Lore:Breton

Illustration of a typical Breton male

Bretons (from the Ehlnofex "beratu" meaning half, also known as the Manmeri) are a human race of elven ancestry that inhabits High Rock. They are united in culture and language, but divided politically, for High Rock is fractious. Bretons make up the peasantry, soldiery, and magical elite of the feudal kingdoms competing for power within High Rock. Bretons are known for proficiency in abstract thinking and have a quick and perceptive grasp of spellcraft, enchantment, and alchemy. Even the humblest of Bretons can boast a high resistance to destructive and dominating magical energies. This natural affinity for the magical arts is attributed to their Elven blood.

Bretons, by and large, are pale-skinned and slight humans, less muscular than Nords and Redguards, and possess more defined features such as high cheekbones, pronounced brow ridges, and bony fingers. Despite their politically fractious society, the Bretons are unified by language, bardic traditions, and heroic tales. Due to their mixed heritage, they are sometimes disparagingly termed a "mongrel race".

HistoryEdit

OriginEdit

High Rock, home of the Bretons

Bretondom originated from Nedes and Aldmer interbreeding. The Nedic ancestors of the Bretons were known as the Druids of Galen, who adhered to the True Way (or Druidism), in which one is to lead a life connecting with and valuing the natural world. Naturally, Y'ffre took the forefront of their faith, with some reverence also being shown to the stars. Guided by a line of druidic kings, these Nedes survived in ancient High Rock by tapping into, nurturing, and terraforming nature. There is evidence of human settlements in High Rock dating back at least a thousand years before recorded history. Archaeological excavations have dated the ruins of Nedic habitation to as early as ME 1000, predating Ysgramor by centuries. The Nedes of Stormhaven had strained relations with the neighboring Orc clans, as well as each other.

The elven ancestry of Bretomdom comes from the Aldmer that settled High Rock sparsely and in very specific locations, the most successful being Clan Direnni, who came to the province from the Summerset Isles in the Middle Merethic Era and captured the Adamantine Tower. Some believe the Direnni were following their destiny to rule from Balfiera, while others believed that they were exiled. Regardless, the Nedes arrived in High Rock afterwards, and encountered the Aldmer gradually with a variety of reactions and outcomes.

The Direnni didn't enslave the Nedes as the Ayleids of Cyrodiil did; instead, they ruled them as a noble caste. The elves established a system of feudal vassalage over their new subjects and took Nedic concubines. They inevitably interbred with their human subjects, producing half-elven children. The children begat from these unions weren't adopted by their Direnni parents, as they were considered sub-mer. Instead, they were given privileged positions among the Nedes, which eventually lead to a recognizable mixed-blood human caste dubbed "Bretons", from the Ehlnofex "beratu", meaning "half". These Bretons were only allowed to marry humans. Over time, their elven blood thinned, and their human features became more prominent. While the Aldmer maintained control of Tamriel, the Manmeri lived as lower-class citizens. Clan Direnni coexisted peacefully with their Nedic and half-elven subjects, and the Nedes of High Rock flourished alongside the elves.

Some Nedic devotional idols from this period depict Mara as an elven woman in a lover's embrace with a man, suggesting Aldmeri culture may have been welcomed with relatively open arms.

First EraEdit

Early Direnni RuleEdit

A male Breton displaying a remnant of elven blood: pointed ears (ESO)

According to some sources, the Direnni themselves were actually Bretons rather than Aldmer. The earliest written account of the existence of a Breton was that of the savant Voernet during the year 1E 20, when he traveled to Artaeum to meet with Iachesis, the Ritemaster of the Psijic Order.

Written in 1E 200, the Tamrilean Tractates speak of an early encounter between a Nord hunting party and the Bretons. The Bretons were scarcely recognizable as Men, and the Nords attacked them thinking they were another strain of Aldmeri. The Nords ceased their assault when one of the Bretons spoke in broken Nordic, and the hunting party brought word of this "newly discovered" race of Men back to Windhelm. The Nords believed the Manmeri from beyond the Reach were descended from human slaves taken during the Night of Tears. King Vrage made it the First Empire of the Nords' main priority to liberate the Bretons from their elven masters. Vrage's campaign brought him as far as the Bjoulsae, but Clan Direnni's mages impeded their progress, and the elves were aided in battle by many of their Breton vassals. The Skyrim Conquests brought some of High Rock under Nordic control around 1E 246, though they would lose control around 1E 369 as a result of Skyrim's War of Succession. They apparently never controlled Wayrest, which likely wasn't founded until several hundred years later.

Sometime during this time period, the Manmer would begin to split into three groups. Sisterhoods repulsed by the Direnni became the Wyrd Covens when they retreated away from civilization, and embraced the more primal aspects of nature. The final split came from the druids themselves around 1E 330, when two major powers vowed for control of High Rock. The rising Direnni Hegemony did not take kindly to the attempts for druidic governance of the province, and the Alessian Order persecuted them as they deviated from their religion. Following the guidance of a song or an Elder Scroll, the Druids of Galen split from their mainland brethren and journeyed into the Systres, and a few opted to remain on the mainland. Some druids seek to restore the soul of Bretondom by returning their city-dwelling brethren back to their druidic roots, as they are prone to destroying nature, as well as causing bloodshed through wars. The Wyrd Covens however would remain distant, seldom acknowledging their shared heritage, and would come to see the druids as nothing more than "barons in ivy robes".

Triquetra

When the Druids of Galen arrived to the Systres, the Draoife terraformed a barren volcanic island into a lush and verdant volcanic paradise and named it Y'ffelon. The druids then swiftly expanded across the archipelago into the three other islands, sprouting life where it was once barren. The dissolution of the Druids of Galen was brought about with the event known as the "three mornings of sail", where priest-navigators set out to sea on enchanted vessels outside the archipelago. Their outside experiences and their interactions with different races resulted in three sects developing, each with their own interpretation of Y'ffre's will; the Stonelore, Eldertide, and Firesong Circles. No longer bound to a line of druidic kings, their symbology disappeared almost overnight. Despite their separation, to symbolize their unity matters more and that they share the same goals, the druidic circles came to shaping knot-work into a triquetra, a symbol that would become adopted by civilized Bretons.

The Direnni HegemonyEdit

Circa 1E 355, the Direnni Hegemony rose to power in the province through political maneuvering and devious machinations. Ryain Direnni purchased the Isle of Balfiera in 1E 461. He also led Clan Direnni to conquer all of High Rock by 1E 477. Ryain and his Breton legions were the first to sack the Orc hold of Orsinium.

As the Direnni Hegemony expanded geographically, the elves, who were few in number, passed increasing powers of administration to the Breton caste. Clan Direnni was inspired to outlaw the religion of the Alessian Reform by Rislav's victory against Emperor Gorieus, and began pushing into Imperial territory. The timeframe between 1E 480 and 1E 482 would see a coming conflict with the Alessian Order. Seeing the threat the Order posed, Aiden Direnni signed the Rights Charter out of necessity, in efforts to muster troops for the coming conflict. Aiden Direnni's army defeated the Alessians on the 8th of Sun's Dawn at the Battle of Glenumbria Moors in 1E 482 with the assistance of Breton knights and the last Ayleid king. The Bretons of the Glenumbra Moors celebrate the Day of Release to commemorate this victory. A popular song from the Second Era memorializes the Bretons' role in turning the tide against the Alessian generals, and commemorated the Direnni clansmen who were instrumental in defending High Rock.

Eventually, the differences in the beliefs of the three major drudic circles nearly led to conflict. This however was stopped by the appearance of a common enemy, the Sinistral Elves, who arrived at High Isle to flee the latest wave of Yokudan immigrants. Their invasion was temporarily halted when Y'ffelon's volcano of Mount Firesong erupted somewhere around 1E 668. Regardless, the Sinistral Elves took over the Systres, and the druidic circles were forced into hiding. With the coming of the Ra Gada in 1E 785, what remained of the Elves were purged, and the Yokudans quickly left the island to go eastward, to seek glory in Hammerfell. In the end, only the druids were remained, a mere shell of what they once were.

The End of the Direnni HegemonyEdit

Thoroughly spent, the Direnni eventually retreated to Balfiera. Most of High Rock would be under Breton control by 1E 498, though the elves would be accepted and allowed to remain in the province for most of the Second Era. The Bretons' rise to prominence in High Rock initially started through villages being founded in tactical locations, such as Wayrest, which started as a fishing hamlet. Nordic cities such as Camlorn became Breton due to assimilation from the growing Breton population as opposed to conquest. Over time, the emerging Bretons absorbed the remaining Nordic population in High Rock, and the land would be definitively Breton by the end of the First Era.

Balfiera, home of Clan Direnni

Though the province was in Breton hands, it was by no means a cohesive nation. Clan Direnni's retreat to Balfiera left a vacancy in the way of a united government, and High Rock was left with a hundred fiefdoms to squabble over power. The elf-blooded nobility of Greater Bretony took up the mantle Clan Direnni left behind, maintaining the feudal hierarchy their elven predecessors forged and placing their noble families, the oldest of whom the strongest elven blood flowed strongly within, in the position of aristocracy. The new noble class, consisting of highborn Bretons, justified their ascension to aristocracy and the preservation of the peasant class by disassociating themselves from their elven heritage. The Bretons vilified the Direnni, and redefined themselves around the notion that they were not elves. The Breton nobility fabricated a history of noble resistance to Direnni rule to suit the narrative that Breton cultural identity had no elven roots. In time, a merchant class sprouted and thrived, trading around Tamriel's coasts.

During the late-fifth century, violence against the Direnni began under King Festrien Spenard I. Supported by vassals from House Aurmine, the despot king's Knights of the Pale Order slaughtered the Direnni wholesale during the latter years of their flight from High Rock. Knights of the Pale Order kept lists of Direnni warriors and magisters they slew. In spite of the vilification of the Direnni and disassociation from their elven heritage, at least some Bretons would continue to emphasize their elven blood.

Bretons on the World StageEdit

Baloth Bloodtusk and Gaiden Shinji, assassinated by King Joile's general during the Siege of Orsinium

Orsinium was built on the boundary between western Wrothgar and Rivenspire in the tenth century of the First Era. King Golkarr of the Orcs amassed an army and was determined to seize control of the Bjoulsae River, upon which the nomadic Breton Bjoulsae River Tribes lived. They intended to force Wayrest to pay to regularly use the river for travel and trade. In 1E 948, King Joile of Daggerfall sent a letter to Gaiden Shinji of the Order of Diagna, proposing a joint attack on Orsinium. Joile cited that the Orcs were raiding along the Bjoulsae and impeding traffic to the heart of the land as reason enough to make war against the Orcs. Agreeing to provide aid, an alliance was formed between the Order of Diagna and the armies of Daggerfall and Sentinel. The armies amassed and began a 30-year long campaign for the destruction of Orc's homeland known as the Siege of Orsinium. In that time, King Joile planned to betray the Redguards and invade Hammerfell. Joile and his Reachman general Mercedene enacted a plot to kill Gaiden Shinji and Orcish hero Baloth Bloodtusk, which succeeded, despite the efforts of Daggerfall's own Knights of the Dragon to stop the attempt and their defeat of General Mercedene. In 1E 973, Joile's invasion of Hammerfell proceeded, but he was stopped by the Ansei warrior Makela Leki at the Bangkorai Pass. The Orcs prize Mammoth tusks, and the Breton soldiers plundered ivory from Old Orsinium after they sacked the city. The Daggerfall ivory trade helped fuel the Bjoulsae economic expansion that brought High Rock to prominence in the years following the Siege of Orsinium.

In 1E 1029, Empress Hestra pursued the Gray Host from Verkarth to the Bangkorai Pass, where the Bretons held the line and fractured the undead forces, easing the Empire's hunt. Hestra was impressed, and offered High Rock admission into the First Empire, which they accepted. Thus, the Bretons joined the Empire of Men and accepted Alessia's Eight Divines.

The All Flags Navy

Seeking vengeance for Tamriel for the Thrassian Plague that was unleashed by the Sload, the Colovian King of Anvil, Bendu Olo, was granted an Imperial fleet by the emperor of the Alessian Empire, and looked to other races to bolster the size of the fleet. The Bretons lent their sailors and warships to help in the formation of this fleet, which became known as the All Flags Navy. Sometime around 1E 2243, the Navy arrived in the Systres Archipelago, where they established a naval base and shipyard within High Isle's Gonfalon Bay, which dwarfed others created for this conflict. The local Stonelore Circle also lent a ship and druids for the coming conflict. After various skirmishes evolved into the eventual final assault on Thras in 1E 2260. The entire landmass was sunk into the ocean, with half of the fleet being caught within the giant whirlpool. The remaining influential figures returned to the Systres, where these representatives of each race signed the Concordat of Fraternity on All Flags Islet, in hopes to bring about peace and cooperation.

Angry merchants from Wayrest called their fellow Bretons to secede from the Alessian Empire circa 1E 2300, citing prejudice against elven heritage. They emphasized the increasing Imperial tithes to support their position. High Rock formally reasserted its independence in 1E 2305 in response to the Alessian Order's excesses. The Legions of Piety and Grace were sent to Bangkorai under Abbot-General Priscus Mactator to suppress the Bretons, but the Imperials fell at the Bangkorai Garrison. High Rock was independent once more, but the secession was not a clean break. The Alessian collapse struck the stubborn Bretons harder than the other races, as they had no unified governing structure. Warring fiefs would rage across the peninsula in the coming centuries, and pretender-kings attempted to assume control in place of the Alessians.

Although the Systres were claimed by Bendu Olo as an extension of Colovia after theb All Flags Navy's victory over the Sload, the War of Righteousness caused the archipelago to be sold by the Colovian Estates to High Rock coin-barons Circa 1E 2327. With this acquisition, Duchess Martinne Guimard became ruler over the archipelago, and in 1E 2328, named the largest island High Isle in honor of High Rock. The Systres remained in Breton hands despite later changing ownership from House Guimard to House Mantel. In 1E 2484, Mount Firesong erupted once more, devastating the island and killing many of the inhabitants. What changed was a shift of political power, for those in the lower classes were most affected by the starvation and illnesses. What followed was a renaissance of Druidism, for it was the Stonelore Circle that pulled the city folk out of the brink of death, helping them in the creation sprawling pastoral and agricultural operations. This time period was referred to as the Green Years.

The Second Empire was established in 1E 2703 after Reman Cyrodiil suppressed the Akaviri invasion of Tamriel at the battle of Pale Pass. With the Akaviri's number and their tactics boosting his ranks, Reman continued on to pacify the rest of Tamriel. High Rock was already weakened by the Akaviri invasion, and an alliance known as the League of Unrest was created between Daggerfall, Wayrest, and Balfiera, to stop Reman's forces. They were defeated however, and Reman formed modern-day Cyrodiil using the Colovian Estates, Nibenay and parts of High Rock. Though conquered, High Rock's virulent sectarianism would remain intact. The distant shores of the Systres were also affected, as in 1E 2704, the Reman Empire reclaimed the archipelago, ending the Green Years when they reinstalled Breton coin-barons as the rulers.

As part of the Second Empire, High Rock's soldiers participated in the 80-year Four Score War against Morrowind. In 1E 2920, the final year of the War and First Era, the Breton Storig of Farrun commanded Emperor Reman III's vanguard at the Battle of Bodrum, where the Imperial army suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Dunmer. At the same time, a Breton man named Cassyr Whitley of Dwynnen defected from the Imperial army and spied on the Dunmer's behalf. After Whitley's faulty information cost Morrowind the fortress of Ald Marak, he returned to High Rock, where he crossed paths with Dunmeri exile Turala. After Turala's coven and child were lost to an Orcish raid, Whitley falsely convinced the woman that the attack was the work of assassins in the employ of Duke Brindisi Dorom of Mournhold, prompting her to summon Mehrunes Dagon in a misguided act of revenge.

Second EraEdit

High Rock prospered under Reman in the Second Empire. The Guild Act signed by Potentate Versidue-Shaie in 2E 321 standardized regulation of trade and transactions across the Empire, and was adopted as de facto law across Tamriel, including in High Rock. King Casimir II of Wayrest formed an alliance with a Dragon named Nahfahlaar some time during the second century, which was ended by the Dragonguard in 2E 369. Circa 2E 428, High Rock was plagued by a werewolf crises that would become known as the Curse of the Crimson Moon, leading to the creation of the Order of the Silver Dawn, which is dedicated to hunting werebeasts.

The InterregnumEdit

The Second Empire collapsed in 2E 430, marking the start of the Interregnum. Left without a Dragonborn Emperor, the Empire of Cyrodiil was continually passed back and forth among petty warlords for centuries. High Rock fared much better than the other provinces at this time, despite being fractious in nature. Another Orsinium was accepted as a territory of the Second Empire during the reign of the Akaviri Potentate Savirien-Chorak. During that brief period, Frostbreak Fortress was built to help defend it. After the assassination of Savirien-Chorak in 2E 430, Orsinium lost its status and protection as an Imperial territory, resulting in another sacking of the city in 2E 431, an assault which was spearheaded by the Bretons of Shornhelm. The Bretons seized control of the land and scattered the Orcs across northern Tamriel.

King Emeric Cumberland, leader of the Daggerfall Covenant

In 2E 542, the Reachmen under Durcorach the Black Drake invaded High Rock, sacking Evermore and Camlorn. They were defeated at the gates of Daggerfall by Emeric of Cumberland, which led to the formation of the first Daggerfall Covenant, signed by the kings of Daggerfall, Camlorn, Shornhelm, Wayrest and Evermore. In 2E 563 Emeric became the king of Wayrest. Three years later, king Ranser of Shornhelm invaded Wayrest, angry at Emeric for rejecting his daughter's hand to instead wed Maraya, the daughter of King Fahara'jad. He was defeated at Markwasten Moor by the forces of the Covenant with the help of the Orcs, who were promised to have Orsinium returned for their aid. The Orcs aiding King Emeric would push Ranser over the edge, and he ordered his Spymaster to round up many Orcs in Rivenspire to be interrogated and executed. The Spymaster would end up murdering hundreds of innocent Orcs during the course of Ranser's War.

These events led to the formation of the Greater Daggerfall Covenant, which was an alliance between Emeric, the Redguard king Fahara'jad and the Orcish king Kurog gro-Orsinium. King Kurog demanded restitution for the ivory looted by the Bretons during the Siege of Orsinium as part of his terms for the Orcs to join the Daggerfall Covenant. Trade flourished under the alliance, making the Covenant an economic powerhouse. The Covenant later fought in the Alliance War during King Emeric's bid for the throne of Cyrodiil. The kings of the Daggerfall Covenant looked to Reman as a model Emperor, and saw themselves as the spiritual heirs to the Second Empire.

Race relations between the Bretons and Orcs improved during the Covenant's existence, despite the persistence of anti-Orc sentiment. Focused on "restoring the glory of Reman's legacy", the Covenant cited its focus on freedom, worship of the Divines, and primacy of trade as reasons it was meant to be the center of Cyrodiil's power.

The Tiber WarsEdit

During the Tiber Wars, a Nord-Breton alliance captured Sancre Tor in 2E 852. General Talos recaptured the city and integrated the Nordic forces, impressed by his thu'um, into his own army. He executed the Breton leadership, and variously executed, enslaved, and sent the Breton forces back to High Rock. Those Bretons who remained sought to counter Talos with Reach-magic, and in 2E 854 , entrusted a Reachman to assassinate Cuhlecain and his general. Talos survived the attack, and went on to found the Third Empire—though The Arcturian Heresy claims Talos himself slew Cuhlecain, and placed the blame on his enemies.

At some point in their history, the Bretons were ruled by witch-kings. Talos, now known as Tiber Septim, would easily conquer the squabbling Breton kingdoms, but would find it impossible to truly squash the sectarian conflicts between them that hampered trade and prosperity. Septim opted to entrust a governor of his choosing to end the feud between High Rock's witch-kings, which was a successful endeavor.

Third EraEdit

Since most Emperors in the Third Era were Bretons, or had spent their youth in High Rock, Bretons were generally supportive of Imperial rule, but were often disgruntled by its inefficacy at protecting them from violent conflicts. By the Third Era, there were eight major Breton kingdoms in the province of High Rock: Daggerfall, Camlorn, Wayrest, Shornhelm, Northpoint, Evermore, Farrun, and Jehanna.

The decentralized nature of Breton society has also given it surprising resilience during times of upheaval or chaos. One of the best examples of this was illustrated during the defeat of the Camoran Usurper, when four of the smaller Breton city-states—Dwynnen, Kambria, Phrygias, and Ykalon—led a united force of Bretons that managed to halt the Usurper's inexorable northward advance and finally defeated him in the Battle of Firewaves in 3E 267. Baron Othrok had already gained fame for his defeat of the Lich of Castle Wightmoor during the Battle of Wightmoor fourteen years prior, leading to the founding of the modern barony of Dwynnen which would eventually grow to be one of the more powerful city-states in western High Rock.

The Battle of Cryngaine Field

Other wars which occurred in High Rock during this Era included the War of the Bend'r-mahk in 3E 397, in which Skyrim conquered land in the east including the Kingdom of Jehanna. It later came to light that Jagar Tharn was behind Skyrim's aggression, and when Emperor Uriel Septim VII regained his throne following the Imperial Simulacrum, efforts were taken by the Empire to restore the damage caused by the war, and the Bretons presumably regained control of Jehanna at this time. At the other end of High Rock, the War of Betony was fought between Daggerfall and Sentinel over the island of Betony in 3E 405. The Battle of Cryngaine Field resulted in Daggerfall's victory, though at the cost of King Lysandus of Daggerfall's life. His son and heir Gothryd was crowned the new king of Daggerfall after the war.

The Numidium, responsible for the Warp in the West

On the 7th of Frostfall in 3E 417, as a consequence of actions undertaken by the Agent, the Warp in the West occurred. The roughly two dozen city-states comprising southwestern High Rock were suddenly, forcefully, and mysteriously united into two kingdoms: Daggerfall and Wayrest, with Orsinium taking control of part of the Wrothgarian Mountains in central High Rock. The Warp in the West reduced the amount of squabbling kingdoms in High Rock from "a hundred" to about five; according to Imperial sources, it was the most unified High Rock had ever been.

Fourth EraEdit

In the early Fourth Era, following the Oblivion Crisis and the destabilization of the Third Empire, the combined forces of Hammerfell and High Rock sacked Orsinium, leading many Orc refugees to flee east into Skyrim.

High Rock was still part of the Empire when Titus Mede II ascended the throne of Cyrodiil in 4E 168. High Rock assisted Hammerfell during the Great War. The Third Aldmeri Dominion took Hammerfell's southern coastline, leaving Hegathe the lone surviving state. Those who survived the March of Thirst joined Legion reinforcements from High Rock in northern Hammerfell in 4E 173, and the Dominion suffered losses in the province soon after. The Dominion withdrew from the Redguards' home in 4E 174. Forces comprised of Redguards, Imperials, Nords and Bretons participated in the The Battle of the Red Ring in 4E 175. It was the climax of the war, and the last major conflict to occur before the signing of the White-Gold Concordat.

Corsairs sack Wayrest (Legends)

In 4E 188, King Barynia of Wayrest was overcome by paranoia when rumors of conspiracy reached his ears. He purposely left his city vulnerable to outside attacks, hoping his enemies would be killed in the chaos. His actions led to the sack of Wayrest by Breton corsairs. The city's nobles hired an assassin from the Dark Brotherhood amid the conflict, though Barynia's fate is ultimately unknown. The corsairs raided and destroyed the Dark Brotherhood sanctuary hidden in Wayrest, and departed the ruined city in the aftermath of their incursion.

Circa 4E 201, the Stormcloaks looked to their neighbors in High Rock for aid in the midst of the Skyrim Civil War. The Bretons, who had good relations with the Empire, refused to respond to the Stormcloaks.

CultureEdit

Breton fashion in 2E 582

Breton culture, despite its seeming homogeneity, is differentiable in each of High Rock's kingdoms due to the many subcultures of the regions of High Rock. For example, in the middle of the Second Era, the region of Glenumbra included Daenia, King's Guard and the Cambray Hills, which all have distinct elements in their culture that distinguish them from each other. In southern Glenumbra, Daenia is the home of the Breton's quest obsession: the practice by which young serfs or peasants perform great deeds to elevate their societal standing. Thus, Daenian tales commonly include lowly individuals going on great quests to attain respect, glory and status. Consequently, the people of Daenia are reputed as having an independent spirit. Daenia is also home to the Wyrd subculture, and nature-worshipping witches reside in the region's dense forests.

The culture of Glenumbra's Cambray Hills, most prominent in Camlorn, is a mixture of different Breton cultures. Camlorn's aristocracy is comprised mainly of poets and artists, and the region is home to the famed Cambray Hills Academy of Art. The Cambray Hills are haunted, and ghost stories abound among the populace. Camlorn has served as an open market for goods coming in from the Iliac Bay and the waters west of High Rock, dealing peacefully with Daggerfall and Wayrest to its benefit. The swamp-dwellers of the eastern bogs are the Cambray Hills' largest subculture. Though apparently originally founded during the First Era, the modern iteration of the Barony of Dwynnen would be founded by the legendary Baron Othrok in 3E 253 after the Battle of Wightmoor, and would later come to be a center of culture in this region of High Rock during the Third Era.

King's Guard comprises the northernmost portion of Glenumbra. Named for the mountains that separate Glenumbra from Rivenspire and Stormhaven, the town of Crosswych is a notable center of culture. Crosswych is in the center of trade between Glenumbra and its neighboring regions, and as such it has become a melting pot of cultural aspects from different city-states. Food and dress are elements that have adapted as a result of the town's nature as a crossroads. The Red Rook bandit clan was a subgroup that originated in King's Guard as a loose group of hunters and highwaymen that targeted caravans traveling across regional borders. Kambria is another notable city in this region, renowned for its picturesque nature and many libraries. Kambria rules over the Kambrian Highlands region, which is still dotted with the fortresses that were ruined during the Tiber Wars.

The Bretons are intelligent and individualistic. They value freedom, praising it in their tavern songs. The Propaganda of the Daggerfall Covenant during the Interregnum also put emphasis on freedom,, and in 2E 582, the people of Evermore were allowed to freely criticize Queen Arzhela and the royal family, though many of them would later be discovered to be Imperial spies working on behalf of Septima Tharn and the Seventh Legion. In the Third Era, a prolific writer named Darius Shano is also said to have criticized nobility, commoners and the Divines alike, receiving much scorn, but only being executed after ridiculing Tiber Septim.

The Reachmen of eastern High Rock and western Skyrim are thought to be partially descended from the Bretons, but diverge severely in their culture and traditions. Living in close proximity with Orcish tribes, they adopted some of their customs and wild magic, mixed with ancient Aldmeri and more recent Nordic influences. Some Reachmen have settled in towns such as Markarth and integrated with settled populations, but many still violently resist any outside occupiers of their tribal lands, calling themselves the Forsworn. They have ancient rivalries with the other human races but have the largest one with the Orcs. Like the Bretons, Aldmeri blood runs through through the Reachfolk's veins, which stems from the Direnni Hegemony's occupation of the Western Reach in the early First Era.

FamilyEdit

A Breton child

Due to the innate magical ability of Bretons, children are tested for their magical potential at an early age, and those who pass enter apprenticeship programs funded by the Mages Guild or independent sponsorships. Children are known to practice illusion spells on each other in the streets of cities such as Daggerfall. In more remote regions, such as Glenpoint and the Wrothgarian Mountains, witches and medicine men, barely distinguishable from Orcish shamans, hold sway over the superstitious peasants with feats of untutored, but often impressive, magical ability.

It is a tradition for Breton parents to keep their childrens' bronzed baby teeth in a jar as remembrances. Some Breton families have retained heirlooms from their Nedic ancestors, and tea sets are a common antiquity among Breton family heirlooms.

Breton families host annual reunions during the summer, where they gather candleflies to serve as a source of natural light during dinner before releasing them into the evening sky after dessert.

Quilting and sewing circles are examples of hobby groups one might find in High Rock. A quilt of "lost hope" may be crafted by a Breton mother and daughter to work through past regrets and sorrows. Using malachite to make needles is popular among the Bretons of Eastern High Rock.

DeathEdit

A Breton graveyard

People of the northern regions of High Rock cremate their dead without exception, while burial remains common in the south. The Breton tradition of cremating the dead dates back to the days of High Rock's witch kings. Cremated remains are commonly kept in urns.

The Bretons of the south build stone cemeteries to house their dead, and the nobility has always been interred in ornate mausoleums. Many Breton cemeteries are designed to provide direct sunlight on certain graves on highly specific high holy days on the Breton calendar. The ancient cemetery of Cath Bedraud is home to the corpses of many generations of Breton royalty, constructed in a series of concentric bands atop a hill, with the oldest, most prestigious graves positioned in the high center of the graveyard. Southern Bretons also sometimes practice mummification.

→ For more detailed information see: Breton Death Beliefs

LanguageEdit

Main Article: Breton Language

The language of the Bretons is called Bretic. It is not widely spoken anymore, but the Sephavre (sung during the observance of Broken Diamonds) is written in Old Bretic. Before High Rock's integration into the Alessian Empire circa 1E 1029, some Breton nobility were known to write in Aldmeris as a sign of their pride for their Elvish heritage.

HolidaysEdit

Two Bretons dressed for the Day of Release in Daggerfall

The Bretons have been in Tamriel since before recorded history. Their holidays have remained almost unchanged since primitive times, though new holidays have been created to replace those which have lost popularity.

• Scour Day is celebrated by villages in High Rock on the 2nd of Morning Star, the day after New Life. It was once a day to clean up after New Life, but has changed into a party of its own.

• Waking Day was invented by the people of the Yeorth Burrowland in prehistoric times to wake the spirits of nature after a long and cold winter, but has evolved into a sort of orgiastic celebration of the end of winter. The Bretons of the Burrowlands share stories about the "Terrible Torchbug of Molag Bal" the night before Waking Day which vary but share the one consistent element of a fearsome, savage entity in the presence of blue torchbugs.

• Perserverance Day is celebrated in Ykalon, originally a solemn memorial to those killed in battle while resisting the Camoran Usurper but now a boisterous festival.

• Mad Pelagius is a newer festival held in mock honor of Pelagius Septim, the mad Emperor. Pelagius was the prince of Wayrest before he became King of Solitude and later Emperor, and Bretons jokingly boast that it was his time in High Rock that drove him mad.

• Day of Release celebrates Aiden Direnni's victory over the Alessians at the Battle of Glenumbria Moors. The most cheerful celebrants don festive garb just for the occasion. The day is spent drinking, dancing, and toasting.

• Flower Day is a lively, colorful and frivolous spring celebration observed all over High Rock which is just as old, if not older than Waking Day. Children pick new flowers, while older Bretons come out to welcome the season with dancing and singing. In Camlorn, a lavish parade called the March of Beauty precedes the Flower Festival, which occurs at dusk. During the march (which starts at the Temple of Sethiete and ends at the palace), prostitutes dance down the main street, dressed provocatively and in bright colors. A circle of twelve unlit torches and baskets full of flowers and vines are arranged around Cavilstyr Rock for the Festival. At sundown, the torches are lit, and the dancers from the parade (and soon after, the crowd) begin the event by pulling petals out of the baskets and filling the air with them. The spectacle is accompanied by music and dancing.

• The celebration of Gardtide hearkens back to the old cult of the flower, as the Bretons of Tamarilyn Point hold a festival to honor Druagaa, the old goddess of flowers. Worship of the goddess is all but dead, but the celebration is always lively.

• The Day of the Dead is celebrated in Daggerfall on the 13th of Rain's Hand. It is a remnant of ancestor worship, which was a hallmark of the ancient Breton religion. The superstitious say that the dead rise on this holiday to wreak vengeance on the living.

• Marukh's Day is only observed by certain communities in Skeffington Wood. Celebrants compare themselves to the prophet Marukh and pray for the strength to resist temptation.

• The Fire Festival in Northmoor is one of the most attended celebrations in High Rock. It began as a pompous display of magic and military strength in ancient days and has become quite a festival.

• Fishing Day is a boisterous celebration held by the usually modest Bretons who live off the bounty of the Iliac Bay.

• Dancing Day is celebrated in Daggerfall on the 23rd of Mid Year, and is a celebration of great pomp and merriment for all.

• Tibedetha (meaning "Tibers Day" in middle Tamrielic) is a great party held by the lorddom of Alcaire to commemorate Tiber Septim, who is perhaps the most famous person to come out of the region.

• The Bretons of the Wrothgarian Mountains celebrate Khurat as a day when the finest young scholars are accepted into priesthoods. Those lacking children of age pray for the wisdom and benevolence of the clergy on this holiday.

• Children's Day is a celebration of youth observed in Betony which began as a memorial to the dozens of children in Betony stolen from their homes by vampires one night, never to be seen again.

A Hollowjack Horse Rider

• In the 13th of Frost Fall, Bretons along with the rest of Tamriel celebrates the Witches Festival to defy their superstitious fears. Ghosts, demons, and evil spirits are mocked and celebrated by both occult occurrences and outrageous costumes. On this day, portals between Nirn and the Daedra Lord Hollowjack's demi-plane of Detritus are opened. At night, Jaque o' the Hollow is resurrected from his hidden hollow in Rivenspire, who then proceeds to curse riders all across Tamriel to ride headless throughout the night, clutching a carved pumpkin atop their mounts. This led to his legend spreading far east past High Rock.

• Broken Diamonds is observed in Glenpoint and the Glenumbra Moors on the 23rd of Frost Fall to remember the death of Kintyra Septim II, who died while imprisoned in Glenpoint's dungeons on the order of Cephorus I. The shame of Glenpoint is overwhelming; they feel the debt has not yet been repaid. The Sephavre, a song written in Old Bretic, is sung every Broken Diamonds.

• The Moon Festival is an older holiday celebrated by the Bretons of Glenumbra Moors to honor Secunda, goddess of the moon, just as the nights are growing longer. Though she has no active worshippers, the holiday is a time of feasting and merriment.

• Bretons celebrate Saturalia, a holiday that heralds the New Life Festival. Originally a holiday held to celebrate a forgotten god of debauchery, it has transformed into a day where gifts are given, parades are held, and feasts are had.

• Sovereignty Day celebrates High Rock's independence from the First Empire. Traditionally, Bretons have picnics on Sovereignty Day. Chefs and innkeepers in High Rock sell their own picnic collations for citizens to take on such picnics.

• Red Parade takes place in honor of Saint Pelin's sacrifice at the Bangkorai Garrison, an annual celebration is held where the priest's sacrifice is reenacted.

FoodEdit

Main Article: Breton Cuisine

Donolon, a renowned Breton chef

Potage le Magnifique, a Breton dish

Breton cuisine is considered to be some of the very best in Tamriel, with many of Tamriel's greatest cooks having been Bretons. Breton cuisine takes advantage of the effects of alchemy through cooking, with specific ingredients not mattering but the principles of composition, the balance of essences, flavors, oils, and herbs; the preparation of these meals can cause them to act as a potion might.

The complexity of certain recipes means that some Breton cooks use sundials to track cooking times.

It is common practice for Breton families to store and serve cows' milk in porcelain pitchers. Goat's milk is used to make cheese by the inhabitants of Stormhaven, which Bretons prize for its moistness. Large ornate platters are used to present and serve beef roasts prepared in wine and spices for holidays.

Examples of a light Breton meal include grilled and deboned rock pigeons, combwort chutney, ballom pudding, and syllabub (milk and cider).

Art and ArchitectureEdit

A square-rigged merchant ship

Breton villages and towns are varied depending on their location, for example, buildings in mountainous regions such as Kambria are fully stone. In southwestern High Rock, buildings are comprised of wood or stone with thatched roofs. Breton cities are described as having an austere grandeur. According to Imperial sources, function is valued over form, resulting in earthen, hand-crafted dwellings free from ornament. In reality, Breton architecture often features patternwork, sometimes exceptionally ornate; basic patterns include common Breton motifs such as the trefoil and basic knotwork, while more ornate examples on buildings such as castles, cathedrals, and guild buildings feature detailed friezes, bas reliefs, and intricate stained glass windows. Breton architecture features heavy use of the pointed arch, evident in their walls, doors, windows, and towers. Most people in High Rock live in small cottages in the countryside or townhouses in the cities; only the nobility and their servants live in large castles. Despite efforts under Tiber Septim to demilitarize the province by demolishing defensive structures, many villages are still surrounded by high walls, and fortresses dot the landscape.

Breton arms are ornate, but practical. The mass-produced, one-handed, double-edged heavy broadsword commonly used by the Imperial Legions of the Third Empire were inspired by elaborate, decorated Breton broadsword designs. Broadswords are commonly used with shields, and Bretons favor the heavy tower shield. Highland Bretons were the first to use the very heavy two-handed sword called the claymore, but their Redguard neighbors were quick to adapt them to their own styles of fighting. Breton bows tend to be longbows—weapons made of one piece of springy wood. Yew, elm and ash are common in Breton longbows, as the wood is dense and strong, but flexible if tillered properly.

Breton merchant ships are large wooden vessels rigged with square sails.

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  Breton Architecture on the Systres

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  Castle Wayrest

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  A fortress

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  An orchard

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  A tavern

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  Castle Moorwing

MiscellaneousEdit

• Earthenware is a common form of pottery in High Rock, and is used for goods such as chamber pots.
• Love charms are popular among Breton nobles and merchant lords who seek to improve their love lives.

SocietyEdit

PoliticsEdit

Breton Nobles at a social gathering

The Bretons' largely agrarian and hierarchical society is feudal in nature. High Rock is segmented into city-states, encouraging petty nationalism and infighting between the kingdoms that span the region. Most Breton cities are sprawling trade hubs, with society being separated into social strata. The poor peasantry lies at the bottom of the hierarchy. Above them is the middle class, comprised of merchants and artisans, while the nobility and ruling families sit above them all. Additionally, there are the many autonomous knightly orders and the small magical elite, which considers itself above the others. The jockeying for power among the various monarchs and powers of the Iliac Bay region is a deeply ingrained, even cherished, part of Breton culture, Breton society is fractious and quarrelsome, but internal conflict all but seems to disappear when their way of life is threatened by outside forces.

The Breton obsession with nobility, status, and lineage can be traced back to their days as vassals of Clan Direnni. Though Bretons of lower status have several paths to prosperity, becoming a nobleman by performing quests and services to curry favor with various rulers is considered the best way, which has created a cultural "quest obsession" among young Bretons. The desire to find some great opportunity for fortune and glory has made Bretons venture all over Tamriel, even to such remote locations as Thirsk on the island of Solstheim, where one adventurous Breton once earned the position of chieftain. Many use their magical talents to earn success. They're often considered a friendly and humorous people, though there is little love lost between many Bretons and Redguards following the vicious War of Betony.

Bretons are said to enjoy intellectual pursuits; they often have an affinity for anything related to logic and ordered complexity. Their love of knowledge and affinity for commerce drives them into a host of careers, including trading, the military, sailing, medicine, textiles, manufacturing, writing, theology, philosophy, banking, all kinds of artistry, and other scholarly pursuits. Espionage has also proven to be one of their strong suits; Breton double agents, assassins, and spies have turned the tide of wars throughout recorded history.

HousesEdit

• Branquette
• Coulder/Calder
• Cumberland
• Dorell
• Flyte
• Gardner
• Gautier
• Montclair
• Plessington
• Silvelle
• Tamrith
• Vien

PeerageEdit

A Breton warrior

Across High Rock, traditions of the peerage differ slightly from region to region. The base rule of the eight kingdoms is that if a woman is ruling one of these areas, she is called the Queen. The husband of a Queen and the wife of a King is not necessarily of equal rank – they may not be Kings and Queens themselves. Their children are Princes and Princesses. Their grandchildren are also Princes and Princesses. If a male ruler dies, his wife takes the title Dowager Queen, providing there is not a Dowager Queen already. In the Kingdom of Daggerfall, it is permissible for there to be two persons with the same title. If a female ruler, who does not share rank with her husband, dies, there is no male equivalent to the word Dowager. Widowers of Queens usually take another title, either a lesser family title or one given by their children. There have been few men in the history of High Rock who have fallen from being addressed as King to being addressed as Mister at the death of their wife.

Other regions in High Rock are ruled by Dukes and Duchesses, Marquises (or Marquesses) and Marquises (or Marchionesses), Counts and Countesses, Viscounts or Viscountesses, Barons or Baronesses, and Lords or Ladies. This is theoretically listed from highest to lowest rank, but the ruler of a territory outranks all other nobles, regardless of title.

Counts usually enjoy less autonomy than dukes and duchesses, as their territories are subservient to the duchies they are part of. However, they serve as vital links to guilds, churches, and scholastic organizations that might otherwise receive less attention from the duchy's rulers. Beneath counts and countesses, peerage hierarchy flattens considerably. Barons and baronesses stand above most, but these titles rarely carry robust land rights. Instead, they serve as titles of honor, granting the noble certain privileges at court. Dignitaries should address barons and baronesses as "my lord" and "my lady" respectively.

Dwynnen, for example, is a Barony, and the Baron or Baroness of Dwynnen outrank any other noble in that territory, even Dukes and Counts. In theory, (again, this may not be the case according to local custom) the eldest son or daughter of a noble takes their parent's highest family title below their parents. Thus, the Duke of Northmoor, who is also the Marquis of Calder, had a daughter who became the Marchioness of Calder.

Kings and Queens are always addressed as "Your Majesty" in conversation; Dukes and Duchesses, "Your Grace". All other rulers may be addressed with their title and name, or Lord or Lady and their name.

One way of telling who is in charge of a region is to pay some attention to the names of taverns and shops in a region. By tradition, many of these are called names such as "The Duke's Fox" or "The Lady's Provisions." This, more often than not, is the title of the ruler. If the shop's name is, for example, "Lady Annisa's Provisions" or "Lord Boxworth's Fox," that is probably the name of a local titled merchant, not the ruler. A store with an unnamed ruler's title has probably been around for some time, and does not bother to change its name with the new name of the ruler.

Knightly OrdersEdit

A Knightly Tournament

Breton society is famous for its knightly orders, with notable examples including Daggerfall's Knights of the Dragon, the Knights of the Rose of Wayrest, the Knights of the Flame of Anticlere, and Dwynnen's Order of the Raven. Militant orders of knights have existed since the Bretons became independent from Direnni elves. High Rock's cultural history is founded on tales of such noble and chivalrous knights, which supposedly fought for Breton Liberation and drove the Direnni back to Balfiera Isle. The knightly orders were founded to carry on the tradition of nobles-in-arms and to ensure the province would have defenders at the ready should invading armies come to their gates. The Lion Guard was one such order before the formation of the Daggerfall Covenant in the Second Era. Breton knights espouse the traditional chivalric principles of Breton society and are among the most prominent practitioners of High Rock's culture of questing.

Most competent knightly orders require applicants to have some degree of martial knowledge or skill before they are considered for membership. Less reliable orders may grant promotions in rank over a knight's nobility, wealth, or charisma, but generally, a knightly order will require their members to be skilled warriors so as not to tarnish the group's reputation. Etiquette, swordsmanship, archery and medical skill are factors considered when assessing potential recruits.

Knights are addressed with the honor of "sir" or "dame." Knights subscribe to their own hierarchies and customs as dictated by their order. In most cases, these orders are governed by a marshal or a knight-commander. Regardless of the marshal's high station, their honorific remains the same.

One of High Rock's most notable heroes was the Breton knight Eleidon in the First Era, owner of the eponymous shield. The Reachmen were inspired to breed their own hardy steeds when they saw the strength and flair of the mounted Breton knights they fought during their invasion of High Rock.

In older chivalric orders, heavy rings served as a knight's symbol of membership. Each of the Eight Divines have their own templar knightly orders as the militant arm of their respective temples.

Orders in High RockEdit

Breton Lion Guard

Spell Knights of the Order of the Crypt

Knights of Saint Pelin: Knightly Order of Evermore.

Knights of the Silver Rose: Avid crusaders against Daedra, they amassed a vast collection of Daedric relics in an attempt to keep them safely locked away from those who would seek to use their powers for ill.

Knights of the Dragon: Knightly Order of the Kingdom of Daggerfall.

Knights of the Flame: Knightly order of Anticlere.

Knights of the Owl: Knightly Order of Glenpoint.

Knights of the White Rose: The Knights of the Rose are the protectors and warriors for the city and royal family of Wayrest.

Order of the Crypt: Knightly Order that operates out of Shornhelm, dedicated to guarding the Crypt of Hearts.

Order of the Cup: Knightly Order that are protectors of the Plessington Clan.

Order of the Raven: Knightly Order of Dwynnen. Originally founded by Baron Othrok, they are reputed to be one of the most legendary knightly orders in all of High Rock, with high standards for recruits and accepting only the greatest warriors.

The Lion Guard: Knightly Order that served as the elite and personal guardians of the Daggerfall Covenant's rulers. The order's tenets were to fight for the good of all High Rock and every Breton.

Orders in the SystresEdit

Knights of Death's Valor:

Oaken Order: Knightly Order that prioritizes magic and magical understanding over martial combat. Because of this, they have an intimate relationship with the druids, often citing the druidic teachers as the foundation for their high level of magical understanding. Oaken knights have been known to eclipse Mages Guild spellwrights in the areas of Destruction and Conjuring.

Order of the Albatross: Knightly Order that prides itself on its massive wingspan. Their numbers, both in active knights and percentage of Nirn explored, greatly exceeds that of other knightly orders based in the archipelago. This is made possible by the order's focus on adventure, discovery, and daring feats, which draws initiates from the mainland.

Order of the Braided Vine:

Order of Flame and Shadow:

Order of the Iron Knot: Knightly Order that are known for their martial skills, which they hone on the road and at tournaments. Their founder, Baroness Belene Chatillon, sailed with the All Flags Navy itself. She fought the Sload, and lost an arm to Sload rot. In honor of her sacrifice and bravery, some members of the knightly order wear a black gauntlet on one hand.

Templar Knightly OrdersEdit

Order of the Hour: The Order of the Hour serves as the militant arm of the Akatosh Chantry, and are dedicated to the Great Dragon's cause. They uphold the stability and permanence that he represents. Though they have the origin as one of the oldest knightly orders in Imperial history, they have most notably cemented their presence within the Kingdom of Wayrest.

Knights of the Circle: The Knights of the Circle serve the guardians of the Order of Arkay, and are as zealous as his priests. Members are expected to be skilled in combat, and are to swear unwavering loyalty to Ark'ay.

Order of the Lily: As knights of the House of Dibella, they are sworn to the ideals of their patron god. While the priestesses of their temple are occupied with emanating pure beauty, the Order offers protection, and should they die in battle, they are to die gracefully.

Knights Mentor: The Knights Mentor serve the School of Julianos. They protect their patron god's influence by protecting their temple's endeavors to expand their wealth of knowledge, which in turn combats ignorance.

Kynaran Order: The Kynaran Order serves the Temple of Kynareth. Knights are expected to dedicate their mind, body, and sword to their patron god.

Maran Knights: The Maran Knights serve the Benevolence of Mara, but they are seen as controversial among those they protect. Although their existence is seen as hypocrisy, they are in a necessity, as military might is needed to protect the peace and love that Mara represents.

The Crusaders: The Crusaders (also called the Knights of Stendarr) serve the Temple of Stendarr. While their patron god represents ideals such as compassion and charity, without military strength, they cannot survive.

Knights of Iron: The Knights of Iron serve the Resolution of Z'en. They represent the warrior aspect of the God of Merchants and Commerce, and act as a deterrence to any that may interrupt trade.

DruidismEdit

A Druid

Main Article: Druids

As practitioners of the True Way, Druids are followers of Y'ffre, and protectors of nature that steward the growth of the Green, and thus dislike the cruel encrouchments of civilization. The Nedic precursors of the Bretons, the Druids of Galen, were united and followed a line of druid kings. After the descendants of Galen fled the Direnni and the Alessian Empire to the Systres in the early First Era, fellowships of druids known as druidic circles formed, each which interpret Y'ffres will differently. Druids within the same circle share the same traditions and objectives, and each circle vary in their attitudes towards outsiders, with the Stonelore Circle being welcoming, and the Eldertide Circle being xenophobic. Though few in number, druids still exist on the mainland.

Wyrd CovensEdit

Main Article: Wyrd Covens

A Glenmoril Wyrd Sister

The Wyrd are Bretonic witch covens that separated from the city-folk Bretons and the Druids to escape the rising Direnni Hegemony. These sisterhoods split into over a dozen groups and became known as the Wyrd, excluding men from their ranks, and remained behind on the mainland to safeguard the forests of High Rock, with some even spreading throughout Tamriel. The Wyrd's way is to turn away from civilization altogether, and to live in nature as beasts do, and they looked to the Earthbones to regress themselves.

Some myths place the creation of the Wyrd in the Dawn Era, when Y'ffre's Naming (which gave all creatures of Nirn their shape) and his transformation to the first of the Earthbones occurred. The Wyrd were to be wardens of nature, descended from the Ehlnofey themselves. Historical records place the creation of the Wyrd as happening by the Fourth Century of the First Era, however. In the modern day, beliefs among the various Wyrd Covens vary. The Beldama Coven for example still reveres Jephre, as well as their Elnofey heritage. while the various branches of the Glenmoril Wyrd lean towards worshipping the Daedra.

Membership in the various Wyrd covens extends also extends to female members of other races. "Wyrd" is another name for a group of ward-sisters, or witches. The leader of a coven is referred to as a "beldam".

ReligionEdit

A statue of Arkay (ESO)

The Bretons believe that two opposing forces have existed since before the gods were born. They are referred to as the Light and the Dark by some. They are antithetical to each other, and neither fit the mortal definition of good and evil. They are technically immortal, as they're not living beings, but they exist. The Aedra and Daedra are pale reflections of the eternal conflict between the Light and Dark. Their struggle creates energies that distort their surroundings, and those energies are so powerful that life can appear. The Light and the Dark are evenly matched, and will never resolve their conflict.

The undead and the Daedra tend to align with the Dark, as their natures are more akin to it. Mortals and the creatures of Mundus are more aligned with the Light. The evils of mortalkind are not always attuned to the Dark, but those that do are incredibly dangerous. Magic is believed to come directly from the energies swirling about both entities: the energies are impersonal intermingled. Black magic is more a matter of intent than effect. Destruction spells on their own are not black magic, but destruction spells hurled at innocent people are. The destruction of Daedra strengthens the light just a little, and the destruction of a Tamrielic creature strengthens the Dark in much the same way. The gods are believed to mostly align with the Light, save for a few who are more ambiguous. Mortals and those that reside in Aetherius can perceive traces of the Light and Dark; the Light inspires most mortals to behavior deemed good by human standards. What the denizens of Mundus can perceive of the Dark is utterly evil by human standards; those who have visions of the Dark are often driven mad. The Dark is described as an emptiness that draws the soul in to be twisted and destroyed.

Bretons are not disposed to "excessive religion", (though others claim otherwise) but most accepted the Aldmeri pantheon of gods while under elven rule, then made the transition to the Eight Divines under the First Empire. The Eight Divines are worshipped widely in mainstream Breton culture, but other traditional deities still persist nonetheless. Sheor, Phynaster, Y'ffre and Magnus have significant cults in High Rock.

Major GodsEdit

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AkatoshEdit

The Dragon God of Time is acknowledged as the first of the gods to emerge from the Beginning Place. He embodies endurance, invincibility, and everlasting legitimacy. Akatosh is hailed by the Akatosh Chantry in the Iliac Bay, and the Order of the Hour is his sword. He is the patron deity of Wayrest and the Isle of Balfiera.

ArkayEdit

Arkay (also spelled Ark'ay) is the god of burials and funeral rites, and is associated with the seasons. According to a Breton story, Arkay was originally a mortal who ascended to godhood. As the God of the Cycle of Birth and Death, he is charged with keeping the balance of death and life in the universe. In the Iliac Bay, the Order of Arkay celebrates the Blessed Neutrality that Arkay stands for. They do not offer blessings, for to give favor or disfavor upon one would upset the eternal balance. Their libraries and sages are some of the finest in Tamriel. The Knights of the Circle are the military arm of the Order. Arkay is the patron deity of the Ilessan Hills and Shalgora. Arkay is also the patron of House Tamrith, who are devout followers of the Light. The scions of House Tamrith study the Way of the Light and obey Arkay's teachings. Their holy symbols bear the crest of House Tamrith and the symbol of the Light of Arkay. Arkay's holy relics can be used to combat the undead.

A statue of Dibella, Goddess of Beauty (Daggerfall)

DibellaEdit

The Goddess of Beauty is very popular. She has many different cults dedicated to different aspects of her worship: some are dedicated to women, some to aesthetics and art, and others to erotic instruction. In the late Third Era, similarly to Hammerfell, the House of Dibella was responsible for the administration of temples dedicated to Dibella in the province of High Rock, and its militant branch, the Order of the Lily was also active in the province at this time. Dibella is the patron deity of the regions of Koegria and Menevia, and is venerated as a member of the Breton pantheon.

JephreEdit

Jephre (also known as Jeh Free) is the God of the Forest and the spirit of the "now". Jephre is typically considered an elven god, and is understood to have turned himself into the Earth Bones and establishing the laws of nature. He is still revered by some Breton hunters and farmers. The Beldama Wyrd also worship him. Bretons respect the Vicars of Jephre, a group of his adherents who are known defenders of the natural world. The druids recognize Jephre as Y'ffre, the Green-King, the Slumbering Father of Nirn, and is their a primary deity.

JulianosEdit

The God of Wisdom and Logic is a favorite of Breton mages. He is the god of history, literature, law and contradiction. In the Iliac Bay, temples dedicated to him are known as Schools of Julianos. As their name implies, these temples are considered educational institutions. They are believed to have spread the term "magicka" to describe the "power associated with performing magic". The templar knightly order associated with the School of Julianos is the Knights Mentor. Julianos is the patron deity of the regions of Daenia, Dwynnen and Tulune.

A statue of Kynareth (ESO)

KynarethEdit

The Goddess of Air is a patron to sailors and travelers. Legend holds she was the first to agree to Lorkhan's idea to invent the mortal plane, and she provided a space for its creation. Kynareth is associated with rain. The island of Betony is considered holy land of Kynareth. This was a factor for Daggerfall's involvement in the War of Betony. It was also the reason why the conflict escalated to the Battle of Cryngaine Field which ended the war. The Temple of Kynareth does her work in the Iliac Bay. In the Third Era, her Temple contained the greatest physicians in Tamriel; their ability to cure magical and mundane diseases was said to be unrivaled. The Kynaran Order is the militant arm of the Temple. Kynareth is the patron deity of Alcaire, Daggerfall and the Wrothgarian Mountains. The air spirits Amaro, Pina, and Tallatha, are acknowledged as the fingers of Kynareth by the Skeffington Coven.

MagnusEdit

Magnus is the god of sorcery, who withdrew from creation at the last second. He is represented by a golden eye, an astrolabe or a telescope, but a staff is his most common symbol. Legend holds that he can possess powerful wizards and lend them power. Breton followers of Magnus sometimes use wicker effigies as stand-ins for themselves when performing certain rituals.

One known Breton sect that worshipped Magnus is the Priory of the Golden Staff, the Priory believed in Magnus's grand design for the Mundus, and his disappointment at the flaws introduced into his creation. They also believed that some of the Magna Ge once sought a tool to unmake what had been made wrong, in order that it could be remade in accordance with the Architect's plan.

MaraEdit

Mara is the Mother-Goddess, and is married to Akatosh in Breton lore. She is the patron deity of several regions of High Rock, such as Anticlere, Betony, Glenumbra Moors, and Northmoor. In Anticlere, the 21st of Last Seed is known as Appreciation Day, an ancient holiday of thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. It is considered a holy and contemplative day devoted to Mara, the goddess-protector of the region. Temples dedicated to the Divine are administered by the Benevolence of Mara, a religious organization dedicated to Mara and her teachings, and can be found in major urban centers throughout the province. The Maran Knights are a controversial knightly order dedicated to Mara and the protection of her temples.

PhynasterEdit

Phynaster is an Altmer hero-god who is the patron deity and teacher of the Direnni. He is often worshipped by Breton mages who care about their elven blood.

SheorEdit

Also known as the Bad Man, Sheor is the source of all strife. He originated as a god of crop failure, and is believed to have been introduced by the elves during their conflicts with the Nords as a demonized version of Shor. Some sculptings created by the Breton's Nedic ancestors have been found in Glenumbra, which portray what appears to be their version of Sheor before he was villianized, paired with Mara as an Aldmer.

A statue of Stendarr (ESO)

StendarrEdit

Stendarr (also known as Shandar) is known as the God of Mercy, and is the patron of magistrates, rulers, and knights errant. He is a god of compassion and righteous rule. Temples dedicated to the Divine can be found throughout the Iliac Bay and are administered by the Temple of Stendarr, a religious organization dedicated to Stendarr and his teachings, which offered healing and training to the population of the Iliac Bay. Some mock their compassion, calling them sentimental fools and tenderhearts; but everyone comes crawling to Stendarr when Sai, the God of Luck, abandons them. The Crusaders, also known as the Knights of Stendarr, are a knightly order dedicated to Stendarr which protect his temples against its adversaries, such as the Citadel of Ebonarm. Stendarr is the patron deity of Bhoriane, Phrygias and Urvaius.

ZenitharEdit

Zenithar (often shortened to Z'en) is the God of Work and Commerce is a cultivated god of merchants, artisans, and middle nobility. His faithful tout him as a god "that will always win". He teaches Bretonkind that they will be rewarded if they work hard. He also teaches them to be wise in their spending, and to never steal from others. Many of his rewards are those of the spirit: being productive, whether farming, smithing, or creating, honors Zenithar. Zenithar wishes for his faithful to find joy in their work. In the Iliac Bay, the Resolution of Zenithar pays heed to the god. Zenithar is not merely the God of Merchants and Commerce; he is also a warrior god. The militant arm of the Resolution, the Knights of Iron, represent this part of him. Zenithar is the patron deity of Gavaudon, Kambria and Glenpoint.

Minor GodsEdit

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Baan DarEdit

Baan Dar (also known as "the Bandit") is noted to be a considerable force within the lands of High Rock by Arkan the Wise, a Second Era scribe to Daggerfall. The First Scroll of Baan Dar he transcribed goes further, by stating he manifests across Tamriel to aid people in times of need. Indeed, this aspect to his character is explored in the historical-fiction novel, King Edward, when Queen Aliera praises him along with other gods for bringing her husband Moraelyn and son Edward to her safely. He is known to be revered by the Thieves Guild branch in the Iliac Bay.

DruagaaEdit

The Old Goddess of Flowers. A festival named Gardtide is still held in her honor on the 1st of Rain's Hand every year by the people of Tamarilyn Point, a coastal region of Menevia in central High Rock.

HircineEdit

Within two sides of Bretonic culture, reverence towards Hircine can be found. The Druids worship the being known as an Elk of Arrows. It is believed by some to be connected to the Hircine. Speculation exists on his significance, with one theory that he represents the importance in nature of life and death between hunter and prey. Within the Wyrd Covens, those that fall under the Glenmoril Wyrd are known for worshipping Hircine in a variety of different ways.

EphenEdit

Ephen (also known as S'ephen) is the center of a temple-cult who worships him as The God of the Wild. He was a Dunmer noble that was active during the early-First Era. In death, he was given the duty of safeguarding the Horn of Summoning and eventually the Staff of Chaos. Statues of Ephen depict him wielding a hammer, atop of an anvil of adamantium, and shrines dedicated to him can be found across the Iliac Bay.

Jhim SeiEdit

The nature of Jhim Sei is unknown, although their sphere of influence may revolve around music, since they are compared to Jephre, the elven God of Song and Forest in the historical-fiction novel, King Edward. There are shrines dedicated to Jhim Sei across High Rock.

Mara's Tear (left) and Shandar's Sorrow (right)

Mara's Tear and Shandar's Sorrow/Stendarr's SorrowEdit

A Bretonic story tells of two star crossed lovers, Shandar and Mara, children from different villages at war with one another. After seeking to run away from home, they were caught by the guards, and Shandar was imprisoned, while Mara was put under house arrest. Her father arranged a marriage to prevent the pair from getting married, which was further escalated by Shandar being scheduled for execution for daring to love Mara. Learning of this, Mara escaped into the wilds in the dark of night, at a time period where the moons didn't exist, and was kidnapped by an Orc during her sleep which planned to devour her.
The village learned of Mara fleeing from her home, yet they were too frightened to seek her out and confront the Orc. Shandar begged and was given the chance to go, but the village after gaining their composure realized that it was a mistake to send a child to confront a monster. They came across a clearing, seeing the corpse of the Orc and a mourning Mara holding the severed head of Shandar. With Mara's tears flowing down at his head, Shandar prayed to his lovers' namesake, and the goddess Mara responded. She did not have dominion over the death, and thus could not resurrect Shandar, but sought to keep their love alive. The goddess Mara reached down from the heavens and placed the lovers in the sky. They are now known as the moons Mara's Tear (Masser) and Shandar's Sorrow (Secunda), illuminating the night to keep away evil that lurks in the dark.

NotorgoEdit

Notorgo is known as the Messenger God. He is mentioned in the King Edward series of books, where Queen Aliera praises Notorgo along with other gods for bringing her husband Moraelyn and son Edward to her safely.

Q'OlwenEdit

Little is known about this deity, except that it is associated with those in pursuit of lore. Q'Olwen is worshipped in the Iliac Bay area, where shrines to him can be found.

RaenEdit

Raen is the Breton God of Agriculture. Reliquaries of Raen can be found across the Iliac Bay region.

Reymon EbonarmEdit

Reymon Ebonarm is the God of War, a deity of some significance to the Bretons. He is featured in the Bretonic historical novel King Edward. He has shrines in the Alcaire, Daenia, Daggerfall, Dwynnen, Ilessan Hills, Kambria, Wayrest, and the Wrothgarian Mountain regions of High Rock.

SaiEdit

Sai is the God of Luck. He was born a mortal and had the talent to spread luck to others, but not to himself. He became a soldier, but he was killed in his first battle just as it was won. Ebonarm appeared to him, and offered him immortality if he agreed to spread his luck around. He said the gods were overworked seeing to events, and thought that Sai's inborn talent would balance things out. He readily agreed, and he was told that he could keep his body for a time before it began to fade. Excessive worship of Sai causes the disease known as Sai's Affliction. Sufferers of the disease have been abandoned by Sai, and long for the god's presence. They are driven to incessant gambling, seeking proof of the god's favor. This usually leaves the victim in poverty or debt. Followers of Sai sometimes convert to worshipping Stendarr when Sai abandons them due to Sai's Affliction. Reliquaries dedicated to Sai can be found throughout the Iliac Bay region.

SethieteEdit

Sethiete (also called Seth) is a deity that is worshipped across Tamriel. The nature of Sethiete is unknown, but what is known is his influence. His places of worship are known as the Temples of Sethiete, and one of his temples is a landmark in the city of Camlorn that anchors the main street with the Royal Palace.

Una the Green ElkEdit

Una the Green Elk is a lesser spirit worshipped by the Druids.

VigrylEdit

Vigryl (also called Vir Gil) is the God of the Sea who is worshipped in the Iliac Bay area. People pray to Vigryl to bring them better weather conditions.

SaintsEdit

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The Bretons have saints that are affiliated with a god, and have usually performed great deeds.

Statue of Saint Stental

EllenicaEdit

Saint Ellenica was a priestess of Arkay. Her prayer book is a holy relic, and contains passages that can be read to put the dead to rest. She was buried in Flyleaf Catacombs with her prayer book, which was retrieved in 2E 582.

MarbenEdit

Saint Marben is a saint affiliated with Arkay. Saint Marben's Fingerbone is a holy relic of Arkay, and was buried at Sanguine Barrows until it was retrieved in 2E 582.

OctavienEdit

Saint Octavien was a Priest of Arkay who was slain with a scythe by Daedra worshippers. The broken scythe blade that killed Octavien is a holy relic of Arkay. It was buried in a tomb near Lorkrata Hills until it was retrieved by a Knight of Arkay in 2E 582.

Saint Pelin

PelinEdit

Saint Pelin the Martyr was a Breton priest of Stendarr that ascended to the role of sainthood following his divine act in the defense of the Bangkorai Garrison in 1E 1029, which in turn, brought the province of High Rock into the First Empire of Cyrodiil. He had become a folk hero to the Bretons of Evermore and the greater region of Bretonic-Bangkorai, memorialized by the chapel of St. Pelin in Evermore, the Order of Saint Pelin, the knightly order of the Kingdom of Evermore, and the great cemetery called Pelin Graveyard.

StentalEdit

Saint Stental slew the demon of Overlook Hill (also called "the Leaper"), rescuing the three Sisters of Kynareth from an untimely death. A statue dedicated to him was built where the demon was slain.

VitacheEdit

Saint Vitache is the Patron of Millers, Scissor-Grinders, and Bathhouse Attendants. He was honored daily by the millers of Northglen in 2E 582.

Revered PersonsEdit

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Eleidon's Ward

EleidonEdit

Eleidon was a revered holy knight-errant that was sought after for his heroism. One of his many adventures involved him saving a baron's daughter from sure death at the hands of a warlord. The baron spent all his riches on the creation of his now legendary shield to show his gratitude.

Gyron Vardengroet (The Sage)Edit

Gyron Vardengroet is an immortal Breton wizard of legend, prophesied by the Gods as a champion that would be sent down to guide others and bring wisdom. His exploits would earn him the title of The Sage, and Great Sage. Physically, he is described as a tall, bald, and bearded Breton with dark eyes, an indigo robe trimmed with gold, a pointed wizard's hat, and an intricately carved staff. He is the primary figure in the books The Sage, Feyfolken, and The Final Lesson. Gyron has monuments erected in his reverence in both High Rock and Hammerfell.

I'ric Harad EgunEdit

I'ric Harad Egun (sometimes shortened to I'ric) was the Altmer archmagister of the Crystal Tower, believed to be alive sometime in the early-mid First Era. His name is widely known and is synonymous to the likes of Moraelyn, the Witch-King of Ebonheart, and Ebonarm, the God of War. According to the historical-fiction, King Edward, his name is implied to have significant weight, and so throughout the story, he is simply referred as the ArchMagister. He is worshipped at altars in High Rock and Hammerfell.

KieranEdit

Kieran the Bard is a figure that is shrouded in mystery. He is the author of several popular stories, several of which are told in A Tale of Kieran. He has shrines called Kieran Theatres in Hammerfell and High Rock.

A statue representing the Viridian Sentinel

The Viridian SentinelEdit

The Viridian Sentinel protects the human inhabitants of northern Bangkorai from the beasts and witches that live in the forest. According to the legend of the Viridian Sentinel, long ago the Direnni forged a covenant with the Earth Bones to protect their settlements from the wild. The Bretons, who displaced the Direnni, had no such arrangement, and as a result their farms in Bangkorai were gradually overrun by the wilderness. The people were pushed to the brink of starvation, causing a young boy Greenward to pray to Stendarr for salvation. Stendarr taught him to forge a new pact with the forest, giving him the power to restrain the natural creatures within. He thus became the first Viridian Sentinel.

The Viridian Sentinel has great power over the forest, and can use this power to perform potent feats of magic. When the Glenmoril Wyrd became bound to the forest, they also gave some deference to the Sentinel due to that connection (though they had not been a party to the original pact). But over time, the Sentinel ages like any other human, and must pass on his or her power and title to a new mortal before death.

NotesEdit

• There exists a sport called "Bretonball", though nothing is known about it aside from the fact it is played with rackets.
• Several additional knightly orders existed in earlier versions of Daggerfall that did not appear in the final version of the game, though their strings remain in the final version's data. They are noted in the Daggerfall Preview, and these include:
  • The Gryphon Knights.
  • The Knights of the Isle.
  • The Order of the Lance.
  • The Order of Nyeraad.
  • The Border Knights.
  • The Dreadknights.
• Additional templar orders appeared to be tied to several minor gods, including:
  • The Knights of the Field, dedicated to Raen.
  • The Order of the Wings, dedicated to Notorgo.
  • The Wildlords, dedicated to Ephen.
  • The Tide, dedicated to Vigryl.
  • The Encyclics, dedicated to Jeh Free.
  • The Order of the Key, dedicated to Q'Olwen.

See AlsoEdit

• For Breton names, see here.
• For a list of notable Bretons, see here.
• For game-specific information, see the Arena, Daggerfall, Battlespire, Redguard, Morrowind, Shadowkey, Oblivion, Skyrim, ESO, Legends, and Blades articles.

BooksEdit

• A History of Daggerfall by Odiva Gallwood — A relatively unbiased analysis of Daggerfall and the Iliac Bay
• Ark'ay, the God of Birth and Death by Mymophonus the scribe — How Ark'ay was transformed from a shopkeeper into the God of Birth and Death
• Bangkorai, Shield of High Rock by King Eamond — King Eamond's Final Address to His Troops
• Banker's Bet by Porbert Lyttumly — A humorous story of what people will do for money
• The Bretons: Mongrels or Paragons? by Phrastus of Elinhir — A description of Bretons
• Crafting Motif 5: Breton Style by Doctor Alfidia Lupus — Being notes by Doctor for a series of pamphlets on the major cultural styles of Tamriel
• Etiquette With Rulers by Erystera Ligen — The etiquette of speaking with nobles
• Fahamal, Trader by Fahamal — A Redguard's thoughts on the Breton use of magic
• Holidays of the Iliac Bay by Theth-i — An overview of Breton and Redguard holidays commonly celebrated in the Iliac Bay region
• The Light and the Dark by Irek Unterge — A Breton man describes the Light and the Dark to his two grandchildren
• Mara's Tear by Zhen — The story of Mara's Tear and Shandar's Sorrow
• Oelander's Hammer by Krowle — The story of Oelander's magical hammer
• Pocket Guide to the Empire, 1st Edition: High Rock — Imperial Geographical Society, 2E 864
• Pocket Guide to the Empire, 3rd Edition: The Sons and Daughter of the Direnni West: High Rock — Imperial Geographical Society, 3E 432
• Uncommon Taste by The Gourmet — A cook book containing recipes of a Breton origin
• The Viridian Sentinel — A children's story surrounding the legend of the Viridian Sentinel
• Wayrest, Jewel of the Bay by Sathyr Longleat — A history of the city Wayrest
• Wyrd and Druid Transcribed from Archdruid Barnabe's Discourse with Mainlanders, 2E 553 — On the druidic origins of the Bretons

GalleryEdit

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  A Breton temple to the Eight Divines

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  Stained glass inside a Breton chapel to the Eight Divines

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  Breton symbols representing the Eight Divines

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  A Breton summoner

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  A Breton sorcerer on a ship

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  A mage from Daggerfall

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  A spellsword from Wind Keep

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  A herald from Northpoint

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  Breton Plate Armor

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  Breton mage

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  Bjoulsae River Tribe Bretons

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  A Breton house

AppearancesEdit

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  Male (Arena)

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  Female (Arena)

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  Male (Daggerfall)

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  Female (Daggerfall)

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  Battlespire

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  Male (Redguard)

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  Male (Morrowind)

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  Shadowkey

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  Male (Oblivion)

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  Male (Skyrim)

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  Male (ESO)

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  Female (ESO)

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  Male (Legends)

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  Female (Legends)

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  Male (Blades)

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  Female (Blades)

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  Concept art (Skyrim)

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  Concept art (Skyrim)

ReferencesEdit

Loremaster's ArchiveEdit

BooksEdit

Note: The following references are considered to be unofficial sources. They are included to round off this article and may not be authoritative or conclusive.