Chapter 1
A Journey Through Realms Unknown
The Infernal City by Greg Keyes stands as one of the most captivating expansions of The Elder Scrolls universe beyond the games themselves. Published in 2009 as the first official novel set in this rich fantasy world, it bridges the gap between Oblivion and Skyrim while introducing a terrifying new threat. The book received particular praise for its faithful representation of Tamriel's diverse cultures and its exploration of previously unseen regions like Black Marsh. Fans of the series embraced the novel for adding depth to the lore, with Neil Gaiman reportedly calling it "a fascinating exploration of what happens when Lovecraftian horror meets high fantasy." The novel's success led to a sequel, Lord of Souls, completing what became known as The Elder Scrolls: The Infernal City duology, now considered essential reading for dedicated Elder Scrolls enthusiasts.
Chapter 2
A City in the Sky, A Shadow Over Tamriel
A dark shape appears in the southern sky over the seas of Tamriel - a massive inverted mountain with a city built upon it, floating impossibly through the air. This is Umbriel, and its arrival heralds catastrophe. In Lilmoth, a bustling port city in the swampy region of Black Marsh, young Annaig Hoinart and her Argonian friend Mere-Glim first hear rumors of this flying island from terrified merchants and sailors. Annaig, an accomplished alchemist with an adventurous spirit and a collection of experimental potions, is immediately fascinated by the reports of strange atmospheric disturbances and unexplained phenomena surrounding the floating city. Glim, despite his natural skepticism, finds himself drawn into her enthusiasm while maintaining the cautious pragmatism typical of his people.
The political climate adds layers of complexity to their friendship. Black Marsh has recently severed ties with the Empire, with the nationalist An-Xileel faction establishing firm control over the region. Their rise to power followed decades of imperial rule that many Argonians considered exploitative. Annaig, whose family prospered under Imperial governance, laments this separation, pointing to the trade networks and cultural exchange that benefited both societies. Glim, however, passionately defends his homeland's independence, frequently reminding her of how the Argonians not only survived the Oblivion Crisis without Imperial assistance but actually launched successful counterattacks into the Deadlands themselves - a feat few other races could claim.
When Annaig's father, a well-connected merchant with ties to Imperial intelligence, arranges for her immediate evacuation from Lilmoth, she rebels against his plans. Drawing upon her alchemical expertise, she creates an experimental flying potion incorporating a rare substance from Oblivion - a dangerous fusion of conventional alchemy and planar magic. Convincing a reluctant Glim to join her, they launch their investigation of the mysterious city. Their adventure transforms into nightmare when they witness ethereal tendrils, like ghostly roots, descending from Umbriel into the jungle below. These supernatural appendages harvest the life essence of Lilmoth's inhabitants, leaving behind only empty shells. Their attempted sabotage of one of these soul-stealing conduits results in their unexpected transportation into the city itself.
Within Umbriel, they encounter an ecosystem that defies natural law - a self-contained world operating on principles alien to Tamriel. The city maintains strict hierarchies among its strange inhabitants, from the lowly kitchen workers to the mysterious lords who control its movement. Most disturbing is the discovery that Umbriel's denizens cannot exist outside the city's influence, sustained by the very souls they harvest. The dead left in their wake don't simply remain corpses; they rise as mindless thralls, expanding Umbriel's army of harvesters. As the floating city continues its inexorable path northward across Tamriel, leaving devastation in its wake, Annaig and Glim realize their unique position inside the city makes them perhaps the only ones who can warn the world of the true nature of this threat - if they can survive long enough to do so.
Chapter 3
Pawns in a Greater Game
Meanwhile in the Imperial City, we meet two contrasting characters whose fates will intertwine with Umbriel's path. Prince Attrebus Mede, son of Emperor Titus Mede, lives in a carefully constructed bubble of heroism. Handsome, charismatic, and beloved by the people, Attrebus believes himself a great warrior whose victories come from his own skill and courage. In reality, his father has orchestrated his "adventures," ensuring his safety while building his reputation.
In stark contrast stands Colin, a newly promoted Inspector for the Penitus Oculatus-the Empire's intelligence service. His first assignment is an assassination that leaves him questioning his role as "an instrument, a utensil of the Empire." Unlike Attrebus, Colin harbors no illusions about his place in the world, accepting his position to support his ailing mother despite his moral qualms.
When Annaig's mechanical bird Coo delivers a desperate message about Umbriel to Attrebus, the prince sees an opportunity for genuine heroism. Despite his father's explicit orders to stay away from the matter, Attrebus gathers his personal guard and sets out on what he believes will be his greatest adventure. His naivety proves catastrophic when his entire company is ambushed and slaughtered, with Attrebus himself captured by mercenaries.
The attack on Attrebus wasn't random-it was orchestrated by forces within the Imperial government itself. Colin is assigned to investigate the massacre, using his supernatural ability to speak with the dead to uncover clues. The conspiracy reaches into the highest levels of the Empire, suggesting that someone powerful wants both Attrebus dead and Umbriel's approach unimpeded.
As these threads begin to intertwine, we see how each character serves as a pawn in a greater game-one that threatens not just the Empire but all of Tamriel. The true nature of Umbriel and the identity of those controlling it remain shrouded in mystery, but the pieces are moving toward an inevitable confrontation.
Chapter 4
Life Inside the Floating City
Within Umbriel's strange ecosystem, Annaig and Glim are separated and forced to adapt to survive. The city operates on a rigid caste system, with lords at the top and various servant classes below. Everything revolves around the "ingenium"-a soul-powered engine that keeps Umbriel aloft and provides energy for its inhabitants.
Annaig finds herself in one of the city's kitchens under the cruel Chef Qijne, where her alchemical knowledge makes her valuable. The "cooking" in Umbriel is unlike anything in Tamriel-it involves distilling essences and creating dishes that affect the consumer on spiritual and metaphysical levels. The lords of Umbriel don't merely eat food; they consume experiences, memories, and sensations.
"The balance of essences, flavors, oils, and herbs," Annaig explains when describing her approach to cooking. This philosophy serves her well in Umbriel's kitchens, where she quickly rises in prominence by creating innovative "metagastrologic" dishes that transform taste sensations as they linger on the tongue.
Meanwhile, Glim is sent to the "sump"-a massive underwater reservoir at the bottom of Umbriel. His Argonian physiology allows him to breathe underwater indefinitely, making him uniquely suited for this environment. There, he meets Wert and other "skraws" who maintain the underwater systems that support the city.
Both friends discover disturbing truths about Umbriel's nature. The city's inhabitants begin as "proforms"-simple worm-like creatures that receive souls from the ingenium through conduits. These develop into various specialized forms based on their intended function. None can leave Umbriel without dissolving into nothingness, as they exist partially in Oblivion rather than fully in the mortal realm.
Through their separate experiences, Annaig and Glim piece together Umbriel's purpose and function. The city doesn't just harvest souls randomly-it's on a specific journey across Tamriel, following a predetermined path toward some unknown destination. And someone-or something-at the highest level of Umbriel's hierarchy is directing this journey with purpose.
Chapter 5
Shattered Illusions and Unlikely Alliances
Attrebus's capture marks the beginning of his true journey. Held by the mercenary Radhasa, he faces the crushing revelation that his heroic reputation is entirely fabricated. "Your father paid us to make you look good," Radhasa tells him bluntly. "Every adventure you've ever had was staged. Every enemy paid to fall before your sword."
This devastating truth shatters Attrebus's self-image. Everything he believed about himself-his courage, his skill, his destiny-was a carefully constructed lie. The prince must now confront who he truly is without the protective bubble his father created around him.
Rescue comes from an unexpected source: a dark-skinned Dunmer named Sul with molten red eyes who brutally dispatches most of Attrebus's captors. Sul has his own mission regarding Umbriel-to destroy it or send it back to Oblivion-and believes Attrebus might be useful. Despite initial mistrust, they form an uneasy alliance.
Sul gradually reveals his history to Attrebus. He explains that Umbriel's creation is tied to events following the Oblivion Crisis. When the god Vivec disappeared, the Ministry of Truth-a massive moonlet suspended above Vivec City-began to fall. A Dunmer named Vuhon created an ingenium powered by souls to keep it floating. When this machine exploded, it caused the catastrophic "Red Year" that devastated Morrowind, while also hurling Vuhon and Sul into Clavicus Vile's realm in Oblivion.
There they encountered a being called Umbra who had stolen power from Vile himself. Umbra helped Vuhon build a new ingenium that eventually became Umbriel, while Sul was imprisoned. Now Sul seeks vengeance against Vuhon and believes Umbriel is searching for a powerful sword that was cast back to Tamriel-the sword of Umbra itself.
As they journey toward Morrowind to intercept Umbriel, Attrebus begins to develop genuine courage and skill. Without the artificial support system that once surrounded him, he must learn to rely on his own resources and judgment. Their path leads them to form an alliance with Lesspa and her clan of Khajiit warriors, who agree to help them reach an inactive Oblivion gate-Sul's proposed shortcut to reach Vivec City before Umbriel does.
Chapter 6
The Kitchen Wars and Underwater Rebellion
Life in Umbriel grows increasingly dangerous for Annaig. A violent conflict erupts between rival kitchens, with Chef Toel's forces attacking Qijne's domain. In the chaos, Qijne attempts to kill Annaig, but Slyr-a Dunmer woman who has become Annaig's friend and mentor-saves her by attacking Qijne. Toel claims Annaig for his kitchen, specifically targeting her for her culinary skills in preparing meals for Lord Ghol.
Under Toel's patronage, Annaig rises higher in Umbriel's hierarchy. He shows her the breathtaking beauty of the upper city-emerald lakes, latticed buildings, and gossamer towers in countless colors. This glimpse of splendor contrasts sharply with the brutal exploitation that powers it. Toel makes his intentions clear: he values Annaig's talents but considers Slyr dispensable. "True success requires making choices without passion or sympathy," he tells her, testing her ambition against her loyalty.
The situation grows more complex when Slyr, jealous of Annaig's favor with Toel, poisons her with delayed-acting ampher venin. Annaig survives only by quickly concocting a stabilizer. Despite this betrayal, she begs Toel to spare Slyr's life-a request he grants, but with ominous consequences for Slyr.
Meanwhile, in the sump, Glim discovers he has become an inspiration to the other skraws. When they ask for his leadership in resisting their oppression, he initially hesitates but realizes their support could help him reach Annaig. He develops a strategy of subtle sabotage-disrupting water flow and food production without open rebellion-to negotiate better treatment.
Through Fhena, a young woman he meets during his explorations, Glim learns that Annaig survived the kitchen war and now works for Toel. This knowledge gives him renewed purpose. He and Annaig establish communication through notes carried by sump workers and begin planning their escape from Umbriel.
What neither realizes yet is that escape may be impossible. Umbriel exists partially in Oblivion and partially in Mundus (the mortal realm). Those born of Umbriel cannot leave its influence without dissolving into nothingness-and Annaig and Glim have begun to transform, becoming part of Umbriel themselves.
Chapter 7
Through the Gates of Oblivion
Sul guides Attrebus and their Khajiit companions to the ruins of an ancient Oblivion gate as twilight descends over the landscape. The gate stands as a stark reminder of the Oblivion Crisis - weathered black stone arch reaching skyward, its once-powerful sigils now faded and dormant. Sul, drawing upon forbidden knowledge gained during his years of exile, begins an intricate ritual. His hands trace complex patterns in the air as he chants in Daedric, causing the ancient portal to spark and crackle with otherworldly energy until it tears open reality itself.
Their passage through Oblivion proves nightmarish. The sky burns with an alien crimson light, while the ground beneath their feet shifts between crystalline formations and pools of liquid fire. Hircine, the Daedric Prince of the Hunt, takes personal interest in their intrusion into his realm. He leads his pack of massive werewolves in pursuit - their howls echoing across the twisted landscape as they close in on their prey. The air itself seems alive with malevolent energy, and every breath burns in their lungs.
The Khajiit warriors - Lesspa, M'kai, and S'fah - demonstrate extraordinary valor in the face of certain doom. Understanding that someone must stay behind to delay their pursuers, they make their choice without hesitation. Lesspa, their leader, exchanges a final meaningful look with Attrebus. "Our lives for yours," she declares with quiet dignity, her tail lashing with determination. "Make them worth something." The prince, raised on tales of heroism but having never witnessed its true face, feels the weight of their sacrifice settle into his soul. The sound of their battle cries mixing with werewolf howls haunts him as they press forward.
Sul and Attrebus finally emerge into what should be Vivec City, but the sight before them steals their breath. The once-proud cantons that housed thousands now lie broken and partially submerged in Scathing Bay's superheated waters. Steam rises in great clouds from where scalding waves crash against fallen architecture. Above them, Umbriel hovers like a malevolent moon, its dark mass casting shadows over the ruins of the Ministry of Truth's impact crater. Already, corpses are rising from the boiling waters - their flesh twisted and warped by the city's necromantic influence.
Their desperate search for a path forward ends abruptly when Umbriel's forces - beings that seem neither alive nor truly dead - surround and capture them. They're brought before Vuhon in his floating sanctuary. The man Sul had described as a monster appears instead as an elegant, almost aristocratic figure with penetrating eyes and refined manners. He explains that Umbriel exists as a pocket of Oblivion maintained within Mundus - a precarious state that makes the city vulnerable but also grants it unique properties. His plan, he reveals, will sever his last ties to Clavicus Vile, granting him true autonomy.
Vuhon presents Attrebus with an impossible choice. The offer seems deceptively simple: convince Emperor Titus Mede to either surrender or evacuate the Imperial City, and in return, Vuhon will grant Attrebus power beyond mortal understanding - the very thing he's sought to become a true hero. The catch, he insists with cold certainty, is Sul's death. As Attrebus wrestles with this devastating decision, Sul acts with the speed of desperate experience, summoning a bound Dremora that creates enough chaos for them to flee into the depths of Umbriel.
Chapter 8
Convergence of Fates
As Umbriel continues its inexorable journey toward the Imperial City, the various storylines begin to converge. Colin's investigation into the attack on Attrebus leads him to Letine Arese, a high-ranking official who appears to be working with Umbriel's forces. Though he gathers crucial evidence, a mysterious entity sets fire to Arese's house, destroying much of what he found. Colin escapes, now certain that Arese arranged the attempt on Attrebus's life but wondering if she acted alone or as part of a larger conspiracy.
Annaig prepares for escape, creating eight vials of flying tonic that will allow her and Glim to leave Umbriel. They plan to meet at midnight, but their attempt reveals a devastating truth: they've been changed by their time in Umbriel and can no longer leave its influence without their bodies beginning to dissolve.
"We can't leave," Glim tells her as they sit together, weeping at the reality of their situation. Though he resigns himself to their fate, Annaig's determination resurfaces. She resolves to understand what's happening to them and eventually find a way to leave, even if they must return to Umbriel for now.
Meanwhile, Sul and Attrebus have escaped Umbriel but remain committed to stopping Vuhon's plan. They now understand the true threat: Vuhon intends to use the White-Gold Tower in the Imperial City to anchor Umbriel permanently to Mundus, freeing himself from Clavicus Vile's influence while continuing to harvest souls across Tamriel.
The novel ends with each character facing their new reality. Annaig returns to Toel's kitchen, accepting her current circumstances while determined to change them. "I'll understand this," she promises herself. "And then I'll find a way out." Colin continues his investigation, now aware of the conspiracy reaching into the highest levels of the Empire. And Sul and Attrebus race to reach the Imperial City before Umbriel, carrying crucial knowledge about the threat they face.
Chapter 9
The Nature of Heroism and Identity
Throughout The Infernal City, characters grapple with questions of identity and purpose. Attrebus faces the most dramatic transformation, forced to confront the fiction of his heroism and build something genuine in its place. His journey from entitled prince to someone willing to risk everything for others represents true growth.
"Every adventure you've ever had was staged. Every enemy paid to fall before your sword," Radhasa tells him, shattering his self-image. Yet by the novel's end, Attrebus has faced real dangers and made difficult choices without the safety net his father once provided. His heroism is no longer performative but authentic.
Annaig and Glim undergo physical and spiritual transformations as they adapt to life in Umbriel. Their bodies change, becoming part of the alien city, yet they fight to maintain their core identities and values. Annaig refuses to sacrifice Slyr despite the advantages it would bring her, demonstrating that some principles remain constant even as circumstances change.
Colin struggles with his role as "an instrument, a utensil of the Empire." His initial moral compromise-becoming an assassin to support his mother-evolves into a more complex position as he uncovers corruption within the system he serves. His investigation becomes not just about solving a crime but about determining where his true loyalties should lie.
Even Sul, driven by vengeance against Vuhon, must reconcile his past with his present actions. His love for the long-dead Ilzheven motivates him, yet he forms new bonds with Attrebus and others that give his quest meaning beyond simple revenge.
Through these character journeys, Keyes explores how identity forms and reforms under pressure, and how true heroism often emerges from unexpected sources and circumstances. The floating city of Umbriel serves as both literal and metaphorical catalyst for these transformations-a foreign element that forces each character to adapt or perish, to hold fast to their core values or surrender them for survival.
Chapter 10
A World Between Worlds
The Infernal City concludes with a haunting portrait: a floating metropolis suspended between realms, methodically harvesting souls to maintain its existence while pursuing an inexorable path toward the Empire's heart. This city - Umbriel - represents more than just a physical threat; it embodies the intersection of multiple planes of existence, where the boundaries between life and death, mortality and godhood, become disturbingly fluid. The novel's ending amplifies rather than resolves these tensions, as Umbriel's relentless advance continues, presenting our protagonists with challenges that test not just their abilities but their fundamental understanding of reality.
Within Umbriel's twisted landscape, Annaig and Glim find themselves transformed by their environment. Annaig's expertise in the city's unique culinary alchemy grows even as it changes her, while Glim struggles to maintain his Argonian identity in a realm that constantly threatens to unmake him. Their story exemplifies the novel's central theme: adaptation versus authenticity in the face of overwhelming change. Meanwhile, beyond Umbriel's borders, Sul and Attrebus race against time through Tamriel's varied landscapes, carrying crucial knowledge about Vuhon's grand design. Their journey is complicated by political intrigue, supernatural threats, and their own evolving relationship - from reluctant allies to genuine partners in their mission.
In the Imperial City, Colin's investigation reveals layers of corruption that extend far beyond simple political maneuvering. His discovery of connections between Imperial officials and Umbriel's appearance forces him to question everything he once believed about duty and loyalty. The novel masterfully interweaves these personal narratives with larger metaphysical threats, creating a tapestry where individual choices carry cosmic significance.
The story's power lies in its exploration of transformation - both voluntary and forced. Annaig's mastery of Umbriel's alchemical arts comes at the cost of her humanity, while Attrebus's growth from naive prince to determined hero involves shedding comfortable illusions about his own importance. Sul's single-minded pursuit of vengeance evolves into something more complex as he begins to care about more than his personal vendetta. Colin's investigation forces him to confront the gap between institutional ideals and corrupt reality.
As the novel draws to a close, it raises profound questions about identity and purpose. Can Annaig and Glim escape Umbriel without losing their essential selves? Will Sul and Attrebus's warning reach the Empire in time to matter? How deep does the conspiracy Colin uncovers actually go? Perhaps most intriguingly, what drives Vuhon's obsession with binding Umbriel to Mundus - is it mere power, or something more fundamental about the nature of reality itself?
These unresolved threads create a compelling bridge to Lord of Souls while establishing The Infernal City as more than just a fantasy narrative. It stands as a sophisticated meditation on the nature of identity, the price of power, and the permeable boundaries between worlds - both physical and metaphysical - that define Tamriel's rich cosmology. The novel suggests that true heroism lies not in martial prowess or magical power, but in maintaining one's essential nature while navigating between these worlds of being.
