selûne light your path

The Dawnguard is an order of vampire hunters living and operating from Fort Dawnguard. The Dawnguard was re-formed by Isran in order to combat the growing vampire menace in Skyrim. They partially shelter several refugees who fled there for relief from the vampire scourge.

The Stormcloaks are a rebel faction led by Ulfric Stormcloak and based in Windhelm. They seek to defeat the Imperial Legion that controls most of Skyrim, end the Empire's rule over the land, and turn Skyrim into an independent country.

The Dark Brotherhood is an organization of highly trained assassins who carry out assassination contracts. They are called upon by those who wish to utilize their deadly services through a ritual called "The Black Sacrament." They revere Sithis, the avatar of entropy and chaos, as well as the Night Mother, who is their spiritual leader.

The Imperial Legion is the military force of the Empire of Tamriel. Serving under the authority of the Emperor, the Legion, with its vast numbers, quality training, and rigid discipline, is considered one of the most powerful fighting forces ever assembled.

The Volkihar vampire clan is a group of vampires led by Lord Harkon. They are renowned as the most powerful court of vampires in Skyrim. Residing in Volkihar Keep, an ancient castle situated on a remote island off the coast of Haafingar, the court is among the most ancient and pure-blooded of vampires in Skyrim.

The Thieves Guild is an organization of professional thieves based in Skyrim that provides mutual support for the illegal endeavors of its members and their clients. Although criminal by its very definition, for untold years, local authorities in places throughout Tamriel have tolerated the existence of the guild for its role as "crime regulator", as it does not tolerate competition or egregious conduct from its members (not to mention the personal financial benefits for authorities who play nice).

The Companions are a group of warriors who take on private and public contracts for the people of Skyrim, and who purportedly carry on the tradition of the Five Hundred Companions of Ysgramor. They are based in the city of Whiterun, within the mead hall Jorrvaskr. The most elite members are included in the Circle of Jorrvaskr, and the chief councilor and arbitrator is known as the Harbinger.

The College of Winterhold is a guild of mages centered in Skyrim. It is located in the northern section of the city of Winterhold, in northern Skyrim. The College is the only place in Skyrim dedicated to education and practice in the magical arts. Instructors of each magical discipline reside within, offering training and various magical wares to members.

The Bards College is a musical school in Solitude. It is where any aspiring bard starts their career in tale-telling, poetry, or song. It is located next door to Proudspire Manor, near the Blue Palace. It was first formed during The Second Era as part of the Guilds Act.