Balmora (Morrowind)

Balmora

Map

World map
Westside map
Eastside map

Region

West Gash

Type

Town

Location ID
balmora

For other uses, see Balmora.

"Balmora is the district seat of House Hlaalu, and the largest settlement on Vvardenfell after Vivec City."

―Anonymous^[src]

Balmora is a major city located on the southwestern part of the island of Vvardenfell in The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. As the Main Quest directs the Nerevarine to go to Balmora right after character creation in Seyda Neen, it is usually the first major city that Nerevarine encounters in Vvardenfell. Additionally, the presence of many shops and guilds makes Balmora an early choice for a base of operations.

Description[]

Geography[]

The Odai River runs through the middle of the town, dividing it into west and east sides. The west side consists of many guilds, merchants and residences. The Tribunal Temple sits at the north end of the west side. At the south end of the west side is a large merchant plaza near Balmora's southern Gate, and next to this is the town Silt Strider. East of the river is mostly residences, with the exception of the South Wall Cornerclub. One architectural feature that is common in Balmora and rare elsewhere is buildings having two doors, one below at street level and one above on a balcony with a stair or on the roof. For some, this is simply an extra entrance, though there are several cases where two people live together and use their respective doors as their own private entrance. Merchants also tend to live above their stores and the upper entrance is to their living quarters.

Transportation[]

The roads from Balmora lead south to Pelagiad, Seyda Neen, Ebonheart, and Vivec City; and north, to Hla Oad, Caldera, and Ald'ruhn. The Temple acts as the local destination for Almsivi Intervention and the nearby Moonmoth Legion Fort is the local destination for Divine Intervention. The silt strider goes to Ald'ruhn, Seyda Neen, Suran, and Vivec City.

Politics[]

Balmora is the district seat of House Hlaalu, one of the Dunmer Great Houses, and is the largest settlement on Vvardenfell after Vivec City. The Hlaalu Council Manor, the location of House Hlaalu's bureaucracy and leadership, is located within the city of Balmora.