Why do the blades wear the same armor as the akaviri in pale pass? Why do they use akaviri katanas?

I always thought the akavir were the invaders of tamriel, aka, an enemy. Why would the emperor's bodyguards wear the armor and use the weapons of one of tamriel's enemies?

Akaviri once ruled Tamri-el. Simple as that.

I don't see how that answers the question.

Seeing as Akaviri ruled Tamriel for an extended period of time, they undoubtedly brought some of their cultural influences into Tamriel.

I was also insinuating that I don't really recall it being specifically stated why they use Akaviri weaponry.

Dressing as an enemy soldier is not a cultural influence. We only see it on the blades and CRT. It's not hard to change clothes and pick up a new sword. There must be a reason why they feel the need to honor the akaviri.

Using foreign armaments/weapons/architecture isn't honoring that civilization, especially considering that Akavir is more than likely a myth echo of Tamriel.

Why do smiths in Tamriel even MAKE Akaviri weaponry? I'm surprised you didn't ask this question first.

And from what I've seen and heard, Oblivion isn't the best place to find support for lore-based assertions.

No, Akavir is a very real place. I'm of the opinion the use of these weapons came into vogue during the reign of the Emperor Potentate Versidue-Shaie. The Blades probably existed at that time as well, and the ones who served under him probably came to use Akaviri armor and weapons, and just kept with it after his heirs were assassinated because quite frankly the armor/weapons are of superior craftsmanship and efficiency than Imperial Steel, and easier and cheaper to find/make than Orcish, Dwemer, Ebony or Daedric.

...I never said Akavir wasn't real...and considering that myth echos in TES are extremely real anyways, I'm confused you said that.

....

I didn't see the "echo" part.

Another simple solution.

Two things.

1. Invaders aren't always "enemies", or sometimes this isn't universally so. Read the http://www.imperial-library.info/pge/cyrodiil.shtml, though there are conflicting documents that say the Akaviri weren't generally adored by most.

2. The Blades themselves were descended from Reman's old honour guard, who were themselves Tsaesci who capitulated at Pale Pass, as http://www.imperial-library.info/obbooks/remanada.shtml states. So their arms and armour are something of a tradition.

As to whether they were serpents or men, could wear armour or not, and the whole thing about various writers not keeping their stories straight which complicates some of the statements in the above, I'm not going there.

As far as the armour being duplicates as opposed to derivations, don't be pedantic.

Basically, the same reason why the Romans started wearing Celtic pants.


They looked quite silly without.

And dont forget that Reman was quite intrigued by the ability from the Akaviri invaders, which was the reason they became the Potentate.

Looks like I'm a little late to answer this question. Albides has it under control, as usual.

The fact that the katanas and armor that are actually old in the game are referred to as "Ancient Akaviri Katana" or "Ancient Akaviri Shield", etc. leads me to believe this question actually has an answer, and that there is probably a modern smith, very likely a Blade, perhaps http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Oblivion:Ferrum or another of the NPCs in game, who manufactures the modern armor/weapons. (I chose Ferrum because his name literally means "Iron", and he hangs out in the armory a lot. Seems like a likely candidate. However his class is Blade and he doesn't seem to have the Armorer skill. Just an example.)

Just because the Akaviri were an enemy does not mean that they can't be respected. EVERY enemy should be respected, and the wearing of Akaviri armour and the use of their weaponry is a sign of respect the Blades show for them. Jauffre also mentions that Cloud Ruler Temple used to be an Akaviri fortress, if that means anything to you.

I see the entire Imperial Legion as an Akaviri heirloom. They learned their organization and tactics from the east. Together with the Fighter's Guild and some of Cyrodiil's high culture, that's a lot of influence.

Edit: Plus, it means I can ignore the lazier anologues by claiming that the Japanese can't teach people to be Romans.

Well if we are going to draw parallels, try the Varangians. They're a good example of a foreign force being used as a more reliable bodyguard. And I like Byzantine better for Cyrodiil anyway.

After the Akaviri lost they power in Tamriel they became mercenaries, the fighters guild was once a Akavir only organisation, the Blades are another 'mercenary' organisation (as in professional bodyguard) descending from the Akavir.

Indeed, everything is better with horned helmets.
..what?

Any links to validate that statement please? I dont remember anything like that.

I'm probably wrong but the Potentates could have had bodyguards that used Akaviri stuff, or it could be assumed since they are Akaviri that they would use Akavir inspired weapons.

And then one could assume the Blades decided to use the Akaviri stuff. Perhaps after finding it leeter or more effective.

I believe that http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Remanada would explain it.

I figured it was for game play reasons... Particularly because Katanas are Better (dunno if I should bother with the link, or assume its understood) and the Blades use the best.

The Blades were Akaviri.

The biography of Reman posted a few posts above mine seems to verify my suspicion that the originals were indeed Akaviri, although my hypothesis was wrong. I assumed they were bodyguards of the Potentate first, but they belonged to Reman.