Legion adopted their superior organization and tactics
• Political and legal systems were updated with Akaviri innovations
• Armorsmithing practices changed forever due to their methods

Dinieras-Ves, an Akaviri warrior, proposed the creation of the Fighters Guild to Potentate Versidue-Shaie, establishing one of Tamriel’s most enduring institutions.

The Dragonguard formed from Akaviri warriors serving Reman Cyrodiil. These renowned dragon-slayers became the emperor’s shock troops, mastering fire magic and alchemy. The Dragonguard directly preceded the Blades, who adopted Akaviri weapons, armor, and heraldry.

In 1E 2920, the final year of the First Era, Versidue-Shaie orchestrated the assassination of Reman III and his heir Prince Juilek, seizing the throne as Potentate. His family ruled for four centuries until the Morag Tong assassinated Savirien-Chorak and all heirs in 2E 430, ending the Akaviri Potentate dynasty.

The Second Era: Invasion of the Kamal

The 2E 572 Kamal invasion had different goals than the Tsaesci’s. King Ada’Soom Dir-Kamal led a Kamal army searching for the “Ordained Receptacle,” though what this object or person was is unknown.

The Kamal fleet bypassed Morrowind and landed near Windhelm in eastern Skyrim. The surprise attack caught the Nords unprepared, and the city fell to the invaders.

Rather than continuing through Skyrim, the Kamal army marched south but ignored Riften. They crossed into Morrowind’s Stonefalls region, heading toward Mournhold.

On a beach west of Ebonheart, three armies converged on the Kamal:

• Almalexia led Dunmer forces from the south
• Prince Jorunn commanded Nord warriors from the north
• Argonian reinforcements arrived at the crucial moment

Some accounts credit Vivec with summoning a tidal wave that helped destroy the invasion.

The Kamal fought desperately, hoping their fleet would arrive for evacuation, but the combined Tamrielic force obliterated them. This battle led directly to the formation of the Ebonheart Pact, uniting three unlikely allies against future threats.

The Third Era: Uriel V’s Failed Invasion of Akavir

After centuries of Akaviri invasions, Tamriel retaliated. Emperor Uriel Septim V spent 20 years preparing an invasion of Akavir, studying previous encounters and building a fleet capable of crossing the Padomaic Ocean.

In 3E 288, at the height of his power, Uriel V launched the assault. The initial campaign succeeded beyond expectations—imperial forces captured two Tsaesci cities without significant resistance. Uriel renamed them Septimia and Ionith.

The victory was short-lived. The Tsaesci regrouped and employed tactics the imperial forces couldn’t counter. Natural factors, including weather and disease, weakened the invasion force. The Tsaesci used powerful magic, including weather control and interference with Battlemage communications.

The Battle of Ionith in 3E 290 destroyed the invasion. Uriel V died in the fighting, and at least one entire legion was annihilated. The navy managed to evacuate many soldiers, but numerous ships were damaged or destroyed during the retreat.

This failure ended Tamrielic ambitions toward Akavir. Since then, the continents have had minimal contact. The Nerevarine traveled to Akavir after defeating Dagoth Ur, but as of 3E 433, no word had returned from this expedition.

Akavir’s Lasting Influence on Tamriel

Warriorhood and Military Traditions

The Imperial Legion changed after incorporating Akaviri survivors from the Pale Pass defeat. Akaviri organizational methods and tactical knowledge became the foundation of imperial military doctrine. Legions adopted their command structures, training regimens, and battlefield strategies.

The Dragonguard established traditions that continue through the Blades. These elite warriors protect emperors and hunt dragons, maintaining Akaviri fighting techniques passed down through generations. Cloud Ruler Temple, the Blades’ headquarters, follows Akaviri architectural styles.

During the Second Era’s Interregnum, a warrior class called Dragonknights emerged. These fighters based their abilities on dispersed Akaviri Dragonguard traditions, using unique magical techniques derived from dragon powers.

Red dragons that symbolize the Empire and Imperial City were originally Akaviri war mounts, though how the Akaviri tamed or bred them is unknown.

The Fighters Guild owes its existence to Dinieras-Ves’s proposal to Potentate Versidue-Shaie. This institution spread across Tamriel, providing mercenary services and maintaining order in regions without strong military presence.

Cultural Impact

Akaviri surnames carry prestige among Cyrodilic citizens. Families bearing these names often display trace facial features suggesting Akaviri ancestry, though centuries of intermarriage have diluted bloodlines considerably.

Some communities maintain Akaviri customs and traditions despite lacking pure Akaviri blood. Colonies like Hakoshae preserve cultural practices, earning the designation “true Akaviri” for their dedication to ancestral ways rather than genetic purity.

Reman I’s cultural blending created a cosmopolitan imperial identity that persists today. Elements from Akavir, High Rock, Colovia, and Nibenay combined into a unified whole that defined the Second Empire and influenced subsequent dynasties.

The Akaviri Potentate’s rule demonstrated that non-human, non-mer races could govern effectively, challenging Tamrielic assumptions about leadership and legitimacy. This precedent influenced later political developments across the continent.

Weaponry and Armor

Akaviri weapons integrated into common Tamrielic designs. The dai-katana, katana, wakizashi, and tanto became recognized blade types throughout the continent, though skilled smiths capable of crafting them are rare.

The tanto serves as a popular enchantment matrix for House Telvanni wizards. Their mercenaries frequently carry enchanted tantos gifted by mage-lord patrons, making these blades common in Morrowind despite their scarcity elsewhere.

Unlike western longswords, the wakizashi is a single-edged blade with a more refined design. Few blacksmiths possess the knowledge to forge these blades properly, maintaining their value and rarity.

Katanas command high prices due to their superior balance and effectiveness. While too expensive for common soldiers, nobles, collectors, and swordmasters prize these weapons. The Imperial Legion rarely uses them despite their quality.

Dai-katanas, two-handed longswords, are unpopular despite their power. Most warriors prefer other weapon types, though some dedicated practitioners master these large blades.

Throwing stars represent another Akaviri weapon adopted in Tamriel, though their use is limited to specific fighting styles and assassination techniques.

The Nations of Akavir

Tsaesci (Snake Palace)

Tsaesci dominates as Akavir’s largest and most powerful nation. The “Snake Palace” controls significant territory and resources, making it the primary power broker on the continent.

The Tsaesci’s relationship with dragons defined their history. After enslaving red dragons, they attempted to conquer black dragons, sparking wars that devastated both populations and weakened serpent-folk military strength.

The nation launched Akavir’s first invasion of Tamriel, establishing patterns of conflict that lasted millennia. Even after the Pale Pass defeat, individual Tsaesci rose to rule the Cyrodiilic Empire for four centuries.

Two cities fell to Uriel V’s invasion: Septimia, a port town, and Ionith. Both became briefly-conquered territories before the Tsaesci counterattack drove imperial forces from the continent.

Current conditions in Tsaesci are unknown. The Ka Po’ Tun alliance with Tang Mo threatens their supremacy, but whether this coalition has succeeded in defeating the serpent-folk is unclear.

Kamal (Snow Hell)

Kamal’s harsh climate defines its inhabitants and their behavior. The name “Snow Hell” describes conditions that freeze the snow demons solid each winter.

The annual cycle of freezing and thawing drives Kamal military activity. Each summer brings renewed attacks against Tang Mo, suggesting either biological compulsion or cultural tradition rather than strategic planning.

Ada’Soom Dir-Kamal’s invasion of Tamriel demonstrated that Kamal forces could execute complex military campaigns when properly led. The search for the “Ordained Receptacle” implies specific goals beyond simple conquest.

The survival of some Kamal after the Vivec’s Antlers disaster raises questions about their resilience. How remnants reached Cyrodiil and seized the Ruby Throne suggests greater adaptability than their annual Tang Mo attacks would indicate.

Ka Po’ Tun (Tiger-Dragon’s Empire)

Ka Po’ Tun transformed from Po Tun after Tosh Raka’s rise to power. The name change reflects their evolution from tiger-folk to tiger-dragons, at least aspirationally.

Tosh Raka’s transformation into a dragon represents either literal physical change or metaphorical ascension to greater power. If the transformation was physical, as Mysterious Akavir claims, he would be the only known case of a non-dragon becoming a dragon.

The nation’s rivalry with Tsaesci drives their foreign policy. After suffering losses in the dragon wars, the Ka Po’ Tun rebuilt their strength to challenge serpent-folk dominance.

Their alliance with Tang Mo creates the strongest anti-Tsaesci coalition in Akaviri history. Whether this partnership will hold after achieving their goals is uncertain.

Plans to invade Tamriel after defeating the Tsaesci suggest expansionist ambitions. Tamriel has centuries to prepare, but whether current leaders take the threat seriously is unknown.

Tang Mo (Thousand Monkey Isles)

Tang Mo’s geography—numerous islands rather than consolidated territory—shapes their society and military tactics. The scattered nature of their homeland makes them difficult to conquer despite repeated attempts.

Every major Akaviri nation has tried enslaving the Tang Mo, and every attempt has failed. This perfect defensive record demonstrates remarkable military capability despite being described as “simple” and “insane.”

The monkey-folk’s ability to raise armies when necessary suggests sophisticated social organization. Their success against numerically and technologically superior forces indicates excellent tactical knowledge and leadership.

The alliance with Ka Po’ Tun marks the first time Tang Mo joined forces with a former enemy. This partnership provides mutual benefits—the Ka Po’ Tun gain allies against the Tsaesci, while Tang Mo receives protection against both serpent-folk and Kamal.

Whether Tang Mo will participate in the planned Tamriel invasion is unclear. Their defensive success doesn’t necessarily translate to offensive capability, and they may prefer maintaining their islands rather than pursuing foreign conquest.

Will Akavir Appear in a Future Elder Scrolls Game?

This is one of the most common questions from The Elder Scrolls fans. The short answer: probably not as a mainline game setting.

Bethesda has historically kept its mainline games focused on Tamriel. The only exceptions have been Oblivion planes and brief tutorial sequences. Akavir’s appeal comes partly from its mystery—showing it in full detail could ruin what makes it interesting.

That said, Bethesda could explore Akavir in other ways:

• DLC or expansion content for a mainline game
• A spin-off game in a different genre (like The Elder Scrolls Online)
• Lore books and references that expand what we know without showing it directly

The Elder Scrolls Online has already added more Akaviri lore through questlines and item descriptions. This approach lets Bethesda expand the world without committing to a full Akavir setting.

For now, Akavir works best as the continent that shaped Tamriel from afar. Its invasions, refugees, and cultural influence are woven into every game. Sometimes the mystery is more compelling than the answer.