I started an earlier thread re: the Aldmeri Dominion and learned a bit about the various races, which I found extremely interesting. Frankly, the pithy descriptions I've seen about the races on various Wikis etc. don't do the lore justice.

I played Oblivion many, many years ago, but have somehow managed to purge what I learned about races/lore from my mind. I've recently started Skyrim, but have clearly just skimmed the surface. Really only enough to have built some respect for Orcs (thanks to a bit of research - a simple, proud, honest and value-driven race - as far as I can tell), a mild dislike for Khajit (the drug dealers of Skyrim, as far as I can tell) and a like for Imperials (though can't put my finger on why exactly) and a mixed feeling about the Nords (given the Stormcloak-link; I'm not a big fan of the Stormcloaks).

Now, I'll be the first to admit that my perceptions are not fact, and that opinions vary wildly as it relates to the various races - who they are, and what they stand for.

So I thought I'd seek input - on every one of them. Would like to hear from anyone willing to post about their perceptions of various races, and why you like (or dislike them). I'm really just keen to learn - will improve my immersion greatly. I also suspect that many others will benefit - as many new players won't be ES lore/race experts.

So - who (race-wise) do you like/dislike, and why?

And, for extra non-redeemable credit - can you tell me a bit more about Imperials in particular? Have found very little on them in my limited research? What do they stand for? What's their (brief) history?

Thanks in advance!!

Khajiit aren't drug dealers. They make moon sugar which does not have a narcotic effect on them. It's just a spice in their food. It's the other races who abuse the substance by refining it into skooma.

I like Nords because I am Nordic mostly and built like one????

But they're the ones standing at the side of the road in Skyrim trying to sell me their suspect wares (i.e. skooma). And they sound dodgy too (and by dodgy - like they're hiding something, and generally up to no good). They're also the ones pawning stolen goods - so far in my story.

Orcs - on the other hand - look down on thievery and the like. They live by a simple value set and won't stab you in the back, as far as I can tell. What you see is what you get. Probably not the brightest race in Tamriel, but a "stand up" group of guys/gals that's a little - ahem - rough around the edges. At least that's my impression.

The Nords strike me as a simple race too. Very Viking-like in some respects. Unlikely to win scholarships to Ivy League colleges, but generally decent god-fearing folk. Tall and strong - "bred" for battle. Small group of them come across as racist - e.g. Stormcloaks.

heres a good start http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Races

The thing I find most intriguing about TES history and lore is that non of it is considered fact. It's all written accounts, biased opinions and conjecture; not much of it is reliable. It's eerily similar to our own history in many ways, which is probably why it works so well.

I personally like the Nords, and what it means to be a true Nord; courageous and honorable. This quote from Gormlaith Golden-Hilt is one of my favourites;

"Even here, where heroes throng, few can match this mighty deed. What glory! The gods themselves must envy us this well-earned honor!"

Also, look up Shoddycast on youtube and their lore series -- it is a good intro to the lore of TES, just like wiki's they do not get everything right, but compare notes with other sources and one can make one's own mind.

Also, Look up the Imperial Library -- that web site has the all ingame books to read online. Also a good way to pick up lore that the videos and wiki used for their info sites.

not quite, they tolerate it better than other races but they can abuse it as well (and they do)

Thanks all... Oh - and that website like above is great.