Mer

Altmer "High Elves"



In the Imperial tongue, the haughty, tall, golden-skinned peoples of Summerset Isle are called High Elves, the Ayleid referred to them as Salache, but they call themselves Altmer, or the "Cultured People." In the Empire, "High" is often understood to mean "proud" or "snobbish," and as the Altmer generally personify these characteristics, the "lesser races" harbor little warmth for them. Altmer confidently consider themselves, with some justice, as the most civilized culture of Tamriel; 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 Altmer traditions. However, the Altmer's smug self-assurance of superiority can be hard to bear. Deft, intelligent, and strong-willed, Altmer are the most strongly gifted in the arcane arts of all the races, and Altmer boast that their sublime physical natures make them far more resistant to disease than the "lesser races." However, they are also somewhat vulnerable to fire, frost, and shock.

The High Elves are among the longest living and most intelligent races of Tamriel. Because of this they often become powerful magic users having centuries in which to practice their art. Due to their incredibly strong minds, some Altmer are naturally immune to paralysis, both natural and magical.

The first edition of 'A Pocket Guide to the Empire and its environs' (aka PGE), published in 2E 864, contains a passage from an earlier date (1E 2820) suggesting that the Altmer practice eugenic infanticide, putting to death nine in ten of their newborns for being of impure bloodline. It also suggests that Altmeri names are simply combinations of numbers in their own language, and that their culture revolves almost entirely around displaying social status. How reliable and unbiased this account is is a matter of some doubt, as the document itself is written from a highly pro-Imperial—and thus anti-Altmeri Dominium—point of view, and contains numerous objections written in the margins by an anonymous elf.

Bosmer "Wood Elves"



The Bosmer are the various barbarian Elven clan-folk of Valenwood, a forested province in southwestern Tamriel. In the Empire, they are often 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. 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. These country cousins of the High Elves and Dark Elves are nimble and quick in body and wit, and because of their curious natures and natural agility, Bosmer are especially suitable as scouts, and thieves. But most of all, the Bosmer are known for their skills with bows; there are no finer archers in all of Tamriel. Their ability to command simple-minded creatures is also well known. As part of their Green Pact, they are religiously carnivorous and cannibalistic, but do not destroy trees or plant life, though they are not averse to using wooden or plant-derived products created by others.

The elves of Valenwood have always been involved in political arguments between the other races of Tamriel, but have never waged war with other nations, only defended their lands countless times, from the Khajiits of Elsweyr and the High Elves of the Summerset Isle. One of these skirmishes with the Khajiits formed the basis of the book Mixed Unit Tactics.

They have never been truly allied with other nations. Mistrust has been engendered by the ritual cannibalism that they practice in accord with their Green Pact. The specifics of other Bosmeri beliefs and traditions makes them uncomfortable with the "dour" city life lived by other races. In addition, the many invasions of Valenwood have probably not helped, nor the depredations of the Camoran Usurper in the Colovian Highlands and other provinces.

Dunmer "Dark Elves"



Dunmer, also known as Dark Elves, or Moriche in the Ayleid Language, 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". The dark-skinned, red-eyed Dunmer combine powerful intellect with strong and agile physiques, producing superior warriors and sorcerers. On the battlefield, Dunmer are noted for their skilled and balanced integration of the sword, the bow and destruction magic. In character, they are grim, aloof, and reserved, distrusting and disdainful of other races.

Dunmer distrust and are treated distrustfully by other races. They are often proud, ruthless, and cruel, and young female Dark Elves are well known for their promiscuity. Despite their powerful skills and strengths, the Dunmer's vengeful nature, age-old conflicts, betrayals, and ill reputation prevent them from gaining more influence. Dunmer born outside of Morrowind, or who grew up in the Imperial tradition are however usually much friendlier than their native-born counterparts.

Orsimer "Orcs"



Orcs, also called Orsimer, "Corrupt Elves," or "Pariah Folk" in ancient times, are sophisticated barbarian beast peoples of the Wrothgarian Mountains, Dragontail Mountains, and Orsinium, also known as the "City of the Pariah." They are noted for their unshakable courage in war and their unflinching endurance of hardships. 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. Orc armorers are prized for their craftsmanship, and Orc warriors in heavy armor are among the finest front-line troops in the Empire, and are fearsome when using their berserker rage. Most Imperial citizens regard the Orc society as rough and cruel, but there is much to admire in their fierce tribal loyalties and generous equality of rank and respect among the sexes.

The Hero of Daggerfall reported Gortwog gro-Nagorm united his people by establishing an autonomous enclave, and forced the Emperor Uriel Septim VII to recognize Orsinium as an equal of the other lesser kingdoms (such as Daggerfall or Sentinel).

Their religion centers around the worship of the Daedric Prince who governs outcasts, Malacath. The Orcs were supposedly created when the Daedric Prince Boethiah destroyed the Aldmeri God Trinimac, transforming him into Malacath and his faithful, the Orsimer, into Orcs. The stories recount that Boethiah "ate" Trinimac.