Elsweyr is the broad southern region inhabited primarily by the Khajiit, though the later unified Elsweyr Confederacy does not yet exist. During the Late Merethic Era, the land is divided among regional kingdoms, clans, temples, caravan networks, and local rulers shaped by the moons, climate, and trade.
The region includes dry northern plains and deserts, fertile river valleys, southern jungles, coastal settlements, and major caravan routes connecting Valenwood, the Heartland, and the southern seas.
The north is dominated by dry grasslands, scrub, desert, and open country suited to caravans, hunting, herding, and fortified settlements.
Khajiiti communities here often depend on wells, irrigation, trade routes, and control of reliable water sources. Caravan towns can become wealthy through commerce between southern Tamriel and the Heartland.
Political power is local, and rival rulers may compete over roads, grazing lands, temples, or taxation.
The south is wetter and more fertile, with jungles, rivers, plantations, fishing communities, and coastal trade.
Settlements can range from small villages to prosperous regional centers surrounded by agricultural land and temple complexes.
Dense vegetation makes travel more difficult away from major rivers and established roads.
Khajiiti life is deeply influenced by Jone and Jode and the Lunar Lattice.
The phases of the moons determine Khajiiti furstocks and shape religious festivals, identity, timekeeping, and social traditions.
Moon-priests and other religious specialists hold important positions in many communities, especially where temples serve as centers of learning and regional authority.
The Lunar Lattice connects Khajiiti culture across political divisions even when local rulers remain independent.
Elsweyr occupies an important position between Valenwood, the Ayleid Heartland, and southern maritime routes.
Caravans carry spices, cloth, food, medicines, dyes, livestock, luxury goods, magical materials, and information across the region.
Khajiiti merchants are common along these routes, but trade is not the only foundation of society. Farming, hunting, fishing, craftwork, military service, and temple life are equally important depending on the region.
Relations with the Bosmer vary from regular trade to disputes over borderlands and hunting territory. Northern communities interact with Ayleid merchants and city-states, while coastal Khajiit encounter Altmer, Maormer, and other seafaring peoples.
No single Khajiiti ruler speaks for the entire region, so treaties and conflicts are usually local.
A peaceful border in one area can exist alongside raiding or warfare elsewhere.
During the Late Merethic Era, Elsweyr is a geographic and cultural region rather than a unified state.