For arguably the most talented mele-fighters in Tamriel, I can't help but think that the Nords got the short end of the racial stick in ESO.
- Robust - Increases Health regeneration while in combat by (5/10/15)%. I can't argue with this one, it sounds fantastic. I'm sure everyone who plays a Nord, Orsimer and Khajiit will love it.
- Two Hand Weapon Expertise - Increases experience gain with the Two-Handed Weapon skill line by 15%. This is a convenient bonus, but like all expertise doesn't directly affect combat.
- Resist Frost - Increases Cold resistance by (10/20/30). Increases maximum Health by (1/2/3)%. The fact is that no class skills deal frost damage, the applications for this racial skill are far fewer than something like fire resistance. And the +3% max Health is a far cry from the Imperial's 12%.
- Rugged - Increases Armor rating by (2/4/6). Unless I am mistaken 6 armor rating is a drop in the bucket even for a cloth wearer.
I am aware that overcharging in some instances can make racials superfluous, but for a min-maxer tank the Imperial race is a far more attractive option.
So just how does it make narrative sense that the brute, bulky and brawny Nords have less health and stamina than their intellectual cousins the Imperials?