The Elder Scrolls Online allows players to explore the world of Tamriel however they choose. I started with the Aldmeri Dominion faction as a Nightblade in this playthrough. This short exploration of the Reaper’s March region will give an idea of what challenges players can encounter in the faction’s sixth area.
Reaper’s March
After leaving Valenwood behind, travelers will find Reaper’s March to be a fresh change of environment. The deep forest gives way to rocky plains dotted with trees. Senche tigers, giant snakes, crocodiles, giant scorpions, antelopes, wasps, hawks, and skeevers are the wildlife seen throughout this area. Throw in some spriggans and trolls for spice, and most travelers will want to be careful if they decide to leave the main roads.
When traveling from Malabal Tor to the March, most travelers will first stop in Vinedusk Village. The village is along the western edge of the region. Captain Odreth is in charge and has recently been fighting a group of Imperials known as the Colovian army. Though, I think the invaders may be in trouble after meeting Glooredel. She is an alchemist who has an unhealthy love for anything that explodes and burns.
A short distance to the north of the village is Fort Grimwatch. Once an imperial fort, the Khajiit now oversees its operation. It seems the Lunar Champions, Shazah and Khali, have been in the area recently dealing with beings known as Dro’mAthra spirits. These entities are under the control of a Dark Mane. According to the most information I have gathered, the Dark Mane is a threat to the Khajiit as a people, and the line of Manes is in danger.
The more I traveled throughout Reaper’s March, the more I could see remnants of imperial influence and construction. Underneath it, the adventurous can find many Ayleid ruins to explore. Beyond Fort Grimwatch in the north lies The Vile Manse. An imperial-style home, this large structure seems to hold many secrets. While I did manage to find my way into the cellar, I avoided dropping down into what appeared to be ruins underneath the Manse. But constant whispers echoed up from below.
To the east of the Manse are the ruins of Senalana. Centurion Burri was stationed nearby and mentioned that Razum-dar was investigating the ruins. According to the scouts, the Ayleid underground structure is said to be heavily trapped and contain something of great value. I didn’t fancy the idea of being used as bait again by Raz in whatever his next plan was, so I moved on quickly after briefly investigating the site.
Arenthia is the first city most will visit in Reaper’s March. Located in the north, it guards the road that leads to the contested lands of Cyrodiil. Dominion scouts have recently reported a great deal of Imperial activity near the city and sighting of the current Mane Akkhuz-ri. A Khajiit named Kazirra seems to be keeping a close watch from within the city and has promised to keep the scouts updated.
South of Arenthia, the central area of the March contains a couple of towns, some ruins, and an Arena. Greenhill is another Imperial-built community occupied primarily by a mix of Wood Elf and Khajiit. Most of the inhabitants seem to get along, though recently, suspicion has grown around the appearance of strange merchants selling ritual stones around town.
For adventurers looking to help locals, the mine of Kuna’s Delve has recently stopped sending out communications, and Trolls have appeared nearby. Meanwhile, Thibaut’s Cairn seems to be infested with undead. If you are tired of tunnels, then perhaps challenging your skill in an Arena is a better option. Thizzrini Arena welcomes all challengers. But they must overcome three lesser arenas before facing the Grand Champion. While arena fights are not my typical pastime, it was hard to ignore the excitement when I passed through the area.
The main city within the central area is Rawl’kha. The city's main feature is the Temple of the Two Moons Dance. Any potential new Mane needs to visit this location to begin their ascension. Travelers may want to check in with the Mages or Fighters guild for work. Any group of adventurers looking to challenge themselves can talk to Thulga. She will point you east to the location of Selene’s Web and a group from the Mages Guild that may need a hand. Rumors currently abound that the Dominion leaders will be arriving here in the coming days to be present for an announcement from the current Mane.
Related:
Exploring Tamriel: The Wilderking of Greenshade
Located west of Rawl’kha is the Falinesti Autumn Site. I visited it briefly out of curiosity and found that Telengar the Artificer had once again sent out Andewen to research and investigate the location. Unfortunately, the walking city has not appeared. Instead, a cult has already seized control of tunnels in the area. They have taken to calling them the Halls of Ichor. I managed to clear out a section of the tunnels, but there seemed to be no end to the cultists. Hopefully, Telengar can get around to lending a hand at some point.
The most interesting locals within Reaper’s March I found a short distance south of Rawl’kha. Thormar is another set of Ayleid Ruins up on a rocky hill. But instead of skeevers and undead, I found Aniel. They welcomed me to an event known as the Boast, an event dedicated to the Khajiit trickster spirit known as Baan Dar. It involves tricks, drinking, food, and dance. It was a nice break from the long road so far. I highly recommend anyone who is visiting the area stop by.
For those looking to get back into exploring more ruins, southern Reaper’s March has two. Claw’s Strike is a ruined temple overrun by local bandits, and Weeping Wind Cave has werewolves.
Also, in the south are two locations important to the Khajiit. The Do’Krin Monastery houses a holy artifact known as the Golden Claw. Recently, Stonefire cult members were seen nearby. The Order of the Claw is concerned that the cultists could prove to be a threat to the safety of the artifact. The second is a crypt known as the Moonmont. I have also seen more Dro’mAthra spirits in and around the crypt's shrines.
One village I didn’t expect to come across in the south of this region is Willowgrove. Primarily a community of Wood Elves, this small village is dedicated to following the Green Pact and is led by Treethane Ranneth. The town’s main product is honeymead. Recently, Treethane Ranneth has been looking to expand the fields to increase production. It sounds like they could use some outside help to do so due to the constraints of the Green Pact.
Moving farther west, anyone interested in gambling and other games can come across Hadran’s Caravan. The lizard races and troll fights are the common fare most would be familiar with. But the spikeball race is the real draw for most visitors. Spectators can bet to their heart’s delight while participants compete in a footrace where spiking the other competitors is fair game. Just make sure you pay your debts. I have heard of a few visitors disappearing.
S'ren-ja is another small town in the west. Its primary product is moon-sugar. The moon-sugar has attracted some questionable individuals passing through. Clan Mother Shuzura is doing her best to keep things running smoothly but has recently lost her assistant. Hauntings, unusual sounds at night, and theft from the fields are causing issues for the locals. While my mind immediately jumps to skooma smugglers. I didn’t see anything except for several very twitchy Khajiit locals.
North of S’ren-ja is the once-popular vacation town of Pa’alat. This small community used to host the rich and members of the nobility. But since the Three Banners War, it has fallen on hard times. It's now known as a home to gamblers, vagabonds, and a retired Eye of the Queen. Spies seem to be the typical visitors. If you're interested in intrigue, look for a bottle or two near the town proper. I am sure someone will be passing “secret notes”.
The main city of western Reaper’s March is Dune. It houses a main Temple dedicated to the Two Moons, Jone and Jode. For Khajiit seeking to ascend to the position of Mane, they need to participate in a ritual known as the Two Moons Path. Unfortunately, the city seems to be currently under siege. Smoke is rising from several of the buildings.
I finished my time in Reaper’s March by visiting Fort Sphinxmoth and Fardir’s Folly. Both are in the northwest. Bandits and Raider infest that area. No doubt they are using it to hide away some of their loot. The main question now is where to next. Do I head into the contested lands of Cyrodiil, hop a boat to another shore, or jump through the next portal I come across? I have heard that Razum-dar may be looking for me again, so all I do know is that I better decide quickly.
