That’s exactly what ZeniMax’s new lore piece out today tries to explain, giving newbies some backstory on the island of Vvardenfell during the time period of the MMORPG, from the politics to the ecology of the region.
“Morrowind, the land of the Dark Elves, occupies the northeast corner of Tamriel. The centerpiece of the province, the large island of Vvardenfell, fills the Inner Sea. The volcanic Red Mountain rises from the island and dominates the skyline. It is said that on a clear day, the mountain can be seen from every corner of Morrowind. Recently opened to aggressive settlement by the Great Houses of the Dark Elves, Vvardenfell is the new frontier of Morrowind, full of enough promise, untapped riches, and enduring mysteries to attract the most-seasoned adventurers, fortune hunters, and settlers alike. As the Dark Elves of House Redoran, Hlaalu, and Telvanni compete to carve up the island for themselves, the nomadic Ashlanders struggle to maintain a hold on their traditional hunting grounds and sacred sites throughout the Ashlands.”
Speaking as someone who doesn’t like dark elves but loves Morrowind in general, I assure you it’s worth a read to brush-up or get acquainted for the first time.
Source: Official site