Redguards are known for their tall, gaunt frames, finely toned physiques, and dark complexion that ranges from light brown to black, often with a reddish hue. Their dark colored hair ranges from wavy to tightly curled, usually thick as well as dense, and often has a wiry texture. It can be bodied with tight or loose knots and often decorated with braids. Men often have an affinity for beards, going by the ancient proverb, "A man is only as great as the beard that wears him."

 

Many Redguards can be found with tattoos, body piercings, and scarification. Their clothing is diverse in appearance, though tend to be light, long, and flowing so as best to fight the heat of their inhospitable desert home. Imperial propaganda claims they walk around nude in public, though their tendency to lightweight armor and fine cloth is merely reflective of their environment. Most of their weapons, scimitars by far being the most popular, and armor are decorated and crafted for close melee combat as ranged weapons are seen as less honorable.

​

Culture

Yoku, also known as Old Yokudan or High-Yokudan, is their ancient, native language from before their colonization of Hammerfell. Throughout the generations, the native language of the Redguards has been used less and less as they assimilated into the Tamrielic Empire to the point they almost exclusively speak Tamrielic. Now, it is only remembered through certain groups of Yokudans who fought to maintain their language and traditions outside of what the Redguards have become. For example, there are still 48 known versions of the word "honor" in Yoku.

 

Redguards have many respected traditions seen as odd by the rest of Tamriel. They mummify their dead, believe the undead are ancestors returned, the use of Magic and enchantments is heavily frowned upon and considered a weakness, regular camels are shaved and tattooed with mystic runes to prevent becoming lost in the desert while white camels are said to be sacred and devout Redguards bow when one passes, and they give stuffed lizards away as gifts to children.

 

Many of the holidays celebrated in Hammerfell, such as the Day of Lights are believed to have originated in Yokuda and were brought to Tamriel after being adapted to fit their new home. Much of their food, both everyday meals and special meals prepared for holidays, are cooked in a way so as not to exacerbate the already intense heat from the sun during the day.

 

Their architecture can range from simple tents to sturdy domed structures in large cities using knowledge from Yokuda. Their buildings are known for their rigidity, flexibility, heat transference, and ornate beauty, as well as being far more easy to repair than most Imperial buildings. Redguard Mausoleums are thought to be the closest to what true Yokudan architecture looked like.

​

Subcultures

When Hammerfell rejoined the Empire as a Province in the Third Empire, the majority of society was split between two main socio-political groups; the Crowns and the Forebearers. The rest of Hammerfell consists of small tribes.

• The Crowns are descended from the High King and the Na-Totambu who ruled in Yokuda. They hold onto their Yokudan roots vehemently and hate foreigners.

• The Forebears are descended from the Ra Gada who were exposed to the different nearby cultures of Tamriel. They're far more accepting of foreigners, to the point of aiming to be cosmopolitan, and have merged some of the Divines.

• The Ash'abah are an ancient and secretive tribe shunned by the rest of Redguard society due to their use of magic and slaying of undead.

• The Sun-Eaters are considered an exiled tribe and telling their tale is forbidden.

• The Silverhoof Horsemen are a tribe of nomads dependent on their horse herds.

• Gallants of Hammerfell, called the Knights of the Desert, are considered to be the Redguard equivalent of Tamrielic Knights.

​

Cultural Equivalence & Influences

Redguards are primarily based on the Medieval Middle Eastern Saracen culture. Crown Redguards usually resemble Sub-Saharan Africans with an Arabic influence in their culture while Forebearer Redguards resemble Berber and Moors in both their culture and appearance.