Races (The Elder Scrolls Supplement)

Tamriel is the home of all the ten main races, each occupying a different portion of the continent. There are three types of races in the Elder Scrolls: The Men, Mer (or elves) and Beast races. Each is detailed below.

Altmer (High Elves)

Also known as "Altmer" in their homeland of Summerset Isle, the high elves are the most strongly gifted in the arcane arts of all the races. They can call upon their Highborn power to regenerate Magicka quickly. To play a high elf in Skyrim, use the Altmer racial traits. Alternatively, use high elf stats from the Player’s Handbook.

Argonian

This reptilian race, well-suited for the treacherous swamps of their Black Marsh homeland, has developed a natural resistance to diseases and the ability to breathe underwater. They can call upon the Histskin to regenerate health very quickly. To play an argonian in Skyrim, use the Argonian racial traits. Alternatively, use lizardfolk stats from Volo’s Guide to Monsters.

Bosmer (Wood Elves)

The clanfolk of the Western Valenwood forests, also known as "Bosmer", wood elves make good scouts and thieves. There are no finer archers in all of Tamriel. They have natural resistances to both poisons and diseases, and can command animals to fight for them. To play a wood elf in Skyrim, use the Bosmer racial traits. Alternatively, use wood elf stats from the Player’s Handbook.

Breton

In addition to their quick and perceptive grasp of spellcraft, even the humblest of High Rock's Bretons can boast a resistance to magic. Bretons can call upon the Dragonskin power to absorb spells. To play a Breton human in Skyrim, use the Breton racial traits. Alternatively, use human stats from the Player’s Handbook. If you are using the variant human, take either the Mage Slayer or Magic Initiate feat.

Dunmer (Dark Elves)

Also known as "Dunmer" in their homeland of Morrowind, dark elves are noted for their stealth and magic skills. They are naturally resistant to fire and can call upon their ancestor's wrath to surround themselves in fire. To play a dark elf in Skyrim, use the Dunmer racial traits. Alternatively, use dark elf stats from the Player’s Handbook.

Imperial

Natives of Cyrodiil, they have proved to be shrewd diplomats and traders. They are skilled with combat and magic, and call upon the voice of the Emperor to calm an enemy. Anywhere gold coins might be found, Imperials always seem to find a few more. To play an Imperial human in Skyrim, use the Imperial racial traits. Alternatively, use human stats from the Player’s Handbook. If you are using the variant human, take either the Inspiring Leader or Skilled feat.

Khajiit

Hailing from the province of Elsweyr, they are intelligent, quick, and agile. They make excellent thieves due to their natural stealthiness. All khajiit can see in the dark at will and have unarmed claw attacks. To play a khajiit in Skyrim, use thee Khajiit racial traits. Alternatively, use tabaxi stats from Volo’s Guide to Monsters.

Nord

Citizens of Skyrim, they are a tall and fair-haired people. Strong and hardy, Nords are famous for their resistance to cold and their talent as warriors. They can use a battlecry to make opponents flee. To play a Nord human in Skyrim, use the Nord racial traits. Alternatively, use human stats from the Player’s Handbook. If you are using the variant human, take either the Savage Attacker or Tough feat.

Orsimer

The people of the Wrothgarian and Dragontail Mountains, Orcish smiths are prized for their craftsmanship. Orc troops in heavy armor are among the finest in the Empire, and are fearsome when using their berserker rage. To play an orc in Skyrim, use the Orsimer racial traits. Alternatively, use either orc stats from Volo’s Guide to Monsters or half-orc stats from the Player’s Handbook.

Redguard

The most naturally talented warriors in Tamriel, the Redguards of Hammerfell have a hardy constitution and a natural resistance to poison. They can call upon an adrenaline rush in combat. To play a Redguard human in Skyrim, use the Redguard racial traits. Alternatively, use human stats from the Player’s Handbook. If you are using the variant human, take either the Charger or Resilient feat.