The defining feature of the Imperial Culture is their cosmopolitan nature. Emperor Tiber Septim, who founded the Third Empire almost 300 years ago, took elements from Akavir, Colovia, Nibenay, and even High Rock and merged them together to make what Cyrodiil is today. Though there are still bigots, most Imperials are the least racist of all the races and are known for their civility and meritocracy. Their skin and hair color varies depending on their subculture, but as a Race of Man they appear entirely human.

Many of their buildings are made using limestone, though the architecture of each city is greatly influenced by the Province closest to it while the Imperial City itself is an ancient and Ayleid. Unlike their architecture, their food is seen as straightforward.

Imperials believe Aetherious is Heaven, a plane of pure Magicka and the seat of the Nine Divines. They bury all of their dead, becoming frequent picking grounds for Necromancers.

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Subcultures

There are three known sub-cultures of Imperials; Colovians, Nibenese, and Cyro-Akaviri, also known as Rim-Men.

• Colovians are from the Western half of Cyrodiil and are heavily influenced by their Nordic Roots. They possess the 'Frontier Spirit' of their ancestors and live a simple life of heartiness and religious fervor. They refer to Shezzar as "Shor.". They enjoy wearing fur pelts, pointed helms, and martial attire. Colovians are on the paler side of Imperials with lighter hair and eye colors.,

• Nibenese are from the Eastern half of Cyrodiil, with a subsect located in the very center known as Heartlanders. Descended from the ancient Nedes, they dress for gaudy fashion rather than functional clothes. They embrace a love of philosophy and their historical origins, seen through their colorful tapestries, elaborate ceremonies, and unique tattoos that reflect their religion, politics, lifestyle, etc. They are also known for their battlemages and are on the darker spectrum of Imperials with olive complexion, dark hair, and dark eyes.,

• Cyro-Akaviri are Imperials who are descended from the Tsaesci that served the Second Empire. After the start of the Interregnum, more than 700 years ago, many fled to Elsweyr. They are heavily influenced, in appearance and culture, by the Akaviri.

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Cultural Equivalence & Influences

Imperials share many similarities with the Roman Empire overall, both in culture, the Legion, and clothing. The Nibenese are heavily influenced by Greek and early Italic people while the Colovians are closer to Slavic people regarding the names of their cities and language, and Iberian in their architecture. Those descended from Akaviri represent several different cultures; their appearance is East Asian, their clothing and weapons are feudal Japanese, and their culture is heavily influenced by Ancient Chinese.