Lore:Hissmir

Hissmir
Type	Settlement
Continent	Tamriel
Province	Black Marsh
Region	Shadowfen (Venomous Fens)
Appears in	ESO

Hissmir

Hissmir is a historic settlement in the Venomous Fens of southern Shadowfen, deep in the province of Black Marsh. It is a site of pilgrimage, centered on an ancient xanmeer complex. Lukiul pilgrims come to Hissmir from all over Tamriel to complete the Trials of the Burnished Scales and commune with the Hist. This ritual allows even non-Argonians to speak with the Hist. Many Argonians born outside Black Marsh lack a connection to the Hist and come to Hissmir to find that missing piece of themselves.

History

The Trial of the Mind

The soil of Hissmir is rich and full of life. Plant and animal life flourishes there, making it a sacred place for the Hist. The xanmeer at Hissmir was constructed by an ancient Argonian civilization, prior to Duskfall. The ancient Argonians were given Hist amber by the Hist and instructed to deliver it to Hissmir. Hist amber is an exceptionally rare "fruit" produced by the Hist and composed of solid Hist Sap. The Argonians were instructed to use the amber to construct Zaht stones, carved Argonian heads which could be activated to defend Hissmir from attackers. It is unknown who the Argonians of Hissmir needed to defend themselves from, although they were known to face attacks from the thuggish Kothringi tribes.

The knowledge of how to activate the Zaht stones faded with time, and the Hist no longer produced any amber. By the Second Era, Hissmir had become a pilgrimage site for those wishing to commune with the Hist. The trials and rituals were guarded by the Root Stewards, Argonians responsible for guiding pilgrims through the process. A settlement grew around the xanmeer, with shops, services, and local Mages and Fighters Guild branches.

Circa 2E 582, the Aldmeri Dominion invaded Shadowfen as part of the Three Banners War. Under the command of an Altmer alchemist named Ruuvitar, the Dominion forces attempted to break the Argonians' connection to the Hist in Shadowfen in order to end their reproductive cycle. As part of these efforts, a contingent of Dominion solders under the command of Captain Henaamo were sent to Hissmir to participate in the Trials of the Burnished Scales and speak with the Hist. By ancient tradition, the Root Stewards could not prevent him from taking part in the trials. While Dominion soldiers attacked and killed other pilgrims attempting to make the journey to Hissmir, Henaamo succeeded in completing the trials and communed with the Hist. In doing so, he learned of Hissmir's history, as well as the forgotten location of Hist amber in a ruined xanmeer to the northwest. With the amber in his possession, Henaamo planned to use the power of the Zaht stones against everyone in Hissmir in order to destroy the settlement.

The Vestige arrived at Hissmir in the midst of the Dominion's attacks and took part in the trials. With guidance from the Root Stewards and the spirits of the ancient Argonians of Hissmir, the Vestige located and defeated Captain Henaamo and claimed the Hist amber. This was then used to activate the Zaht stones' defences.

Culture

Much of the culture in Hissmir revolves around the Trials of the Burnished Scales. Root Stewards organize the complex rituals involved in the trials and even take part in ritual combat with pilgrims. The three trials are known as the Trial of the Mind, the Heart, and the Fang.

Outsiders have observed that Argonians are compelled by the Hist to travel to Hissmir annually to engage in several trials. The winners of these trials are allowed to mate, while the losers must return the next year.

The Argonians of Hissmir observe a New Life Festival tradition known as the Fish Boon Feast. This is one of Shadowfen's oldest celebrations, whereby those who are able to fish bring back food for those who cannot fish for themselves. This is to remind them that it warms the heart to feed the hungry and to help those who are truly in need. Hissmir Fish-Eye Rye is a seasonal alcoholic beverage enjoyed by the Argonians of Hissmir during New Life. Known for its terrible smell, this beverage is usually imbibed with plugged nostrils. It is noted for enhancing the imbiber's ability to locate plentiful fishing grounds.