^

Yesh, that was a little odd haha. It's the opposite of what I'm talking about. Both convictions (Bosmer are Paraguayans) and (Bosmer are Bosmer) are ridiculous assertions. I think most people realize that the cultures are inspirations, its just so annoying to have those two views (even if they themselves don't believe it) posted in a trollish way.

Okay simmer down some of you. The races in the game are fictional. Like any good fantasy fiction, they are certainly influenced by different racial and cultural history from real life, with a gigantic serving of fantasy. The game races are not "equal" to any real world race or culture. It's a fantasy game and a fantasy setting.

For those of you claiming that this board is twitchy about discussing races in the game, I would also tell you that you are incorrect. We love talking about the races in the game, the lore, etc. That's part of the huge draw of Elder Scrolls. The only thing we look askance at is the obvious attempts at trying to make real-world comparisons as literals (usually with some ulterior less than stellar and generally quite obivous personal motive/prejudice), which leads to moderators having to intervene. We have similar problems when people try to bring in real-world religion into a discussion of game religion.

So keep a bit of perspective here please.

^ this too

It just seems like the opinions on the races here are very heated (Me included). 90% of the posters realize that the similarities aren't blatant copies, but are inspired by real cultures. Its just that 10% that comes into all of these threads and either makes a direct link, or those who try to pretend that there is no link at all, and they seem like they're trolling.

Exactly, that's why i make such a point on imagination. Ok, taking inspiration from something similar, is well, taking inspiration (Let's say Dunmer lifestyle being similar to Babylonian lifestyle, that's taking inspiration because taking one aspect from one culture and putting it into another) while taking inspiration from something completely different (Dunmer living in giant crab shells, similar to hermit crabs, is taking inspiration from nature, which is different from taking inspiration from one culture and putting it into another) that's what makes it imaginative, basically making two thins unrelated, related somehow. That's why it's unfair to say Bosmer are Bosmer as well as it is equally unfair to say Bosmer are Paraguayans

I already deleted some posts -- I will assume that some of you did not get a chance to read my post. :stare:

:whistling:
Opps, should of refreshed the page then...My bad

Do the cultures have inspirations? Yes. But none of them are based on one single culture. If you have time time, read through the pocket guides, the culture's myths, ect. Then talk about inspirations.

I'm just going to give a list about the races of the Elder Scrolls and their possible influences. I'm a little flattered that people seem to like my comment, but I'm not Bethesda, so I have no idea on what really goes on in their heads. :tes: Still, nothing is born out of a vacum. Early Elder Scrolls was no different from any other WRPG, and had some pretty obvious connections to real world cultures, especially when the lore deepened.

So, food for thought. Cheers! :foodndrink:

Altmer: I see a lot of parallels to Edo Japan and Ming China. On one side, they're a very sophisticated, ancient, almost mystical civilization valuing scholarly arts and order, born out generations of tradition. On the other hand, these traditions are arguably socially backward, are being threatened by foreign influences along on the inside by groups that are begging for change. Change is in the wind, and it's not welcomed for most. The fact that most Altmer are shown wearing robes and wielding Katanas reinforces this. Plus, their faces are similar to Buddhist statuary.

Argonians: These guys are one of the most original race I've ever seen, so I can't pinpoint exactly. The names of their tribes and different species like Naga come from Hindu mythology, and since they live in the swamps in various clans and tribes, they could be similar to the North American tribes of the Everglades, or Southeast Asian cultures.

Bosmer: Again, South American tribes. Live in vast forests, practice cannibalism, live in clans, etc.

Breton: The name is the same of a province in northwestern France called Brittany. The people there are of Celtic descent, with some strains of Anglo or French blood, just like how Tamriel's Bretons have a multi-heritage; Aldmer and Nede. You see a lot of HIgh Medieval France in their names, feudal nations, and love of high culture(being magic). In Arena and Daggerfall, the names where more British along with their folktales and city names. The Celtic part comes in with their love of music, dance, bards, and fair complexions.

Dunmer: I see Tibet. The Ashlanders are nomadic like most Tibetans along with believing the rebirth of heros and prophets, and the Temple ironically enough has Tibetan influences like God-like leaders, a close relationship with the dead, little to no separation between Church and State, and some shamanistic rites. I also see a lot of African tones in their art(Look at the temple murals, then look at African masks). Mournhold looks a lot like a ancient Thai and Siamese city with Vivic and other cities being more Middle Eastern, and the Houses either borrow from Japan like Redoran's sense of honor and duty, and the hats worn by the gondola rowers in Vivic, while Hlaahu and Telvanni being more Turkish/Ottoman since the civilization where both big traders, and also very imperious.

Imperial: Greco-Roman. You see it in the armor of the Legion(roman soldiers), the architecture, and the Emperor himself, though the tone becomes more Renaissance-y in Oblivion with the Legion Armor given an update and the Emperor being more akin to the Pope than an actual leader. You also see this in the styles, furniture, and overall art and taste. Really you could place Ezio in the Imperial City, and aside form a few names and accents, he'd fit in rather well. Colovians have a more swedish, german feel being more in touch with their Nordic roots, while Nibenians are more Italian being cosmopolitan traders and diplomats.

Khajiit: Again, the North are similar to the wandering tribes of the North America and Africa, and the Southern City-states are similar to Gupta India and Ancient Egypt because of the in-fighting and caste-like society of the former, with the age and government of the latter. The Pharaohs united Upper and Lower Egypt, just like the Mane. It's also important to note that african nations gave most of the world its salt and gold in the day, and India was valued for her spices, just like the Khajiit with their Moonsugar.

Nords: In Morrowind, they where more Scottish and Irish with their blue tattoos, which are called Woad. In both games I think, this is a racial power. There is also norse themes with their names, mythology and martial culture. Their is also hints of Slav in them too, being very fatalistic and black and white like most slavic cultures historically are.

Orsimer: Culturally, they're Mongols, militarily, they're Zulu. They make high quality arms and armor expecting both men and women in being capable of using, along with raising and following these herds of caterpillars in the mountains for sustenance, since not all Orcs live in Orsinium. Very honor bound, clan-based, and martial. They also have some Jewish/Hebrew traits like being victims persecution, despite being the chosen people of a powerful god whose law is ingrained in their society. Also the city of Orsinium and it's relationship with High Rock is similar to the relationship between Israel and Palestine, just reversed.

Redguard. The Forbearers are Arabic Africans and Moroccans. They fought and expanded their empire in the past, while in the present they've become traders, explorers, pirates, and warriors of great skill. The Crowns are akin to more ancient, hierarchal African civilizations who's descendants still live in sub-Sahara Africa today. The two often fight in real life because of different beliefs and practices, just like the Forbearers and Crowns.

I hope this was somewhat thought-provoking for the discussion...or, you where just bored and read it for the lulz.

OP's previous topic was locked? I would have neeeever guessed. I've been wondering what race Argonians are supposed to be like. :facepalm:

I used to see each race as a real world counterpart, but I now see them as very very different than anything in reality. That is what makes TES cool! :tes:

Exactly. While you can say the Bosmer have some inspiration from South American culture, you cant say they ARE South Americans. But there is a definite link there. You can't say the Bosmer are influenced by Eastern Europeans, it just wouldn't fit. There is definitely specific "inspiration" there.

OH Y'FFRE BEAUTIFUL GOD OF THE FORESTS, WHEN WILL YOU RETURN TO YOUR CHILDREN OF THE FORESTS?

You see, I prefer comparing TES races to real life races to, only because in my mind, when a NPC is talking to me, I like to imagine that they all have their own dialect and accent as well.

I think Argonians are supposed to be like lizards.

Not sure, the bipedal movement and ability to grab objects is misleading.

I think that's where ES could imprvoe by adding unique accents, the only people who really have accents are Khajiit and Argonians

These are pretty good. I've always thought that Dunmer would be of middle-east/turkish by their superior attitudes towards other races or [infidels]. And I'm not speaking badly of the middle-east as a whole, I'm just pointing out some of their customs towards westerners and such.

Well once I've seen an eye instead of lamp and funny guy in my bedroom but I was proper drunk after rectified spirit :ahhh:
I need to drink it again and see an argonian :frog: :woot:

Estonia? No, this one was born and raised in Cyrodil.

I think I know what you're getting at. There's definitely a Turkish/Ottoman feel in their features and attitudes. House Telvanni, with it's levitation-required-to-get-in minarets of stone and fungai that house powerful mystics, have a little Arabian Nights sound to it. Honestly, you can make so many connections since the Elder Scrolls races are so unique.

Oh, Y'ffre, i just want to fix a small mistake you made, Bretons are actually only bi-racial I believe, they come from Aldmer and Nedic, Nedic being the root of all man except Redguards, and after years of interbreeding, Nedes were recognized into two groups, pure nedic as Nord and aldmer/nedic as Breton, so Bretons couldn't have come from Nordic roots seeing as they were practically created at the same time

Gracias, I shall change!

+100 good post :thumbsup:

Actually, you can make so many connections because of how not-unique they are. The devs have done a wonderful job of picking and choosing and adding their own touches, and you know what? I love the Arabian Nights and I love Morrowind, and think the Dark Elves DO have a very strong Mid Eastern influence (among others) but I never would have made the connection. And maybe the Devs didn't either, but it's entirely possible that, subconsciously, they made those influences into the game. Or maybe it was conscious. The point is, the unique parts of TES are outweighed a hundredfold by the un-unique stuff. I said before, Lore doesn't count as it has ZERO influence on the visual and literary style of the games. Dunmer names are not invented like "Jkizmina," they are like "Ashurbanipal"...a Sumerian name. And the invented stuff is made to look like the not invented stuff, like Ashurmanital. Which is gibberish, but obviously taken directly from real life history.