Placeholder PLACEHOLDER

ARGONIAN Overview Stats & Subraces Portrayal -- Argonians , often referred to by other races as lizards or Lizard Folk (especially in a derogatory sense), are the reptilian natives of Black Marsh , a wild marshland in southeastern Tamriel . Strangely connected to the Hist , a race of sentient trees, they are largely misunderstood and considered alien to the other races of the continent. Even so, they are well known for their swift swimming, agility, cunning, immunity to disease and poison, and their capability of breathing underwater, marking them as dangerous guerrilla warriors that are fiercely protective of their home. Like every race, they have their own unique naming convention . Primary Stats +1 Endurance +1 Speed +1 Athletics +1 Intuition -2 Speechcraft +1 Slashing Resistance +5 Argonian Lotus Tolerance Subraces Sarpa Your character is a Sarpa, a feathered, raptor-like form of Argonian. +1 Intimidation -1 Athletics Naga Your character is a Naga, a scaled, serpent-like form of Argonian. +1 Agility -1 Speed Histless Your character is Histless; they were born outside of Black Marsh, and have never communed with the Hist. +1 Speechcraft -1 Intuition Dummy Text. Appearance & Culture Foreign Views The Province of Black Marsh Religion It is believed that the Hist gave Argonians a physical form similar to that of Men and Mer, so as to make their co-existence possible, from their primeval Ancestor Lizard form. But even then, any other race of Tamriel would describe the Argonians in the same way: features of lizards, amphibians, fish, or even birds. Among the most common physical traits, the Saxhleel can have webbed hands and feet, feathers, gills, spiky protuberances of bone, fins, and horns. Every Argonian has a body covered in scales, a reptilian tail, and small lidless eyes. The gender of the Saxhleel is referred to as "life-phase," and it is said that it can change at the request of any individual to the Hist. Even though Argonians in their "female" life-phase seem to have protrusions resembling mammalian breasts, they lay eggs and have no nipples. Argonians are fond of colorful tribal wrappings , decorating themselves with spines, plumes, horns, and feathers, and occasionally dressing up their tails. Culture The Argonian natives of Black Marsh prefer to be called "Saxhleel" instead of "Argonian" when referring to their kind, as the latter is an Imperial term. Any Argonian hatched outside Black Marsh are referred to as Iukiul, or "assimilated people," for they cannot hear the Hist and are disconnected from the rest of their kind. Argonians who leave Black Marsh are also considered Iukiul. This largely separate existence makes it onerous for Argonians to connect with the other races, as they do not express themselves through their facial features as the other humanoids do. Argonians usually live in tribes, each having their own customs, roles, and differing appearances. All tribes are united in their reverence and centralization around Hist trees, however. The Hist guides and nurtures the Saxhleel, sheltering their settlements and their eggs, providing sap for their rituals, and in turn, their people serve the Hist. Every tribe is led by a tree-minder who tends to the tribe's Hist and communicates with it by interpreting signs sent by the Hist. The life of an Argonian begins when a clutch of eggs is conceived by a mated pair. In colder climates, eggs hatch internally within the body, while in warmer, more suitable climates, eggs are transferred to an uxith, or nest, where they are tended to by midwives until they hatch. Hatchlings are born with the ability to walk and require less care than the young of other races. When they come of age, they undergo their Chukka-Sei, a trial of maturity that is meant to prove whether or not they are worthy of being called an adult. The trials are typically designed to test a young Argonian's skill and bravery, sometimes being conducted over the span of several days. The Saxhleel handle their dead in a very specific way. The deceased are often fitted with a wooden funerary mask and buried in the ground. A xul-vaat, or grave stake, has both honorary and practical meaning, keeping the corpse pinned and unable to rise again as an undead Bog Blight while simultaneously carrying the written story of the deceased. It tells the tale of their victories, defeats, their childhood, their friends, their dreams and their nightmares. Grave-singers tend to the dead, fashion the grave stakes, read their inscriptions, and sing the deceased a final song as a sign of respect for all those in attendance to hear. In Black Marsh, ruins of grandiose pyramid structures, referred to as xanmeers, dot the lands, bearing Wayshrines dedicated to the stars. The Argonians do not remember much about their people during the times in which they were built, having abandoned them long ago and taken to building huts of mud and woven reeds from then onward. Such architectural techniques embody their view of time and change, driving them to build structures that are intended to be temporary. Subcultures The Argonians can usually be classified into three different types: Sarpa: A feathered, raptor-like form of Argonian. Naga: A scaled, serpent-like form of Argonian. Histless: Argonians born outside of Black Marsh that have never communed with the Hist. Cultural Equivalence & Influences Much of the Argonian ancient architecture and culture is derived from the Mesoamerican civilizations of old: the Mayans and Aztec. Some small influences from Cambodia (the Khmer), Thailand (the Ayutthaya), and Indonesia (the ancient empire of Majapahit) linger in regard to their clothing. As far as physical traits go, the Argonians seem to take much inspiration from dinosaurs (the Stygimoloch) and various poisonous tropical frogs. The Argonians despise the Dunmer , and for good reason. For thousands of years, and to the current date, the Dark Elves have raided Black Marsh to take the Argonian people as slaves, dragging off entire tribes in chains, the worst being the slave raid of Thorn by the infamous House Dres . The Argonians, though mostly unsuccessful, have always resisted and retaliated against their slavers. Roughly 600 years ago, the Argonians begrudgingly aided the Nords and Dunmer in driving out Tamriel's Akaviri invaders, seeing it as an opportunity to strengthen their people. It resulted in the creation of the Ebonheart Pact , but the military alliance was not long-lasting. Shortly thereafter, high tensions bubbled over with the Altmer of the First Aldmeri Dominion who, unsuccessfully, attempted to use an anomaly known as the Mnemic Egg to commit a terrible, unforgivable crime: the severing of the link between the Argonians and the Hist in order to further their aims in the Three Banners War . They have held animosity for the High Elves ever since. 300 years ago, as a result of the Tiber War , the edges of the province of Black Marsh were assimilated into the Empire . Tiber Septim himself did not attempt to conquer the inner swamps. During the Third Era, the borders of Black Marsh have functioned mostly as a prison state, while the heart has remained outside Imperial governance. A lush, dense, foreboding, and dangerous swampland teeming with poisonous plants and violent predators, Black Marsh is the home of the Hist and the Argonian people, dotted with their tribes and ancient ruins. Foreign agricultural, colonial, and commercial ventures beyond the slave-trade of Morrowind have met with abject failure, for the Argonians' tribal organization has long been efficient, preventing them from being fully integrated into the Empire. Black Marsh has seven notable regions: Arnesia Middle Argonia Murkmire Norg-Tzel Shadowfen Thornmarsh The Ultherus Swamp Above all else, the Hist is revered by the Argonian people, and those born of Black Marsh are capable of wielding Hist-magic , which does not operate as conventional spellcraft does. They have their own creation myth centered around the idea that the world was created through the struggle of two spirits: Atak and the Great Root . Argonians believe in reincarnation; when an Argonian dies and their corpse is returned to nature, their soul returns to the Hist, where they will be reborn, thus they rarely hold grudges among tribes. They believe that any individual from any tribe may end up being reborn as one of their enemies, thus hating each other means hating themselves. Similar to the Bosmer , they live in the present and not the past or future. They care little for the concept of time, embracing change, which they call "vastei." To try and resist it is folly in their eyes, and Death is just another element of that change. A religious practice that Argonians partake in is called the dream-wallow, which is an experience that totes the lines between vision and reality, achieved through isolation and exposure to potent mind-altering herbs so that the participant may see beyond the physical realm. It is said to be capable of physically manifesting objects into the material world. The only other entity that the Argonians worship, which is a being that even the Hist acknowledges, is the embodiment of Death and the Void : Sithis . The Clutch of Nisswo , a group of wandering priests, and the Shadowscales , a monastic order of assassins and enforcers, are longstanding religious bodies that serve the Argonian people in Sithis' name.

IMPERIAL Overview Stats & Subraces Portrayal -- Imperials are the well-educated and well-spoken natives of Cyrodiil , the central province of Tamriel . They are most known for their discipline, diplomacy, respect for the law, and the training of their citizen army. Each era is known for which Empire took control over the continent, and the Emperor rules from the Imperial City . Like every race, they have their own unique naming convention . Primary Stats +2 Personality +1 Blocking +1 Slashing +1 Faith Subraces Nibenese Your character is of the Nibenese culture, known for their tattoos, religious customs, and brightly-coloured fashion. +1 Mysticism -1 Slashing Colovian Your character is of the Colovian culture, known for their hardiness, self-reliance, and warrior spirit. +1 Resolve -1 Faith Hakoshae Your character is of the Hakoshae culture, descendants of the Akaviri, known for keeping ancient Tsaesci traditions alive. +1 Lore -1 Faith Dummy Text. Appearance & Culture Foreign Views The Province of Cyrodiil Religion 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 . 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 . 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. The General Tiber Septim , under the name of Talos, led a campaign of conquest in the name of the King of Falkreath, Cuhlecain . After his king's demise, Tiber Septim continued and finished his campaign, unifying the entirety of Tamriel under his banner after last redoubts of resistance in the Summerset Isles were subjugated with the use of the Numidium in 2E 854. He then would be known as Emperor Tiber Septim and ascend to godhood as Talos, the Ninth Divine. What followed were almost three centuries of relative stability within the Imperial Provinces, with a few exceptions like the bloody War of the Red Diamond between Queen Potema, the Wolf-Queen of Solitude, and the empress Kintyra II. The Empire lost and won land back and forth, with the exception of the defeat of the Elven empress Katariah , who led a punitive campaign against the provice of Black Marsh that resulted in the death of the empress and the secession of the land of the Argonians in 3E 200. The most recent important event was the invasion of Akavir by the emperor Uriel V , in 3E 268. The preparations lasted for two decades until 3E 288, when the invasion was launched. At first it was a great success, the imperial hosts capturing two cities which would be renamed to Septimia and Ionith . Uriel V's plans would be foiled, however, with the Battle of Ionith in 3E 290 when the Emperor was ambushed and decided to hold off the Tsaesci forces along with a small cohost to allow the rest of his army to retreat, dying a heroic death. The Emperor's death has led to political instability within the inner circle of the Empire, with the now Empress-Regent Thonica leading the Empire in the stead of her infant son Uriel VI, while in reality the Elder Council rules the Empire. The home of the Imperial race covers several regions of various biomes; The Nibenay Basin The Great Forest The Colovian Highlands The West Weald The Gold Coast The Jerall Mountains The Valus Mountains Blackwood It is split between 10 City-States; Anvil is an important but lawless port city that declared its independence 100 years ago. Bravil is a traditional Nibenese city still loyal to what remains of the Empire and overseen by a Mayor. Bruma is far to the north, perpetually covered in snow and influenced greatly by its Nordic neighbors. Cheydinhal is the youngest and smallest city, located far to the east. Chorrol is a focal point for merchants and trading. The Imperial City is the heart of every empire as well as Cyrodiil proper. Originally built by Ayleids, the White-Gold Tower marks the iconic center of the city, where the emperor rules. Kvatch is home to the Order of the Hour and is one of the oldest cities. Leyawiin is located in a swampy area and credited with the creation of the Imperial Bear Cavalry . It remains a chokehold for large vessels trying to travel up the Nibenay River . Skingrad is known as the "Gem of Old Colovia," representing the virtues and values of Colovians. Its vineyards are heralded for the best wines in the region. Sutch is the largest city and trade center in Cyrodiil, second only to the capital. The Imperial Cult is the main religion in Cyrodiil. It consists of The Nine Divines , also known as Aedra and Shezzar , the Missing God. Other deities that are considered part of the Imperial Cult are Reman, The Cyrodiil , a cultural god-hero, and Morihaus , the lover of Saint Alessia and son of Kynareth. The latest addition to the Imperial pantheon was Talos , the hero-god that founded the Third Empire. Akatosh the Dragon God of Time and chieftain of the Divines. Arkay the God of Cycles, specifically that of life and death. Dibella the Goddess of Beauty, Art, and Music. Julianos the God of Wisdom, Logic, and Magic. Kynareth the Goddess of the Heavens, Winds, Sea, and Rain. Mara the Goddess of Love, Fertility, and Agriculture. Stendarr the God of Mercy and Justice. Zenithar the God of Honest Work, Commerce, and Wealth. Talos the God of Mankind. The Imperial Saints are pious individuals venerated by the Imperial Cult. They are believed to be blessed by the Divines with a second sight to see the world differently. They are buried in graves in Green Emperor Way . Saint Alessia , Patron Saint of Humanity. Saint Balyna , Patron Saint of Mara. Saint Coellicia , Patron Saint of Martyrdom. Saint Jahn, known by the plant St. Jahn's Wort . Saint Kaladas the Architect , Patron Saint of Zenithar. Saint Pelinal Whitestrake , the Divine Crusader. Saint Topal the Pilot , Patron Saint of Leyawiin and the first known Aldmer to explore Tamriel. Imperials have a history of restricting, and even banning, any faith that isn't the Divines . Despite this, there are several cults outside of this popular pantheon. Daedric Princes are controversial, though despite this, they aren't banned in Cyrodiil due to the Charter Act with the Mages Guild allowing them to summon daedra . The Colovians, known for being especially loyal to the Divines, hate the daedra and their worshipers while the Nibenese are far more inclined to worship them. Sethiete , also called 'Seth,' is worshiped across Tamriel. Several faiths were banned after the Alessian Rebellion , falling out of favor even well into the Second and Third Empire. Magnus is recognized as an Aedra, but he is not worshiped because, "Though He gave much, He did not give all." His gift of magic is considered a dubious contribution. Y'ffre . Sheor . Phynaster is considered heretical and still prohibited. Sithis , despite being recognized across Tamriel, isn't publicly worshiped, save by assassin guilds.

Factions Guilds FACTIONS Below are the factions holding influence upon the Gold Coast at the end of the Third Era , that Narration seeks to put a spotlight on for this season. These are political entities with a firm agenda, who seek to further their authority and achieve their goals. You do not have to join any of them. Membership is optional, though they do come with boons, as you will be subject to conflict more than a character who is unaffiliated. You may only belong to one faction publicly at a time, though infiltration, deception, and secretive membership is possible. Each faction has five ranks that can be achieved, and ascension to the next rank is based off how high your Reputation is within that faction. Reputation is earned by performing faction related quests, participating in faction related events, and hunting down the enemies of your faction. Upon reaching the highest rank, you will receive an ability unique to your faction. THE CITY OF KVATCH +1 Speechcraft Whether a common citizen seeking safety and fortune, a petty noble vying for influence, or a guard dedicating your life to protecting your fellow city folk, you may find purpose and opportunity within the walls of the City of Akatosh . Shadows close in around the bastion, however, seeking to topple it. Can you help defend Kvatch and its prosperity? THE IMPERIAL LEGION +1 Athletics The primary fighting force of the Empire , the Ruby Ranks operate under the authority of the Emperor himself. They are considered one of the greatest armies ever assembled ― impressive in both their numbers and the quality of their training and discipline. Their main charge is to preserve the peace and rule of law, standing as a garrison against any and all threats against Imperial well-being. Do you have what it takes to be a legionnaire? THE IMPERIAL CULT Known mostly as The Church within Cyrodiil, the Imperial Cult reveres and carries forth the will of The Nine Divines , bringing divine inspiration and consolation to as many as they can. While not preoccupied with preaching and worship, they take pride in rooting out the heretics of their faith: daedra, undead, and lycanthropes. The most prevalent of these militant forces on the Gold Coast is the Order of the Hour . Will you spread the good word of The Nine? +1 Faith THE MYTHIC DAWN +1 Potential Worshipers of the Daedric Prince of Destruction, Mehrunes Dagon , the Mythic Dawn is a secretive and violent cult that seeks to liberate Tamriel from the rule of the Aedra , whom they believe were the original betrayers and usurpers of the late Lorkhan . Do you see the lies that the Empire, and the very gods, are built upon? Do you have the cunning and determination to carry forth a revolution that would change the world? THE UNFEATHERED +1 Spell Potency Word has spread of a host of towering, arcane knights in golden, gleaming armour, stationed in the Ayleid ruins of Garlas Malatar . Though their intentions and agenda are unknown, they are avidly hunting the undead and are seeking recruits, offering power and knowledge in exchange for servitude to their master: Umaril the Unfeathered, Champion of Meridia . Are you drawn by their enigmatic allure? THE WORM CULT Necromancers driven by a lust for power, they refer to themselves as the Order of the Black Worm . They follow the footsteps of their historically infamous leader, Mannimarco , who ascended into godhood as the Necromancer's Moon only 15 years prior, seeking mastery over death, to surpass mortality. Holding the age-old grudges of their master, they are directly opposed to the Mages Guild and seek to destroy and thwart them at every turn. Do you seek the power over life and death? +1 Necromancy GUILDS Below are the joinable guilds for the current season. These are mostly neutral, though professional, organizations. Membership is optional, though they do come with boons, as they are public entities willing to help those who dedicate themselves to their missions. You may only belong to one guild publicly at a time, though infiltration, deception, and secretive membership is possible. Each guild has five ranks that can be achieved, and ascension to the next rank is based off how high your Reputation is within that guild. Reputation is earned by performing guild related quests. Ascending through the ranks will get you easier access to equipment. You may belong to a guild and a faction simultaneously. THE FIGHTERS GUILD +1 Resolve A professional organization chartered by the Emperor to regulate the training and hiring of mercenaries across the Empire, the Fighters Guild is serviced to protect and support commerce by driving away monsters, beasts, and bandits, for the Legion cannot be everywhere at all times. THE MAGES GUILD +1 Lore A professional organization dedicated to the study of magicka and alchemy , who aid one another's experiments and research by pooling together their collective funds. They are mandated by the Empire to provide magical services and training to the public. Only two years ago, Archmage Hannibal Traven has banned the practice of necromancy under threat of imprisonment and death, and has sought to actively hunt them. THE THIEVES GUILD +1 Security Also known as the Children of the Shadows and the Fingers of the Fox, the Thieves Guild is a clandestine organization of professional criminals. They are actively hunted by city watchmen and the Imperial Legion, forced to gather in secret hideouts to plan their schemes. Those within the guild are not killers, taking pride in having honor amongst thieves. They take pity on the poor and target wholescale settlements rather than individuals.

BIRTHSIGNS WARRIOR THE The first Guardian Constellation, The Warrior protects his charges during their Seasons. The Warrior's own season is Last Seed when his Strength is needed for the harvest. His Charges are the Lady, the Steed, and the Lord. Those born under the sign of the Warrior are skilled with weapons of all kinds, but prone to short tempers. +1 Strength, +1 Resolve MAGE THE A Guardian Constellation whose Season is Rain's Hand when magicka was first used by men. His Charges are the Apprentice, the Atronach, and the Ritual. Those born under the Mage have more magicka and talent for all kinds of spellcasting, but are often arrogant and absent-minded. +1 Intelligence, +1 Intimidation THIEF THE The last Guardian Constellation, and her Season is the darkest month of Evening Star. Her Charges are the Lover, the Shadow, and the Tower. Those born under the sign of the Thief are not typically thieves, though they take risks more often and only rarely come to harm. They will run out of luck eventually, however, and rarely live as long as those born under other signs. +1 Agility, +1 Intuition LADY THE The Lady is one of the Warrior's Charges and her Season is Heartfire. Those born under the sign of the Lady are kind and tolerant. +1 Willpower, +1 Speechcraft APPRENTICE THE The Apprentice's Season is Sun's Height. Those born under the sign of the apprentice have a special affinity for magick of all kinds, but are more vulnerable to magick as well. +1 Willpower, +15 Magicka, -2 Magic Resistance LOVER THE The Lover is one of the Thief's Charges and her season is Sun's Dawn. Those born under the sign of the Lover are graceful and passionate. +1 Personality, +1 Initiative STEED THE The Steed is one of the Warrior's Charges, and her Season is Mid Year. Those born under the sign of the Steed are impatient and always hurrying from one place to another. +1 Endurance, +1 Athletics ATRONACH THE The Atronach (often called the Golem) is one of the Mage's Charges. Its season is Sun's Dusk. Those born under this sign are naturally enduring and resilient against magic. +1 Endurance, +1 Magic Resistance SHADOW THE The Shadow's Season is Second Seed. The Shadow grants those born under her sign the ability to hide in shadows. +1 Agility, +1 Illusion LORD THE The Lord's Season is First Seed and he oversees all of Tamriel during the planting. Those born under the sign of the Lord are stronger and healthier than those born under other signs. +1 Endurance, +1 Faith RITUAL THE The Ritual is one of the Mage's Charges and its Season is Morning Star. Those born under this sign have a natural attunement to the aspects of the moons and the Divines. +1 Willpower, +1 Lore TOWER THE The Tower is one of the Thief's Charges and its Season is Frostfall. Those born under the sign of the Tower have a knack for finding gold and can open locks of all kinds. +1 Endurance, +1 Security SERPENT THE The Serpent wanders about in the sky and has no Season, though its motions are predictable to a degree. No characteristics are common to all who are born under the sign of the Serpent. Those born under this sign are the most blessed and the most cursed. +2 Luck, +1 Fate, +1 Intimidation -2 Endurance, -1 Willpower