(Before I start this off, let me say that I know about the various threads concerning exclusively http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1164722-orcs-in-skyrim/, http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1177943-any-screenshots-or-info-on-wich-breed-of-khajiit/, http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1177842-if-bosmer-are-still-annoying-little-pip-squeaks-i-will/, etc. My hopes for this one is that it may become a place where the whole forum can discuss their thoughts on advancements for any race, whether it be voice actors, special abilities, physical make-up, or anything in between. Now with that out of the way... )

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"All races will look better and more distinct." ~ Todd Howard

Great news indeed. Though it's simply one small quote that may not mean a lot, I'd really like to share with you my wishes for each and every one of them as I have many ideas. They're mostly concerning improved appearances over Oblivion. Please realize that everything below is merely my own opinion and I mean no offense to anyone.

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http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu155/oblivionlp/highelf.jpg: It's obvious that in order to set them apart from Dunmer, the devs added some unique features which really didn't improve the way they looked. Notice how far out the brow protrudes. You could practically eat soup out of the indent in their foreheads. To me, I would think that Altmer would be the most beautiful, majestic race in all of Tamriel. I mean it's just common folklore to make elves pretty. Tolkein did it and I assume Bethesda was aiming for the same thing. After all, why suggest that Dark Elves were punished when they actually look more attractive than High Elves? I want them to be quite the sight in Skyrim. Handsome males that you envy and gorgeous females that outshine the most lusty argonian maids. I'm not a big fan of the yellow skin either but that seems to be trademark.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2798/4256607826_2cfa6876ea.jpg: Boy, what a disappointment it was to behold this sorry looking creature after I read the manual and saw such great http://ravenoaks.org/oblivion/images/breton.gif. In Oblivion they were like fat, wrinkly versions of Imperials. In Skyrim, I really hope they follow up with what they had originally intended them to be. http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8TCz6shD7mU/TZTvPlK9IfI/AAAAAAAAAfw/zCL4zjvYwlc/s1600/Skyrim_DraugrGroup.jpg tells us that the team has been working on skeletons showing through bodies more. Something less drastic could be applied to the revamped Brets as well as guant faces, long fingers, and http://blogwaybaby.com/Elf%20Ears.jpg that display their elven heritage. Make them more witch-like. They are the most capable in the arcane arts when it comes to humans. Also, when developing their nature, please give them more flamboyant and eccentric personalities like lore implies.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4255940951_d9303e10d5.jpg: As a beast race, Khajiit have a lot of potential to look amazing. I know most of you out there want Morrowind style legs. I do too to some extent. What the devs must have been getting their ideas for Khajiit legs from were probably http://courses.washington.edu/chordate/453photos/skeleton_photos/cat-hind-leg.jpg. This time I suggest they look more into http://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/Science/data/images/MmBib/VetAnatImg/xlarge/0054x.jpg. With some minor reshaping, you could fit that into a boot, no? Whatever the case, paws must be included this time around rather than furry human feet. Speaking of fur, I believe more shades should be optional. I don't want to go against lore and ask for cheetah spots (we are still Suthay-Raht after all) but to this date, there has been no mention of any strain of snow cats. Why couldn't those in Skyrim have adapted to the environment around them and taken on a coat similiar to that of a snow leopard? And it would be only natural for their hair to be much thicker than before. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f8/L%C3%A9opard_des_neiges_14081.jpg? I also want to have the choice of changing the color of their irises this time. My cat has blue eyes, why can't my Khajiit?

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4256204229_d5be6c2350.jpg: I wasn't too keen on how these lot looked either. Foreheads slanted, elongated noses... they just had really pointy faces. It looked unnatural. Lady Syl was the only good looking Wood Elf I ever saw and she was in Shivering Isles. Keep them short and agile, it fits them perfectly but perhaps they should have less rediculous hair styles? I mean it's like the devs are trying to make them silly looking. I know we're not in Valenwood and I can't expect every Bosmer out there to be some badass ranger/hunter but I've never seen any Wood Elf in Oblivion that intimidated me. They are the most skilled marksmen so why not give them something unique like http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2305/2495028541_0f6808c82b.jpg to reflect their advanced peripheral depth perception? It makes sense and would most certainly give those with bovinaphobia the creeps.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4256803712_90812f1165.jpg: Here's a little lore for you in case you didn't already know the story behind Pariah Folk. Trinimac was a God amongst an ancient sect of Aldmeri elves. One day, he did something to piss off the Daedric Prince Boethiath so Boethiath decided to curse Trinimac and his followers, making Trinimac Malacath and his people Orcs. One thing we must remember out of all of this is that Orcs were in fact cursed by a Daedric Lord. I think they should appear more ogrish and sinister rather than sophisticated peoples. Ram horns, jagged claws, darker skin, bigger tusks. Maybe the horns might be a little hard to implement but tribal peircings and body augmentations that exhibit endurance of pain such as http://studentsmetro.com/fun/dat/542/kala-kaiwi.jpg (WARNING: link may disturb you) would be most appropriate. I also expect to see more barbaric acts from this race in Skyrim. Gross me out a little.

http://i643.photobucket.com/albums/uu155/oblivionlp/darkelf.jpg: Now, I never played Morrowind but I hear they made a mean Dark Elf. The average gamesas forum goer would probably agree that the Dunmer in TES III were very well done unlike the blue Altmer in Oblivion. Going back to those roots would appease many fans. My thoughts? Like the orcs, they were punished by a Daedric Prince. Azura in fact (well, I mean according to some lore) so is dark skin and red eyes truly a bad thing? Is that enough? How about some http://www.nefariousfilms.com/Images/Monsters/jeeperscreepers.jpg? I don't know why you would say that's unoriginal... Well good thing they're recieving a new slimy, salamander-like skin texture as seen http://thegamingliberty.com/wp-content/uploads/SKYRIM55.jpg. Atleast I believe that's a Dunmer. Could be a goblin... or an Orc... Just kidding, it's a Dunmer. :biggrin:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2465/4256964516_e3a6c8d23d.jpg: I can't think of any problems I have with these people what-so-ever. What do I mean, these people? The warrior race from the islands of Yokuda ofcourse. It's hard to improve on what is supposed to be an equivalent of a real life race of human-beings. They can't be magically redesigned to have horns or tails. The only thing I can suggest is to make them look more realistic, which I'm sure they will do "reguardless" heh heh.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2715/4255938689_43a48138d4.jpg: Like Redguards, there's not much you can do with a race that has been modeled after real people. Just make them not so ugly this time.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4256593738_85e3feca2d.jpg: One of the most interesting races in Tamriel, this creature also has boat loads of potential to be awesome in Skyrim. Simply reading about the anatomy of these swamp critters can get your blood pumping. They are known for their various amphibian traits including gills that allow them to breathe underwater and fins that sprout from their heads but one would wonder... how well would an Argonian fare in a place that is cold and near inhospitable to their race? I suspect major differences from the Argonians of Oblivion and Morrowind such as sturdy tails, thicker skin, and more of a dinosaur-like appearance similiar to http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/dinos/rex_head_large.gif rather than that of a lizard. http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/027/5/5/skyrim__s_argonian_drawing_by_xxxbanditxxx-d383uyh.png, please oh please make the swimming animations exceedingly different from the other races. I'd like to see my Argonian clasp his arms at his sides and propel himself with his tail instead of a lame briaststroke (which is ok for everyone else). Again, as a beast race they should have noticably different feet. Something along the lines of http://cdn2.arkive.org/media/AC/AC8340AE-D715-4BDF-B0A0-76D6CCC5D3F5/Presentation.Large/Komodo-dragon-claws.jpg would suit them fine.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4256944660_e05a482fa7.jpg: Last but not least, NORAWAWAA! So far, they look http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/2751/dovahkiin.jpg. Just let me get in on some of that braided hair, flowing beard action and I'll be fine. Can't wait to be a http://gameoption.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Skryim-Trailer-anolysis-16-Dual-Wield-590x358.jpg.

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Even if they don't turn out as hoped, I'm sure I will still be blown away. Now, lets hear your thoughts! Oh, and devs... I know you're watching.
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well I only care about Altmer: I want them to look lordly and amazing, and their skin should be GOLDEN not sickly yellow, and they should just be as awesome as they should be, the males should look "athletic" and handsome not bulky and weird and the women should look like beauty goddesses.

in MW and OB Altmer men looked like weird tall men with strange ears and ugly hair, and all women looked like old grannies, ugly and had gray hair.

Vary well stated thread and i completely agree ^_^ but about the leg thing as long as they don't make the Argonians walk like they did in Morrowind ill be fine they just look plain silly. but yeah i completely agree

I agree on most parts, but disagree with the thing about Orsimer. They should not have horns or anything. I don't want them messing with the very basic shape of their appearance. They are like humans with upturned noses, green skin and large lower canines, essentially. How they are presented can be changed, but these basic elements should remain. Also not sure about Dunmer having razor teeth. Bosmer should have black eyes, like they used to, and have a determined hunter style face. All elves should have some of that slightly alien look they did in Morrowind.

Like Aureals?


I concur.


Thank you!


I was kind of unsure about the horns. It's possible it may look cool but would probably interfere with wearing helmets. Not to mention what you said about the traditional designs. I'm happy with what I think the Dunmer look like so far. Razor teeth is just a suggestion. About Bosmer, I'm really keen on the goat eyes though it most likely has never crossed Bethesda's minds to implement that. Black eyes just doesn't do it for me but atleast it'd be unique. More serious expressions and attitudes would be great.

Edit: I forgot to say that section on Bretons was partly inspired by you! I read what you said about them having pointed ears in another thread some time ago. I liked it and added it to the list of improvements.

been a dream of yours for awhile now has it? :hehe:

yah I loved the beast legs in MW but the walking animation .... ewwwww :sick:

wow he actually looks kinda hot

how about something like this for khajiit? in skyrim i'd say they have to be a bit more muscular and have thicker fur due to skyrim's harsh climate.

http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2010/312/a/7/wereleopard_by_koutanagamori-d32f28a.jpg

I think that would be close to perfect. Excellent and believable blend of cat and human qualities. It's beastlike, but not silly beastlike, and looks like it could wear boots, too!

altmer:

more this :

http://www.google.com.lb/imgres?imgurl=http://uncontroversial.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/elves-lord-of-the-rings-3060108-1024-768.jpg&imgrefurl=http://uncontroversial.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/womenlovedressingupaselves/&usg=__pJEWRcIdx8Go95oIhmKSDHv37b0=&h=768&w=1024&sz=128&hl=ar&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=YBtgDVJQXvoNvM:&tbnh=144&tbnw=196&ei=Vd2dTYHrMozItAbw7uC3BA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Delven%2Bwomen%2Bin%2Blord%2Bof%2Bthe%2Brings%26hl%3Dar%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3D20C%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D869%26tbm%3Disch%26prmd%3Divns&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=443&vpy=83&dur=3152&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=143&ty=78&oei=Vd2dTYHrMozItAbw7uC3BA&page=1&ndsp=49&ved=1t:429,r:6,s:0


and LESS this:

http://www.google.com.lb/imgres?imgurl=http://www.selfsimilar.org/images/garn/garn9-1t.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.selfsimilar.org/%3Fm%3D200906&usg=__E-9Q1eigPnTGk9LnumoF65CnFWA=&h=323&w=400&sz=21&hl=ar&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=BYDPdvvgAbMxpM:&tbnh=172&tbnw=231&ei=kd2dTeXuEYXusgaM_vm5BA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Daltmer%2Bwoman%2Bpic%2Bform%2Boblivion%26hl%3Dar%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3D01C%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D869%26tbm%3Disch%26prmd%3Divns&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=170&vpy=149&dur=305&hovh=202&hovw=249&tx=198&ty=90&oei=kd2dTeXuEYXusgaM_vm5BA&page=1&ndsp=28&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0

dang if they make them like that I might just try them for once

Excellent OP, I agree with you on most of these.

Altmer should be more majestic, give them at least a semblance of a reason to act all superior, because they sure didn't look it in Oblivion or Morrowind! Bretons could stand to look a more half-elfy if they're the half elves of TES because in Oblivion you could much more easily tell a Breton from an Imperial by voice rather than physical characteristics.

Khajiit and Argonian shouldn't look too human like they did in Oblivion, and Bosmer should at least have the capacity to look threatening and not an entirely silly joke race.

I'm not sure if they should change Orsimer too much by giving them horns, but bigger tusks and a more brutish look would be cool. With the Dunmer I'm also unsure if they should change to much about them, maybe darker skin instead of shades of blue or give them more of their Morrowind appearance and voices, but their skin looks great so far if that is a Dunmer in that screenshot.

Really can't wait to see some content on character creation and the races now!

Just since Skyrim was announced. Why be a hulking brute when you're already the sixiest man alive? :confused:


Thanks! I'm glad. Again, I wasn't too sure about the http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ympYOscIRwc/SUSBzb6hIyI/AAAAAAAAAiA/KuzzoVrIMCw/s400/Gulgar_Half-Giant.jpg. I can already see about a zillion problems with having them.


Very cool art but that's how I've always imagined the http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Cathay-Raht#Cathay-Raht. Though I do like the mane going down the back of his neck.

as much as i dislike WoW i do admit they do a hell of a good work with art and covers.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e105/DjSlayer/elf_by_sandara.jpg

this is basically how i'd picture an altmer, only with slightly shorter ears and a more goldish skin.

I really hope that in Skyrim, different races get to benefit from different bodies this time around, at the very least, Khajiit and Argonians should have it, for other races, I wouldn't expect the actual anatomy to differ significantly, but in terms of physique, there should logically be some differences. Of course, I realize that's customizable now, but still, on a whole, different races should have different physiques. Nords and orcs should be much bulkier than Bosmer or Altmer, for example, obviously, there's room for variation in physique within a race, but you should also be able to see differences in members of different races beyond just skin color and the shape of their faces.

And yes, Breton's definitely need work, I don't really have strong feelings on the Bretons as a race one way or another but I'd like to be able to tell them apart from Imperials, because they're not Imperials, they're a different race, and this should be apparent, in Oblivion, I could only really tell the difference once I spoke to them, because of the voices.



Hmm, that looks pretty good, actually. If Bethesda can make the Khajiit similar to that, I'll be pleased.

indeed they should just look .... well better in Skyrim, I mean think lord of the rings elves, or wow high borne

and Bosmer should look more serious, and Bretons should just look..... like me , hot athletic with marble chiseled bone structure and long artistic fingers and have "arcane" spirits and minds. not chubby short imperials :confused:

just found more "cat-people" pics from the same artist. i specially like the tiger one (could easily pass for a Ka Po' Tun)

http://fc07.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2010/286/9/4/weretiger_by_koutanagamori-d30nyog.jpg tiger

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/041/e/5/mercenary_of_leopard_by_koutanagamori-d397y5q.jpg leopard

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/078/6/f/lion_warrior_by_koutanagamori-d3c0mhi.jpg lion

omfg now I can't even look at MW and OB kahjit :sadvaultboy:

those look amazing, great now I have super high expectations for kahjit in Skyrim :shakehead:

Bretons:

nice , good... not bad:

http://www.google.com.lb/imgres?imgurl=http://www.play.net/images/gs3/races/new/halfelves.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.play.net/gs4/info/races/halfelf.asp&usg=__Q4EKMOQ951Lf9w4fnJOsFBo05XI=&h=400&w=220&sz=56&hl=ar&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=LkgPLcP15BoHiM:&tbnh=191&tbnw=105&ei=g-GdTe_YH4KBswb5-ZymBA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhalf%2Belves%26hl%3Dar%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DIID%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D869%26tbm%3Disch%26prmd%3Divns&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=264&vpy=51&dur=549&hovh=303&hovw=166&tx=102&ty=117&oei=g-GdTe_YH4KBswb5-ZymBA&page=1&ndsp=41&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0


HELL NO:

http://www.google.com.lb/imgres?imgurl=http://guides.gamepressure.com/theelderscrolls4oblivion/gfx/word/1030000218.jpg&imgrefurl=http://guides.gamepressure.com/theelderscrolls4oblivion/guide.asp%3FID%3D949&usg=__qHINimYboy5prt7s_-Eln0__P78=&h=145&w=100&sz=27&hl=ar&start=24&zoom=1&tbnid=XlLu3fFCLJZsWM:&tbnh=95&tbnw=66&ei=7OOdTaf9FIrKsgaG_dShBA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dbretons%2Bin%2Boblivion%26hl%3Dar%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1680%26bih%3D869%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1

I mean DAM...

I think goat eyes would be a very cool idea for the Bosmer, although their black eyes in Morrowind I thought were very cool as well. I could have it either way, I just hope there's more too them then silly hair and a terrible voice since they are quite a unique race and I love to play them.

http://www.imperial-library.info/sites/default/files/vvard_race_bosmer.jpg

I personally love that look.
I also think more differentiation in the skin tone of the Dunmer would be cool, it made them look very mystical in Morrowind as opposed to somewhat flat in Oblivion, and like many people have stated just a 'blue' imperial or altmer.

More of this:
http://www.gamebanshee.com/morrowind/races/darkelfmale.jpg

less of this:
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/images/23853-1-1239938773.jpg

I did like the distinct body posturing of the Argonians in Morrowind, they really seemed wild and beast-like. Although I will agree rather awkward when walking, but I preferred that differentiation. Although I will admit the Oblivion Argonians look quite a bit like this concept art, but I'm not sure that's the best thing.
http://images.wikia.com/oblivion/images/c/c9/Argonian.gif

I also really loved the inclusion of different earrings/horns/scars/face tattoos on many of the different face options in Morrowind, but it sounds like we won't have to worry about that in Skyrim since 'decals' have been confirmed (as well as scars?), but I would love to see some more unique ornamentation like this as well:
http://www.gamebanshee.com/morrowind/races/argonianfemale.jpg

And those deviant art beast pics are amazing, I'd like to think they weren't too far off on the face in Morrowind for at least this Khajiit?:
http://www.gamebanshee.com/morrowind/races/khajiitmale.jpg

With updated graphics I do hope they moved in that direction with the Khajiit, I think they deserve to be more than house cats.

as for orcs... this is one of the best arts that convey what i'd like to see:


http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs50/i/2009/337/9/8/Half_orc_portrait_by_LolloBoloz.jpg

This, no question. It shouldn't make sense for an Altmer to be as tough looking as an Orsimer or a Bosmer to have bigger muscles than a Nord. Each race's body should be customizable to an extent but not so much that it breaks immersion. Wouldn't like to see any Wood Elf body builders...


Yeah, that guy's definitely a pro at making "cat-people". :biggrin:

Really hope to see something just as beastly in Skyrim.

Honestly, I'm not too fond of the Argonian portrayed in the Concept Art. :yuck: Based on the image, I just don't feel it. Hopefully we'll get some real screens soon.

Great thread! Thanks for the insight, character creation/development is one of the reasons why I love TES.