The Elder Scrolls Online - Traveler’s Guide to the Summerset Isles

Ah, the Summerset Isles.

Lush and temperate, with crystal-blue waters and eye-popping vistas, this archipelago has long been a travel destination for discerning Tamriel citizens. Trouble is, of the three primary islands of the chain, only Auridon has actually accepted travelers. The main isle of Summerset proper had for centuries been decreed virtually off-limits to all but the High Elves for whom it is their ancestral home. (And as for the third island of Artaeum, well. Let’s just say you can’t get there from here.)

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Fortunately for you, traveler, this is about to change. For in Summerset, the newest Chapter in The Elder Scrolls Online, Queen Ayrenn of the Aldmeri Dominion has decreed that the borders of Summerset be thrown open at last. For the first time since 1994’s The Elder Scrolls: Arena, you’ll be able to explore this vast and fascinating island. Here’s what you can expect to find on this storied isle.

Places of Interest

The jewel of Summerset is its capital city, Alinor. Sprawling and multi-storied, this majestic city sits on the west coast of Summerset, and is the site of the Royal Palace, home to Proxy Queen Alwinarwe, Ayrenn’s cousin and regent of the island. With its fairy-tale architecture and gorgeous vistas, Alinor is a most memorable destination.

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On the opposite coast is the town of Shimmerene. While no less majestic in its architecture, Shimmerene is in some ways a much smaller version of Alinor. Its layout allows travelers to wind their way up its steep streets to the Monastery of Serene Harmony, which overlooks the rest of the town. Below, one can see the nearby Shimmerene Dockworks, a testament to the town’s merchant-class roots.

Finally, there’s Lillandril on the northwest coast. A place of learning, Lillandril is home to the College of Sapiarchs, where powerful mages are trained to maintain and protect the nearby Crystal Tower, a sages’ gathering place and mystical focus for these idyllic isles.

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Travelers who have studied their Altmer history may wonder why the cities of Cloudrest and Sunhold are not included in the above list. Sadly, both have been besieged by nefarious forces, and hence visiting them is not recommended for any but the bravest – and best-equipped – traveler.

Of course, this is not a complete list of destinations; Summerset is well-populated with things to see and do outside of the cities. Consider the Illumination Academy, a university of magic near Lillandril, or Sil-Var-Woad, a picturesque zoo on the southeast coast that’s home to all manner of unusual creatures. If you’re looking to relax, why not travel to Rellenthil and take in a performance by the talented-but-mysterious House of Reveries? And don’t miss the stalwart fortress of Cey-Tarn Keep, or the tropical island of Wasten Coraldale. Taken together, Summerset and its outlying islands comprise more area than the entirety of the island of Vvardenfell, so the traveler will find plenty of new sights to see and things to do.

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Finally, a note about Artaeum. The third-largest island in the Summerset Isles is the home to the Psijic Order, a group of enormously powerful magic-users who are able to exert some measure of control on time itself. In order to ensure this power stays in responsible hands, the Order has actually moved the entire island of Artaeum completely outside of Tamriel. (Or maybe outside of time. Or just out of view. Reports vary.) Suffice it to say that the average traveler is unlikely to get the chance to see its pastoral meadows, ancient ruins and mystical Ceporah Tower. Should you earn an invitation to this secretive isle, consider yourself very, very lucky.

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Native Fauna

While many of the plants and creatures of Summerset will be familiar to those who have visited nearby Auridon, the island is home to several animal species rarely (if ever) seen outside its shores. Consider the majestic gryphon, which appears at first glance to be a mix of lion and eagle. On rare occasion, these creatures have been tamed by High Elves skilled – and brave – enough to do so, but woe be to the traveler or outsider who trespasses upon one in the wild.

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Also worthy of note are the beautiful and deadly Indriks. These deer-like creatures sport a single horn between complex racks of antlers. Indriks are fearsomely intelligent, and in fact are able to use magic to teleport themselves out of danger – or get the jump on anything perceived as a threat.

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For those of a more herpetological bent, be sure not to miss the giant Salamander. These gorgeously colored amphibians can channel elemental energy, releasing it as a wave of force upon attackers. Travelers would be wise to observe these creatures only from a safe distance.

In fact, that advice goes for most of Summerset’s larger fauna, from the startlingly large Reef Viper to the giant Spiders that populate the island’s, ah, less savory spaces. Fortunately, Summerset is home to plenty of less dangerous species as well, like the adorable Alinor Ringtail, the skittish Springbok, and the brightly colored Coral Crab.

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Notable Personages

Of course, the island also hosts many significant creatures of the more sapient variety, which is to say people. Already mentioned above is Proxy Queen Alwinarwe, her cousin’s hand and voice on Summerset while Queen Ayrenn holds court in Elden Root. Her Highness can be found in the Royal Palace, high above the city of Alinor. Make sure to leave time to enjoy the spectacular view.

In Shimmerene, travelers may be tempted to also pay their respects to Kinlady Avinisse, who governs the town. This is, alas, not recommended; the Kinlady is reported not to see eye-to-eye with the Queen on the matter of Summerset’s newly opened borders. With the help of Aldarch Tilcalar, head of the Monastery of Serene Harmony, the Kinlady has instituted a stringent screening process for newcomers to the island. Best to avoid the hassle altogether.

Fortunately, savvy travelers may be able to turn to an expert to help navigate the intricacies of such political minefields. The famous Khajiit Razum-dar, known as the Eye of the Queen, has been spotted all over the island, presumably to monitor the implementation of the Queen’s decree. Of course, one cannot assume he will have time for every traveler, but those whose goals align with the Queen’s (and of course, those with a prior relationship with the wily Khajiit) may find Razum-dar willing to lend aid.

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On the exceptionally rare chance you find yourself on Artaeum, you would do well to keep an eye out for Ritemaster Iachesis. The leader of the Psijic Order is one of the oldest and most powerful mages in history, which is saying quite a lot. Should you find yourself in his august company, be certain to show all due respect.

Naturally, an island with such a storied history is home to many more interesting characters than would be possible to list, but let us not forget one additional, especially significant personage: you, traveler. Your visit to this long-guarded isle is nothing short of historic. You and your fellow travelers will surely find so much to occupy you during your visit that you may wish to extend your stay. And while the influx of new visitors will no doubt cause a bit of a stir, there should be nothing you can’t handle.

But you might want to pack a few Soul Gems, just to be safe.