Races

PDF version
Argonian
Little is known and less is understood about the reptilian denizens of Black Marsh. Years of defending their borders have made the Argonians experts in guerilla warfare, and their natural abilities make them equally at home in water and on land. They are well-suited for the treacherous swamps of their homeland, and have developed natural immunities to the diseases and poisons that have doomed many would-be explorers into the region. Their seemingly expressionless faces belie a calm intelligence, and many Argonians are well-versed in the magical arts. Others rely on stealth or steel to survive, and their natural agility makes them adept at either.
Personality: They are, in general, a reserved people, slow to trust and hard to know. Yet, they are fiercely loyal, and will fight to the death for those they have named as friends.
Physical Description: Argonians have scaly skin that varies in color depending on their age. They also have tails, which helps them swim and balance better than most other races. Argonians stand between 5 and a little over 5 1/2 feet tall and weigh from 100 to 175 pounds. They can live to be 75 years old.
Relations: Since the abolishment of slavery, Argonians have become friendlier towards the Dunmer of Morrowind, though Argonians still find all other races untrustworthy.
Alignment: N.
Argonian Lands: To the ignorant, it is often referred to as the Black Marsh. But any Argonian would know that its homeland is called Argonia. It is located south of Morrowind and southeast of Cyrodiil. A vast swamp of unwavering trees surrounded by poisonous water and gases has made it difficult for any non-Argonian to survive for very long in the Black Marsh. Though there were once tribes of men –Kothringi, Orma, Yerpest, Horwalli- and tribes of mer –the Barsaebic Ayleids and the Cantemiric Velothi- and a tribe of Lilmothiit, who may have been related to the Khajiit of Elsweyr. Its northwestern two cities –Stormhold and Gideon- were originally built by the Ayleids, though their true Ayleid names are unknown. The southern coastal regions where inhabited by the Lilmothiit, and the present-day cities of Archon, Arnesia, and Thorn where settled by the Black Marsh elves.
Male Names: Bim-Seel, Gold-Heart, Beem-Ja, Raven-Biter, Huleenapa, Putos, Hanei, Beeleez-Ra, Jush-Meeus.
Female Names: Ereek-Wa, Silver-Tail, Amuh-An, Fin-Singer, Chud-Ei, Ten-Tongues, Aleen, Chank-Neeus, Wana, Duh-Ja.
Adventurers: Argonians seldom leave their safety of the Black Marsh, but when they do, it is usually out of wanderlust.

• •+2 Dexterity and Wisdom, -2 Charisma
  
• +2 Open Lock, Swim, Balance, and Alchemy Skills
• Immune to poison
• +4 on Fortitude saves against diseases.
• Water Breathing
• Automatic Languages: Tamrielic and Argonian. Bonus Languages: Dunmer, Khajiit, and Bosmer.
• Level Adjustment +1
• Favored Class: Any (Decide at 1st level)

Khajiit
Khajiit hail from the province of Elsweyr and Khajiit of all breeds have a weakness for sweets, especially the drugs known as skooma and moonsugar. Many Khajiit disdain weapons in favor of their natural claws. They make excellent thieves due to their natural agility and unmatched acrobatics ability. Many Khajiit are also warriors, although this is less common among the suthay-raht.
Personality: The Khajiit are a race filled with curiosity and a love of Elsweyr with stories that often surprise other races.
Physical Description: Khajiit can vary in appearance from the nearly Elven Ohmes-Raht to the Cathay-Raht "jaguar men" to the great Senche-Tiger. The most common breed found in Morrowind, the Suthay-Raht, is intelligent, quick, and agile. No matter what type of Khajiit, they will always have fur and a tail. They are often as tall as Argonians and weigh the same amount too. Khajiit often live to be 70 years old.
Relations: The Khajiit are always having wars with the Bosmer of Valenwood and have rebelled against the Imperials of the Cyrodiilic and the Septim Empires. Other than that, the Khajiit are on good terms with most races.
Alignment: CN.
Khajiit Lands: Their home is the land of Elsweyr which is located south of Cyrodiil and east of Valenwood. In the north, it is a hostile, arid land dotted with sand dunes and oasis, while in the south lays the Tenmar Forest. Its cities include Riverhold, Dune, Orcrest, and Rimmen in the north, the skooma-trade cities of Corinthe and Torval in the middle, and the harbor city of Senchal in the south.
Male Names: Ra’zhin-Dar, Ra’jarr, S’rasha, Ra’farruk, Ma’jhad, Ri’zaym, Ra’mathra, Kharjo, Qa-Dar.
Female Names: Hareya, Nisha, Roshira, Tsamusa, Svana, Bashi, Ziniira, Awassi, Shavari, Urijoshi.
Adventurers: Taking up the life of an adventurer is easy for a Khajiit. Whether it is for drug money or out of curiosity, they will most likely adapt very quickly.

• •+2 Dexterity and Intelligence, -2 Constitution and Wisdom
  
• Claws (2) Damage: 1d3
  
• +2 Jump, Move Silently, Spot, Listen, and Hide Skills
  
• Dark Vision 60ft
  
• Automatic Languages: Tamrielic and Khajiit. Bonus Languages: Bosmer and Argonian
  
• Favored Class: Rogue

Orsimer (Orc)
The Orcs of Tamriel are noted for their unshakeable courage in war and their unflinching endurance of hardships. Orcish armorers are prized for their craftsmanship, and Orc warriors in heavy armor are among the finest front-line troops in the Empire.
Personality: Their ways may look rough, cruel, or uncivilized to you and I, but there is much to admire in their fierce tribal loyalties and generous equality of rank and respect among the sexes.
Physical Description: The Orsimer or Orcs are proto-elves, or Aldmer, warped by the destruction of their leader Trinimac, who it is said became the Daedra Prince Malacath. They have greenish pigmentation, sloping forehead, prominent teeth and can stand from 5 to 6 feet tall and weigh between 150 to 275 pounds due to their muscles. Orsimer usually live to be 60 years old.
Relations: In the past, Orcs have been widely feared and hated by the other nations and races of Tamriel, but they have slowly won acceptance in the Empire, in particular for their distinguished service in the Emperor's Legions. Only recently have the Orcs allied themselves with the Bretons after age old wars.
Alignment: LN.
Orc Lands: Their homeland lays in the Wrothgarian and Dragontail Mountains located in the middle High Rock and north of Hammerfell. It is known as Orsinium. Having no real cities, the Orcs have formed many tribes in the mountains.
Male Names: Borzol gro-Olug, Burgat gro-Narzul, Sharag gro-Ghash, Kharag gro-Shurkul, Shugak gro-Aruk, Durgub gro-Argumu, Yag gro-Gamul, Shag gro-Ghola, Rugdu gro-Ogrush, Lumbur gro-Marag.
Female Names: Bamug gra-Ghoth, Magdush gra-Snarkum, Morga gra-Nar, Yadbag gra-Grazob, Murga gra-Shag, Snag gra-Oluk, Kharag gra-Namor, Gramat gra-Bolarz, Lurz gra-Shatul, Narzush gra-Uzgak.
Adventurers: Most Orcs go adventuring it is usually because they want show their courage or to prove themselves to their tribe.

• •+2 Wisdom and Constitution, -2 Charisma and Dexterity
  
• +2 Craft, Intimidate, and Appraise Skills
  
• Rage 1/day
  
• Spell Resistance 5
  
• Automatic Languages: Tamrielic and Orcish. Bonus Languages: Any, except for Daedric.
  
• Favored Class: Barbarian.

Dunmer (Dark Elf)
Dark Elves are the dark-skinned Elven peoples of the Eastern Empire. "Dark" is variously understood to mean "dark-skinned," "gloomy," and "ill-favored by fate." The Dunmer and their national character embrace these various connotations with enthusiasm. In the Empire, "Dark Elves" is the common usage, but in their Morrowind homeland, and among their Aldmeri brethren, they call themselves the "Dunmer". They combine a powerful intellect with strong and agile physiques, producing superior warriors and sorcerers. On the battlefield, Dark Elves are noted for their skilled and balanced integration of swordsmen, marksmen, and war wizards.
Personality: Dunmer, in short, are grim, aloof, and reserved.
Physical Description: The Dunmer are dark skinned and red-eyed. They usually stand between just over 5 to a little over 5 ½ feet tall weighing from 100 to 180 pounds. Dunmer usually live to be 85 years old.
Relations: The Dunmer are distrusting and disdainful of all other races. They have had continuous border disputes with the Nords of Skyrim and skirmish battles with Argonians to the south.
Alignment: N.
Dunmer Lands: Previously it was named Resdayn, Veloth, Dwemereth, and Dunmereth, but for the last two Eras it has been called Morrowind. It is the home of the Chimer and was home to the lost Elven tribe called the Dwemer (often called Dwarves by the ignorant) who were killed of to extinction in The War of the First Council that took place at Red Mountain in the middle of Vvardenfell. In that battle, Nerevar of the Chimer and the last of the Dwemer were successful in routing the Nords from their land and created the First Council. The battle left the Dwemer extinct and turned the skin of the Chimer grey and their eyes fire-red. They would henceforth be known as the Dunmer of Morrowind. Morrowinds major cities are Blacklight, Sadrith Mora, Ald’ruhn, Balmora, Vivec, Necrom, Narsis, Tear, and Mournhold being its capital. Morrowind is located north of Argonia, north east of Cyrodiil, and east of Skyrim.
Male Names: Ralas Hlaalu, Baltis Llervu, Sarel Velandas, Galvon Redoran, Endar Telvanni, Neven Hlaram, Arvas Drevan, Taras Verano, Rilen Indoran, Redras Sethran.
Female Names: Llathala Alor, Dravona Ralas, Tilse Areleth, Melisi Daren, Varona Nelas, Voldsea Giryon, Brevasu Heran, Monesa Salen, Davilia Arvel, Aranea Drethan.
Adventurers: Dunmer find themselves drawn to strange careers and unusual company. Taking up the life of an adventurer comes easily to many of them.

• +2 Dexterity, -2 Wisdom and Charisma
  
• +2 Spellcraft, Scry and Balance Skills
  
• Fire DR 10
  
• Automatic Languages: Tamrielic and Dunmer. Bonus Languages: Dwemer, Argonian, Bosmer, Khajiit, and Daedric.
  
• Favored Class: Ranger or Fighter (Decide at 1st level)

Altmer (High Elf)
In Imperial speech, the haughty, tall, golden-skinned peoples of Summerset Isle are called "High Elves," but they call themselves the "Altmer," or the "Cultured People." In the Empire, "High" is often understood to mean "tall," "proud," or "snobbish." The common tongue of the Empire, Tamrielic, is based on Altmer speech and writing, and most of the Empire's arts, crafts, and sciences are derived from High Elven traditions. Deft, intelligent, and strong-willed, High Elves are often gifted in the arcane arts, and High Elves boast that their sublime physical natures make them far more resistant to disease than the "lesser races."
Personality: Altmer are often snobbish and self-centered and consider themselves to be the most civilized culture of Tamriel. However, the High Elf's smug self-assurance of his superiority can be hard to bear for those of other races.
Physical Description: The Altmer Have golden skin and are the tallest of all the mer. They stand between 6 and almost 7 feet tall and can weigh between 100 to 175 pounds. They can live till the age of 90.
Relations: The Altmer are not currently at peace with everyone, and are pestering the Bosmer and their borders.
Alignment: LN.
Altmer Lands: The Altmer homeland is the island of Summerset Isle which is located southwest of continental Tamriel. Its major cities are Firsthold, Lillandril, Cloudrest, Skywatch, Shimmerene, Alinor, Sunhold, and Dusk.
Male Names: Erandur, Sinderion, Aicantar, Nerien, Valmir, Nelacar, Naarifin, Sanyon, Faramel.
Female Names: Faire, Aste, Nenya, Alanwe, Aranande, Nuralanya, Elenwen, Nirya, Essalma, Fistelle.
Adventurers: Most Altmer normally only go adventuring to enhance their spell casting ability.

• •+2 Intelligence and Charisma, -2 Strength
  
• •+2 Alchemy, Spellcraft, and Use Magic Device Skills
  
• •Weakness to fire, cold, and electricity DR -5
  
• +4 racial bonus on saving throws against diseases.
  
• Automatic Languages: Tamrielic. Bonus Languages: Any, except for Dwemer.
  
• Favored Class: Wizard or Sorcerer (Decide at 1st level)
  

Bosmer (Wood Elf)
The Wood Elves are the various barbarian Elven clanfolk of the Western Valenwood forests. In the Empire, they are collectively referred to as "Wood Elves," but "Bosmer," or "the Tree-Sap People," is what they call themselves. "Tree-Sap" suggests the wild vitality and youthful energy of Wood Elves, in contrast with their more dour cousins, the Altmer and Dunmer. Because of their curious natures and natural agility, Wood Elves are especially suitable as scouts, agents, and thieves. But most of all, the Wood Elves are known for their skills with bows; there are no finer archers in all of Tamriel.
Personality: Bosmer reject the stiff, formal traditions of Aldmeri high culture, preferring a romantic, simple existence in harmony with the land, its wild beauty and wild creatures.
Physical Description: These country cousins of the High Elves and Dark Elves are nimble and quick in body and wit. Bosmer stand between 5 and 5 1/2 feet tall and weigh around 80 to 160 pounds. Bosmer can live to be 75 years old.
Relations: The Bosmer and Khajiit have been fighting over land and recently the Altmer have joined in the fray but have no quarrels with any other race.
Alignment: CN.
Bosmer Lands: The Bosmer province called Valenwood and is home to some of the largest trees in all of Tamriel. It is located south of Hammerfell and west of Elsweyr. Valenwood suffers from lack of a stable government and is considered by most to be a mere geographical designation without any political purpose. If there is honor or pride, it is with one’s own family or clan. National feeling, never strong, seems to have died. Valenwood appears to be adrift. Its major cities are Arenthia, Falinesti, Silvenar, Woodheart, Elden Root, Greenheart, Southpoint, and Haven.
Male Names: Eginor, Thrangor, Aranarth, Thoron, Aragorm, Bregor, Aradroth, Gelebor, Amlolas, Edhelas.
Female Names: Carwen, Adanrel, Taragail, Idrolian, Brathel, Celwaen, Elthin, Rilian, Adanael, Iverfin.
Adventurers: Bosmer mainly become adventurers because they seek riches of the shiny kind.

• •+2 Dexterity, -2 Strength
  
• +2 Move Silently, Open Lock, and Search Skills
  
• +4 racial bonus on saving throws against diseases.
  
• Automatic Languages: Tamrielic and Bosmer. Bonus Languages: Khajiit, Argonian and Altmer.
  
• Favored Class: Rogue or Ranger (Decide at 1st level)
  

Breton
Bretons feel an inborn, instinctive bond with the mercurial forces of magic and the supernatural. Many great sorcerers have come out of their home province of High Rock, and in addition to their quick and perceptive grasp of spellcraft, enchantment, and alchemy, even the humblest of Bretons can boast a high resistance to destructive and dominating magical energies.
Personality: Bretons may be less fearsome than there Nordic brothers to the east but they respect the Empire perhaps a bit more than their tribal neighbors. They are often thought of as passionate, eccentric, poetic, flamboyant, intelligent and willful.
Physical Description: Bretons are the offspring of the first elves (Aldmer) and the first humans (Nedic) to come to Tamriel. Bretons are not as hardy as any of the other humans, most likely because of Aldmeri blood in them. Most Bretons stand between 5 and 5 1/2 feet tall and usually weigh 95 to 190 pounds. They can live until the age of 90.
Relations: The Bretons are currently at peace with all other races, the most recent being the Orsimer in the middle of their lands. They respect and obey the Empire. The only wars the Bretons have ever had were with the Orsimer, but a peace treaty was quickly made between the two races.
Alignment: NG.
Breton Lands: Lying in northwestern Tamriel is the rolling hills and beautiful countryside called High Rock. It is located north of Hammerfell and west of Skyrim. Its major cities are Daggerfall, Wayrest, and Camlorn to the south, Sharnhelm and Northpoint in the mid-north, Evermor to the east, leaving Farrun and Jehanna in the northeast.
Male Names: Etienne Rarnis, Claude Ernard, Serge Arcole, Casamir Lirian, Mathias Etienne, Alain Yncan, Arcady Donat, Albert Jerick, Ceasr Branck, Adam Lanier.
Female Names: Eloise Brigette, Elisa Marie, Babette Vien, Arielle Jurard, Veronique Etanne, Yolande Farielle, Alison Derre, Elvira Geline, Anya Herrick, Therese Errard.
Adventurers: Breton adventurers are often seeking out ways to enhance or show off their magical skills.

• •+2 Intelligence and Wisdom, -2 Constitution
  
• +2 Alchemy, Concentration, and Spellcraft Skills
  
• •Spell Resistance +10
  
• •Automatic Language: Tamrielic. Bonus Languages: Any
  
• Favored Class: Cleric or Wizard (Decide at 1st level)
  

Imperial
Natives of the civilized, cosmopolitan province of Cyrodiil, the Imperials are well-educated and well-spoken. Imperials are also known for the discipline and training of their citizen armies. Though physically less imposing than the other races, the Imperial’s remarkable skill and training as light infantry have enabled them to subdue all the other nations and races and have erected peace and prosperity throughout the Glorious Empire.
Personality: Imperials have proved to be shrewd diplomats and traders, using their brains more than their brawn, which has helped them conquer the entire continent.
Physical Description: Imperials are not as strong or as keen to magic as some other races. They usually weigh from 120 to 240 pounds and stand from 5 to almost 6 feet tall, typically living until the age of 70.
Relations: Imperials get along well with most races considering that they rule over them all. They may be a little less compassionate towards the beast races because of all the trouble they have given them.
Alignment: LG to LN.
Imperial Lands: Though their Empire spans across the entire continent, their homeland lies in the heart of it all. They are surrounded on all sides by those they rule. The land is called Cyrodiil, its capital being the round-walled Imperial City. Its other major cities are Chorrol, Bruma, and Cheydinhal in the north, Anvil, Kvatch, and Skingrad in the west, with Bravil and Leyawiin in the south.
Male Names: Hastrel Jarol, Gerich Moslin, Wariel Ritch, Jesan Genald, Carody Marillin, Serverus Victrix, Bassus Modius, Octavian Gratus, Curio Avellan, Clemens Vivio.
Female Names: Alessia Armus, Olana Jarich, Ruma Cavain, Jena Trossan, Aliana Lane, Salonia Viria, Narcissa Fausta, Una Armina, Lucia Axia, Cristina Nepia.
Adventurers: Imperials go out to adventure in the lands for many reasons, usually for prestige and riches. Success as an adventurer in the south is very unlikely, especially in Argonia, if disease doesn’t kill you first, the creatures (not necessarily Argonians) will.

• •+2 Constitution and Charisma, -2 Dexterity and Wisdom
  
• +2 Bluff, Diplomacy, and Gather Information Skills
  
• •Automatic Language: Tamrielic. Bonus Languages: Any
  
• •Favored Class: Any (Decide at 1st level)
  

Nord
The citizens of Skyrim are a tall and fair-haired people. Skilled sailors, Nords can be found in seaports and settlements along all the coasts and rivers of Tamriel. Strong, stubborn, and hardy, Nords are famous for their resistance to cold, even magical frost. Nords of all classes are skilled with a variety of weapon and armor styles, and they cheerfully face battle with an ecstatic ferocity that shocks and appalls their enemies.
Personality: The Nords are aggressive and fearless in war, industrious and enterprising in trade and exploration. Violence is an accepted and comfortable aspect of Nord culture.
Physical Description: Tall, strong, and fair haired are the Nords. They usually stand 5 to over 6 feet tall and weigh 125 to 250 pounds. Nords can live to be 65 years old.
Relations: Nords do not get along well with any of the races because too many battle were fought defending their land only to be forced into the Septim Empire and made to help and trade with the other races.
Alignment: CN.
Nord Lands: The Nordic home of Skyrim is the northern most of the providences. It is also home to some of the most breath-taking beauty and mountains with lethal winters. Skyrim is located north of Cyrodiil, east of High Rock, west of Morrowind, and northeast of Hammerfell. Its major cities are Solitude, Dawnstar, Winter Hold, Windhelm, Markarth Side, Whiterun, Falkreath, and Riften.
Male Names: Hans Hard-Hands, Rikard the Reader, Vilfred, Henrik the Harrier, Broder the Black, Erich, Mikkel the Wanderer, Peter, Axel, Eric Snowmane.
Female Names: Jonna the Wild, Gertrude Weather-Cock, Britte, Tilde the Fair Rikke Hearth-Healer, Charlotte, Karoline, Agna Greycloak, Rebekka, Mia the Lean.
Adventurers: Most Nord adventurers will find a life of violence and aggression, even if they aren’t looking for it.

• •+2 Strength, -2 Intelligence and Charisma
  
• +2 Intuit Direction, Intimidation, and Survival Skills
  
• •Cold DR 10
  
• Automatic Language: Tamrielic. Bonus Languages: Any, except for Daedric.
  
• •Favored Class: Fighter or Barbarian (Decide at 1st level)

Redguard
The most naturally talented warriors in Tamriel, the dark-skinned, wiry-haired Redguards of Hammerfell seem more suitable as scouts or skirmishers, or as free-ranging heroes and adventurers, than as rank-and-file soldiers, in addition to their cultural affinities for many weapon and armor styles.
Personality: Redguards have a fierce independence of spirit that makes them seem born for battle.
Physical Description: Redguards are physically blessed with hardy constitutions and quickness of foot. They can stand 5 to just over 6 feet tall and weigh 125 to 250 pounds. Redguards normally live to the age of 70.
Relations: The Redguards were once enemies with the Bretons until the Orsimer showed up. They then united with the Bretons to subdue their enemy, but then the Empire conquered everyone and made peace with all the land forcing the Redguards to make peace with the Orcs and Bretons.
Alignment: CG.
Redguard Lands: Their home country is called Hammerfell, a desert land. It is located south of High Rock and west of Skyrim and Cyrodiil. Before their arrival to Tamriel, Hammerfell was called Hegathe (the capital of Hammerfell) by the Aldmer (not Altmer), and Deathland by the Nedic people. The two names roughly mean the same thing. Dragonstar, Skaven, Elinhir, Sentinel, Hegathe, Gilane, Taneth, Rihad, and Stros M’Kai are all major cities of Hammerfell. The Redguards may be excellent warriors and unmatched at guerrilla warfare, but they lack the cohesiveness to form effective armies.
Male Names: Carlos, Andre, Jaleel, Cyrus, Kurt, Marcus, Amal, Brandon, Tyree, Travis.
Female Names: Nichole, Sierra, Rashida, Briana, Angelie, Tasha, Relah, Tamma, Olena.
Adventurers: Redguard adventurers are often successful as warriors and fighters, normally choosing their own path instead of following someone else’s.

• •+2 Strength and Constitution, -2 Intelligence, Wisdom, and Dexterity
  
• +2 Climb, Spot, and Swim Skills
  
• +4 racial bonus on saving throws against disease and poison.
  
• Automatic Language: Tamrielic. Bonus Languages: Any except for Dwemer and Daedric.
  
• Favored Class: Fighter