Players currently exploring the remastered lands of Oblivion might want to prepare for a return to familiar shores, as a monumental modding project for The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind is on the verge of a substantial expansion. Tamriel Rebuilt, an ambitious endeavor focused on recreating the entire province of Morrowind within the classic RPG, is preparing to launch its significant Grasping Fortune update on May 1st.
News of this impending growth began to circulate when Joshua Wolens, a keen observer of all things Morrowind, noted indications of a major addition to Tamriel Rebuilt. Shortly thereafter, the development team officially confirmed these speculations, announcing that the expansive new update, titled Grasping Fortune, is imminent.
Joshua’s prediction regarding the update’s name proved accurate, and further details reveal that Grasping Fortune will increase the mod’s existing world map by approximately 20 percent. Previously, Tamriel Rebuilt had extended Morrowind’s playable territory from the volcanic island of Vvardenfell into the heart of the mainland and its far northeastern reaches. The upcoming Grasping Fortune update will push these boundaries southward, bringing the modded world directly to the border of Cyrodiil, the Imperial province prominently featured in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
Key Additions and Newly Unveiled Locations
A central addition in this update is the sprawling city of Narsis, recognized as Morrowind’s second-largest urban center and the stronghold of House Hlaalu. Players who experienced the original Morrowind may recall their initial encounters with House Hlaalu in Balmora. According to a post from the modding team, Narsis represents a long-sought-after goal for the project, initially conceived over two decades ago and rebuilt three times throughout its extensive development.
Screenshots shared by the development team offer a detailed glimpse of Narsis, showcasing notable locations such as House Hlaalu’s grand council hall, a lively bazaar within the market district, and a casino operated by the notorious Camonna Tong criminal organization. The city’s design is immense, featuring an intricate sewer system that alone could provide several hours of exploration.
Expanding Beyond the City Limits
Surrounding the city of Narsis lies the Shipal-Shin desert, a predominantly arid region containing only one other settlement, Shipal Sharai. Beyond this small town, the desert landscape is primarily characterized by caravan routes, scattered ranches, and a few Imperial forts.
Another newly introduced region is the Coronati Basin, distinguished by its dense mangrove forests of giant mushrooms and host to several towns. This verdant environment offers a stark contrast to the surrounding deserts, promising a unique and varied exploration experience for players.
In total, the Grasping Fortune update introduces a substantial amount of new content, including 140 new dungeons to explore and 270 new quests for adventurers to undertake. A brief teaser trailer released by the team highlights some of the fresh landscapes, with a particular focus on the newly added desert areas. However, it is anticipated that even more striking and significant locations are being kept secret for players to discover upon the update’s launch.
The highly anticipated release of the Grasping Fortune update is scheduled for May 1st. This event marks a significant milestone for the Tamriel Rebuilt project, offering dedicated fans a vast new territory to explore within the richly detailed world of Morrowind.