Five years of the Lore Group

  • Thanks to Phil, Karver, Matt and Tom for this excellent retrospective

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    The fact that the Lore Group is the oldest Group on the site is not its main claim to fame. Rather, I think that honour goes to how it has acted as a resource for builders and bloggers over the years. Indeed, the three sister groups of Character Building, Roleplaying and Lore share a symbiotic relationship with each other which continues to this day. This relationship has been reinforced more and more over the years, with the Art Group playing a huge role in supporting all manner of creative projects.

    This little retrospective aims to highlight how and why the Lore Group has acted, and can continue to act, as a pool of inspiration to builders, storytellers and role-players in their creative endeavours; and also to showcase some of the fine pieces of scholarship the group has produced over the years.

    The Depths of Time

    If we go into the depths of The Archives and the Lore Group's discussion pages, we see how many questions we now take for granted were asked before and during TES V Skyrim's release. Some of them are almost comical, representing as they do the desire for info leading up to the game's release. This topic raised by Logan Calhoun way back in November 2011 is, perhaps, my favourite:

    I was Told to Come Here to Ask This...

    I am looking for alot of information about the Storm Cloaks and The Battle Born and The Imperial Army and what they stand for and are trying to do and why they are trying to do it.

    All are very good questions which I think are a nice representation of the sort of trivia which captured the imaginations of people who wanted to feel that sense of connection to the world. It is hard to roleplay in a world when you don't know the political situation. So I like to think that even as long ago as this the Lore Group aimed to help people connect to the land of Skyrim.

    Here is a brief snippet of Vix's answer to Logan's question, using on this occasion his pseudonym 3ghrsx1aqsdrm.

    Hey Logan.  Alright I'll do what I can but given how new the Storm Cloaks and Battle Born are it's going to be hard to find a solid proven answer for them so this could potentially cross over into the realms of Spoilers...

    The Storm Cloaks are a rebel faction in Skyrim based around the city of Whiterun.  They're a independence group led by Ulfric Stormcloak that seems to have some popular base of support but given their penchant for hit and run tactics I could suppose that they're not strong enough to generally challenge the Imperial Legion. They seem to be somewhat related to the Battle-born but unfortunately I don't have any knowledge of them....

    This small discussion, which seems slightly humorous when looked back upon with the knowledge we have today, ran for two pages and is indicative of the relationship the Lore Group was forming with the community.

    Leaving the humour behind, one of the most fun and informative posts from that era comes from Krazee who shared this with the community:

    Alduin's Wall

    It is worth clicking now just for the fun of it and may even still hold value to those who are not as familiar with the meaning behind The Prophecy of the Dragonborn and how it is displayed on Alduin's Wall. Paul sums it up best:

    It's a great spot Krazee

    But I'm also smiling because, in fact, this was one of the very first pieces of Skyrim information that EVER got released. It was in the special Game Informer 'hub' back in January

    But still worth studying, its packed with good info 

    On the Shoulders of Giants

    Vix, Kyrielle and Kynareth acted as the Lore Group's hosts and together they shaped the group into what is today. Vix's activity wound down in 2013 as he became less and less active. Unfortunately he left the site completely in the early summer of 2014, his departure also taking with it all his content. As such I am unable to present his work in chronological order to provide a full retrospective. Thanks to the work of Vazgen, Ben C, Emer (AKA Todd, The Overseer) and Rune Red, Vix's articles have been preserved and housed in The Archives for the enjoyment of all.

    Kyrielle was the next to step down, although she never left the site. Perhaps more than the other two we can see Ky's influence on the structure and conventions of the Lore Group.

    Kynareth was the last host to step down in September 2014, Kynareth was massively instrumental in shaping the Lore Group. However, I think it is the impact she had on me and how her views influenced mine which truly defines her legacy on a personal level.

    Below are three of the best and most influential works these three giants have had on the community.

    Lore: Races. The Altmer 

    Arguably the most influential work from Vix is his massive and in-depth analysis of the High Elves of The Summerset Isles. This seminal work appears to be the first of four such articles focussing on the various races of Tamriel. This one in particular has done more to highlight the Altmer and peel back the veneer of the Thalmor than any other discussion.

    Before the Aldmeri Dominion there were Altmer. During the Aldmeri Dominion's war against the Empire there were Altmer. During the events of TES V there were Altmer. Long live the Altmer, don't let the veil of the Thalmor colour your impressions on this ancient and fascinating race.

    Two Parts of a Whole Make a Soul

    Kyrielle's discussion on the make up of a soul and how the process of Enchanting works is by far the best source we have on site to discuss this most emotive of issues. In terms of how this has effected Roleplayers and Builders, we need look no further than Legion's Hands of Arkay build along with is research into How Can Morally Good Characters Can Justify Enchanting?

    Kyrielle's lore discussions are all worth a read but it is my opinion that this one in particular deserves the highest praise for the ease in which it explains this complicated lore.

    On Magic: Origins and Applications

    Kynareth's first article in a series dealing with magic, the lore and racial attitudes towards the arcane arts is probably the most influential and interesting piece of lore she contributed. This particular piece is sourced and formatted in a style I have imitated. More so than Vix and Kyrielle, Kynareth's commitment to encouraging the reading of the original sources remains as relevant now as it it did back then.

    In the comments section of this article, Kynareth's answer to a response from Nears says more than this entire retrospective:

    I am so pleased you enjoyed the article...and part of the whole purpose of the lore group is to help increase understanding of the background so you can increase your enjoyment of the game.

     

    MATTOMPHI

    When I came to the Lore Group as host in the summer of 2014, I joined Matt Feeney who had been a host since the beginning of that year. He quickly made me feel welcome and we soon developed a bromance which lasts to this day. Matt is known for his love of Redguard lore and his sense of excitement and enthusiasm is palpabale whenever one reads his articles, builds or stories on the subject of the Yokudans. Not only that, his presence is always felt on the site and he remains very active and engaging in all areas of Tamriel Vault.

    Yokudan Creation Myth: Analysis

    Of all of Matt's contributions to the Lore Group, I believe his best and most exciting discussion is his insights into the Redguard myths of creation. All too often we forget that there are other views on how Tamriel came to be, brainwashed as we are by Imperial or Altmeri viewpoints. This article reminds us that the world view of the Redguards and their dramatically different take on creation is just as valid as any Nord's. For that reason it still remains as subversive an article as you can hope to read. Matt, you are a inspiration.

    Tom joined Feeney and I as a host of the Lore Group in Fall 2014 and together the three of us redesigned the group from it's College of Winterhold theme of Kyrielle and Kynareth's design into it's darker and more evocative Apocrypha theme. During this time MATTOMPHI was born, a tongue-in-cheek lore reference to ALMSIVI acknowledging our shared friendship.

    Lore Article: The Shezarrine

    Tom's most significant contribution in terms of articles is this one on the subject of the Shezarrines. Nothing in TES is quite as complicated to new people to the setting as these legendary figures. Tom does a brilliant job of breaking down and explaining this complicated subject in a an easy to understand way.

    Tom was also the best of the three of us at responding to the Ask Your Lore Questions Here thread. In terms of contributions, this was a massive help to Matt and I who rarely deigned to venture into that topic. Yet Tom was steadfast in his commitment to helping those less familiar with TES lore get a handle on a massive range of subjects. Even now he remains active in that thread and I am as thankful for that now as I ever have been. It's been a pleasure working with you, Tom.

    The Future is an Orcish Shade of Green

    Matt and Tom hung up their hosting hats earlier this year as the site went through a transition phase. Karver gro-Karves joined me as a Lore host and already his energy and impact can be felt. Under his leadership we have seen the Group's first event and from that came Team Bosmer (Spotted Fawn, Justiciar Thorien and Karver) and their definitive treatise on Bosmeri Lore: Lore Event: Defining the Bosmer. This amazing piece of research marks a spirit of collaboration previously unseen in the Lore Group and the fruit of which rivals any of Vix's works.

    The True Nature of Orsimer

    Of his individual contributions, by far and away my favourite is Karver's discussion into the lives and society of Orcs, both in their stronghold environment and also in a city setting. This article is both informative and much needed as the Orsimer shelf of Apocrypha was a little empty before his arrival.

    The boundless energy and passion for the setting Karver has bodes well for the future as we try and deliver more content to help inspire other projects around the site.

     

    Karver's Retrospective Thoughts

    You´re breaking my heart, mate. Will you marry me? :D But seriously now, you´ve did awesome job here, Phil. It´s great to see how Lore has changed or what specific people did for that change.

    But you´ve forgot to mention one of the most important things of Lore Group. And that´s the Imperial Phil. Frankly, that guy is the reason why I started doing my own research on Lore or even participate in Lore Group. Not only he´s helpful, but what he achieves is that he can support people and even encourage them enough to make something themselves. Hell, his Articles on Dunmer (under pseudonym Hloris Farano) were actually the thing that got me interested in Lore.

    So don´t sell yourself short, mate. You´re one of the best and most active people here on this site and this whole thing clearly proves that. I haven´t met Vix, Kynareth or Kyrielle, but for me, you´re the one and only.

    Matt Feeney's Retrospective Thoughts

    The Lore Group has really been a constant in my life for the past few years (much like Phil himself). Through all the changes in leadership (both the group and the site in general), the site changes, the drama, etc., the library has always been the same, a source of knowledge and creativity. It's not the most active or accessible group, but I wouldn't change it one bit.

    I want to give special thanks to former Lore hosts, Vix and Kynareth. Vix personally welcomed me to the site and helped guide me through the unfamiliar world of the Elder Scrolls. I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel a spark of pride when I took on Vix's former role as Lore host. And Kynareth remains one of the kindest, most thoughtful people I've ever met, virtual or otherwise. To give you just an idea, Kynareth sent me a congratulation message the year of my high school graduation (I should mention that I mentioned my grade to her two or three years before I actually graduated). I can safely say I put Kynareth on the same level as Mr. Rogers and Bob Ross. Are you being the person Kynareth wants you to be?

    I also want to thank my good friends and partners-in-blasphemy, Tom and Phil. You guys rock.

    Tom's Retrospective Thoughts

    Lore articles... I seem to remember there being a Daedric Dossier on Mephala, or a different article on Boethia than what's on the site that went into an excellent examination of the subtle meanings behind Mephala or Boethia (I think Boethia) spheres of influence and how it makes perfect sense for the Dunmer to see them so radically different than is normal.

    Treatise on Tiber Septim: Divine or Heretic? not for the article itself, but for sparking my response to it in exploring the Divine Triune and enantiomorph.

    I really enjoyed the "Of Ashen Skin and Eyes of Fire", "On Magic" and "Two parts of a Whole Make a Soul" series too.

    I think my only real article was on Shezzarine. Most of my content in other threads has been towards explaining and exploring metaphysical concepts like CHIM, enantiomorph, Divine Triune, the natures of man vs mer, and Lorkhan.

    Conclusion

    I hope this short retrospective has shown that ever since The Skrim Blog was formed, The Lore Group has been around to help people find their way in the setting and connect to its politics, religions and races. The giants who came before us have helped shape not only the Lore Group but the site as well, so I hope this retrospective has showcased some of their most influential work.

    As we move forward into the future, it is my sincerest hope that the Lore Group can continue to support its sisters of Roleplay and Character Building which form the backbone of The Elder Scrolls on the TamrielVault.

    Credits: Words by Phil. Art and Presentation by Karver. Contributions and fact checking by Matt Feeney and Tom.

     

     

Comments

8 Comments
  • Exuro
    Exuro   ·  April 4, 2016
    When I have a lore question, it's this group, UESP, and the Imperial library I go to. Many times I find someone here has already posted the answer.
  • Paws
    Paws   ·  April 3, 2016
    Ahh, I had blotted that comment from memory  Thanks for reminding me.
  • Tae-Rai
    Tae-Rai   ·  April 3, 2016
    You´re breaking my heart, mate. Will you marry me? :D

    -- Point from Karver 
  • Paws
    Paws   ·  April 3, 2016
    Am I allowed to hit the like button on this...It's Paul's post after all
    I don't know if I get the reference to marriage, but I see your tongue, Tae. I hope you are prepared to use it on the wedding night
  • Tae-Rai
    Tae-Rai   ·  April 3, 2016
    Excellent article! Also, can I marry Phil first? 
  • Matt Feeney the New Guy
    Matt Feeney the New Guy   ·  April 3, 2016
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  April 3, 2016
    Long live the Lore group. You all rock. Congratulations on five great years. 
  • Justiciar Thorien
    Justiciar Thorien   ·  April 3, 2016
    Awesome work guys! Lore Group is the best)))