The Elder Scrolls Online: Races

The Altmer, commonly known as High Elves, are the de facto leaders of the Aldmeri Dominion.

Having arrived in Tamriel thousands of years ago from Old Aldmeris, they are one of the oldest races on the continent. They are known to be a highly cultured and intelligent people, and see themselves as the ruling race of Tamriel.

Native to the remote Summerset Isles, they're considered to be isolationists, only emerging when there's a threat to their homeland. Despite this, they are renowned mages and warriors.

Argonians are notable for their calm intellect, stealth, and skill with blades. These traits combine to make them ruthless assassins and master thieves.

A long history of foreign invasions has left Argonians with an expertise in defending borders and guerrilla warfare. The Ebonheart Pact puts their talents to good use, often deploying them as scouts and skirmishers.

The Bosmer, commonly known as Wood Elves, are a mischievous and nimble elvish race.

Years of defending their homeland, Valenwood, from the oft-attacking Colovian Imperials have molded them into experts in the art of defense. They are also renowned archers, widely considered the best in all of Tamriel.

Elden Root, the Aldmeri Dominion's capital, lies in the heart of Valenwood. Over the years it has become a center of political, cultural, and strategic importance in the battle of Tamriel.

Bretons, the natives of High Rock, were once ruled by Altmer (High Elf) masters. Elven blood found its way into their ancestors, giving them a natural talent in magic that distinguishes them from other humans.

Passionate and intelligent, the Bretons are famous for their craftsmanship, resourcefulness, and magic ability. Their prideful nature can sometimes lead to quarrels.

The Eight Divines have a large cultural impact on the Bretons, who value prosperity over glory. Despite this, much of their history recounts proud tales of large battles and war between the various kingdoms of High Rock.

The Dunmer, commonly known as Dark Elves, are the natives of Morrowind.

A long and tumultuous history of invasions by the Akaviri and Nords has molded the Dunmer into battle-hardened warriors. Their conflict-born talents are aided by their innate ability for magic and impressive elven intellect.

The Khajiits are a proud race of felines who hail from the province of Elsweyr.

In recent history, the Khajiit population has been devastated by the Knahaten Flu. In their time of need, the Altmer and their queen, Ayrenn, aided them in the chaos that followed the outbreak of the plague. Their debt has led to them siding with the High Elves and the Aldmeri Dominion.

Khajiits are known for their witty commentary and pursuit of pleasure. Despite their disarming outlooks, the race is distinguished in battle. They are considered to be the strong arm of the Aldmeri Dominion's forces.

The Nords were once in control of the majority of Tamriel. Their history is full of impressive victories: they defeated the Ayleids, conquered a large portion of Morrowind (at the time known as Resdayn), and were even close to driving the High Elves out of High Rock. This excellence at warfare has left the Nords with a belief of their right to rule.

Natural warriors, the Nords are prideful, strong, and known for their short temper. Their ferocious nature in battle is famous all around Tamriel.

Orcs are the product of a warrior culture molded by seemingly endless war. For this reason, many races view them as little more than barbarians from the mountains. Orcs are an honorable race that emphasize strength in both survival and rule.

Orcish culture produces the best smiths in Tamriel; Orcish weapons and armor are sought by warriors of every race.

The Orc kingdom of Orsinium was granted status as a province following the reign of the Second Empire, cementing their loyalty to the Daggerfall Covenant.

The Redguards are natives to their province of Hammerfell. They are among the most naturally gifted athletes and warriors in all of Tamriel.

The ancestors of the Redguards came from the land of Yokuda, which is now a lost continent. Born into the deserts of Hammerfell, the Redguards are a desert people that have become accustomed to defying difficult environments. Although their capital is the port of Sentinel, many feel more at home among the sands of the Alik'r Desert. As children, Redguards must complete a rite of passage in the wastes of the Alik'r Desert as a test of fortitude, ensuring that only the strongest and most disciplined survive.

Culturally, the Redguards put great emphasis on maintaining old traditions. They hold honor and dignity in high esteem, and maintain a great respect for the divine. These traits have left them with a suspicion of magic.