As the first of two major expansion packs for the legendary title The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, The Elder Scrolls 3: Tribunal expands the boundaries of Vvardenfell with a deep dive into the political and divine intrigues of the Dunmeri province. Released on November 6, 2002, this expansion brings players to the heart of the empire's power, offering a narrative-driven experience that builds directly upon the foundation of the original RPG.

A Journey into Mournhold and Beyond

In The Elder Scrolls 3: Tribunal, players journey to Mournhold, a massive Temple city situated within the capital of the Dunmeri province. The expansion moves away from the wilderness of the mainland to focus on the complex social strata of a metropolitan hub. As the Nerevarine, you find yourself caught in the crossfire of two opposing forces, each seeking to manipulate your influence for their own ends.

On one side stands the divine Almalexia, who is desperate to maintain her grip on the hearts and minds of her people. Opposing her is the ruthless, newly crowned King Hlaalu Helseth, a man determined to establish his absolute authority. This web of machinations and political intrigue draws players through the sewers, caves, and ancient ruins lying beneath Mournhold, eventually leading to locations lost to the history of Tamriel itself.

Gameplay Mechanics and New Frontiers

The expansion is designed for players to bring their existing Morrowind characters and save games directly into the new content. This seamless integration allows for a continuous adventure, adding significant depth to the player's journey through several key mechanics:

  • Exploration of New Realms: Beyond the streets of Mournhold, players can venture into the incredible Clockwork City of Sotha Sil, navigating a mechanical marvel of engineering.
  • Epic Dungeon Crawling: The expansion introduces massive, epic-sized dungeons filled with legendary threats, including goblins, lich lords, and the mysterious, artificial Fabricants.
  • Character Progression: Players can encounter new gear, such as Nordic Mail and specialized blades, to aid in their survival against increasingly deadly foes.

Who is This Game For?

The Elder Scrolls 3: Tribunal appeals strongly to fans of high-fantasy role-playing games who crave deep lore and complex storytelling. Because the expansion relies heavily on navigating political landscapes and weighing the motives of gods and kings, it is an excellent choice for players who enjoy strategic thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. It is particularly well-suited for those who enjoyed the open-ended nature of Morrowind but are looking for a more concentrated, narrative-focused challenge within a dense urban setting.

Technical Details and Availability

With a Metacritic score of 80.00, Tribunal remains a respected entry in the Elder Scrolls canon. The expansion is available on several platforms, ensuring that both retro enthusiasts and modern players can revisit the glory of the Dunmeri capital. It is playable on:

  • PC
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360