Some thoughts and proposals on the locations surrounding Kvatch:
Miscarcand:
Nearby Kvatch is the Ayleid ruin of Miscarcand, one of the few remaining examples of Ayleid surface structure in Post-Alessian Cyrodiil. Narrowly avoiding destruction during Emperor Gorieus' assault on Colovia thanks to Rislav the Righteous, Miscarcand was one of the longest-lasting Ayleid settlement in Cyrodiil, it's people possibly remaining until well into the Second Era (though this detail is hightly disputed by scholars). Expeditions into the ruins pose even greater a threat than most, as Ayleid defenses are far more abundant, thanks to the magicka flowing from its intact Great Welkynd. Not even the Council of Mages have managed to make much progress into the preserved depths of the ruins, suspending future plans despite the Imperial Archeological Society's please, citing 'casualties beyond anticipation' after their last expedition.
(For this ruin, I propose we move the nearby shrine of Meridia from where it was in Oblivion, into Miscarcand itself; and incorporate the Great Welkynd stone within into the design of Meridia's statue. This large and imposing ruin would contain a number of intact surface structures, giving a greater glimpse into Ayleid culture and history than the crumbling subsurface tombs more common throughout the province. Quests surrounding the ruin could perhaps center around the local Imperial Archaeological Society chapter, and their desire to uncover what lies within the deep vaults of the city. Culturally, this would be among the Meridian city-states, and adhere closely to the White-Gold pantheon, though perhaps with a greater emphasis on the Magne-Ge and Merid's relation to them. In my
lorebook regarding Nilichi, I wrote of the 'epicine lord Nilyondil of the Salt', one of perhaps a line of Sorcerer-Kings from Miscarcand. His and a number of other historical figures' undisturbed tombs could lie within the ruins.)
Varondo:
An ancient Ayleid city north of Kvatch, Varondo was at one point converted into a Colovian state after the original elven inhabitants abandoned the city. This history is evident in the Second Era ruins atop and surrounding the Ayleid ruins , with the crumbling architectural amalgam currently populated by a band of Colovian rebels united under a warlord.
(An Ayleid ruin present in Oblivion, north of Kvatch.)
Dasek Moor:
Southeast of Kvatch, along the Gold Road, is the ancient fort of Dasek Moor. Once the proud Enclave of the Hourglass, headquarters of the Order of the Hour, its now said to be haunted by vengeful spirits of the Order. Local rumor insists that the ruins now harbor a charismatic band of Akatosh faithful, who mourn for the legions of Emperor Gorieus, many of whom are said to have perished nearby the site to Rislav's onslaught. They beg at the walls for relief of the Order spirits, whose neo-Alessian roots count them among Gorieus' cursed western legions.
(Dasek Moor was present in Oblivion as well as ESO, though I think the location would benefit greatly if we were to combine its history with that of the extremely close Enclave of the Hourglass from ESO.)
Trumbe:
A relatively small subsurface Ayleid ruin northwest of Kvatch, while resembling a traditional Ayleid tomb, Trumbe appears to have functioned instead as some form of sanctuary. Its name meaning 'Protection', it's possible that this site was re-purposed as a shelter for the denizens of Miscarcand when the Alessians set their eyes on the Colovian Estates and the remaining Ayleid of Cyrodiil.
Fort Amiel:
An abandoned fortress from the First Era barely holding its place atop a butte in the Colovian Highlands north of Kvatch, all paths to which have deteriorated to the point of which only the most dedicated pilgrims are willing to make the ascent. The ruins are home to a rather elebaorate shrine to Father Belharza and tended by the seemingly unintelligent Men of Tor, whom pilgrims will claim speak only to the Alessian faithful.
(Proposed)
Fort Berich:
An ancient fort not utilized since the Redguard invasion of Colovia and lying between the cities of Kvatch and Sutch, Fort Berich stands as a monument to the forgotten hostility between Colovia and Hammerfell. Recent reports in Kvatch of the selling of antiques has suggested looting activity, but despite a desperate outcry from local members of the Imperial Archaeological Society, little attempts has been made by the city guard to investigate the matter.
(A First Era ruin northwest of Kvatch, present in Oblivion as Fort Wariel.)
Fort Istirus:
Mounted on high cliffs overlooking the Strid River, monitering the borders of Elsweyr and Valenwood, Fort Istirus serves as one of the oldest military structures still utilized in Cyrodiil. While unknown when the location first saw use, it’s faced such conflicts as the innumerable border skirmishes between Kvatch and Skingrad, Emperor Gorieus’ failed assault on Colovia, and famously served to house and protect many inhabitants of Kvatch County from the forces of the Camoran Usurper. Rebuilt and renamed many times throughout history, it’s halls run deeper than the cliffs it stands on is high. Recent rumors suggest Imperial corruption to be rampant within the fortress, and it serving as a major gateway for the Renrijra Krin Skooma trade into Colovian Cyrodiil.
(An operational Second-Era fort, southeast of Miscarcand, present in Oblivion.)
Talwinque:
An Ayleid ruin victim to time, as the majority of its exterior has been displaced and washed down the cliffside by the many rain seasons since its abandonment. While its proper entrance is inaccessible due to landslide, the unstable and warped interior has recently been exposed; allowing entry, but releasing a number of Redeemed Servants into the exterior vicinity, as reported by the Imperial Rangers in Kvatch.
(An Ayleid ruin north of Miscarcand, present in Oblivion.
Fort Faleria and Belletor's Folly:
Fort Faleria once stood as the first line of defense at the foot of Kvatch's winding road, but little exterior evidence remains that it ever stood. At some point in time, a tribune of Kvatch (argued by some historians to be a particularly intelligent minotaur) vowed to defend it from legions of shadow set upon them by the Ayleid lord Nilichi. It's said this Tribune of Kvatch swallowed the shadowed beings, becoming shadow himself. However, whether this tale holds any merit or is strictly folklore, cannot be known. Although, within the sunken halls of Fort Faleria, something may be stirring.
(An unimportant cavern in Oblivion, along the road leading to Kvatch. ESO expands on this location, calling it 'Tribune's Folly' and referring to it as the ruins of Fort Faleria. A corrupted minotaur named Limenauruus is present within ESO, who summons horned shadowed beings, which imply a more manlike form for the ancient sons of Belharza.)
Belene's Branch:
A small, family-run inn situated north of Fort Istirus, on the west end of the bridge crossing the Larich Gorge, along the Gold Road linking Kvatch to Skingrad. Owned by Free Estates supporters, its stood for generations, having originally been named after the famous Belene, who united the famously rivaled Kvatch and Skingrad states.
(Proposed)
Rellesel:
An Ayleid fortress whose remains are torn between the high cliffs overlooking the River Strid and the low bank beside it. While its proper entrance has been long lost, skilled climbers or magick users may discover an alternate passage within the cliffside.
(Proposed)
Kvinchaynav:
An old Colovian barrow, roughly translating to 'Meadow of the Children'. Dating roughly to the period in which the Thrassian Plague ravaged the coasts of Tamriel, this barrow is populated largely by the remains of children. Inscriptions within the barrow refer to it as some 'monument of innocence', perhaps being built as some plea to Stendarr. It's similar to other barrows, save for the open 'meadow' cavern within, an area still brightened by carved holes that sunlight fills and allows the plants within to thrive.
(Proposed)