We've seen the polls and the reactions: Altmer are one of the least popular races for Skyrim. It has been thoroughly discussed why they're hated so much. (Snobbish, ugly, cowards, don't look bad-ass etc.)
But let's talk about what we do love about the High Elves. So this thread is not intended to talk about things we hate about them (seen that many times already) but to talk about what's to love. We'll have to face it: they're in the game, so you'd better love them to enjoy your game better.

Personally, the more I think about them, the more eager I am to pick one for my first play-through for Skyrim. I've always loved magic in TES games and I think Altmer have been able to become the most powerful mages you can be, due to their magic bonus. Additionally, they offer a great strategic play-style, because of their weaknesses (to make up for their great magic bonus). Nothing beats playing an Altmer with the Atronach sign. (Let's hope that's still in Skyrim as one of the standing stones you can pick.)
It's true, the Altmer race isn't the easiest race to play and they don't naturally fit the environment of Skyrim, but that's what I like about them. Imagine an Altmer Dragonborn! A radiating, all powerful robed wizard, blasting dragons with heavy destruction spells, shooting flames and lightning from his hands, killing everything in his way: awesomeness!

Read http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Lore:Altmer, look at http://images.uesp.net/2/21/SR-race-Altmer.jpg and decide for yourself: what do you like about High Elves?

I love their culture, their archtecture and their history. I was hoping that TESV would take place on the Summerset Isles actually.

They are the most metaphysically correct race in the game, and as others describe, their culture and architecture defines all of Tamriel.

Also, they have pretty hair.

Same here. Maybe one day.
I play mages, and it's either Altmer or Breton to be the typical race for that class. Played Altmer in OB, the weakness was more interesting than the Breton resistance. This time, I will admit the look is a large part of playing Altmer rather than Breton (Vsions :bowdown: thank you), with the racial bonuses being more equal. Oh, yeah, and how can any self respecting Zelda fan not like pointy ears?

[One question. In some of the anti-Altmer threads, they have been referred to as Salache. Why use a Valenwood-Ayleidoon word?]

Their attitude makes them unique to say the least. Snobbish isn't the word, nor is supreme. I'd say their attitudes are fickle at best, with some having a massive ego whilst their peers may be likable and tolerable to those outside their circle.

the way they beg for mercy and show just how pathetic they are as i raise my war hammer and bring it down upon their skull.

A lot of people hate them, but they aren't at the bottom of my list, that spot goes to Imperials for being the most bland and boring of all races.

I like their arcane abilities alongside their long lifespan. I dislike their culture and attitude >_<

Do people who play Nords in Skyrim really think they're being original in the slightest, I wonder?

I actually happen to like High Elves in general, but not OB ones. Hated the voice actor for the elves. I actually hope they continue to be snobby and sophisticated. But lets hope this time they can back up their words.

as original as a high born elf that does magic :goodjob:

OH GOD. This slipped my mind somehow as well. I agree with you 100% on this.

They're better than everyone duhh.

I do like the Altmer as a race, but not a playable race. Just because their look doesn't fit a great hero destined to be the savior of the world, but the addition of facial hair might change all that, I might even play one for my first play through if he looks the part. :tes:

Altmer are interesting in the same way that a hereditary king is interesting.

They think they are amazing because of their bloodline, but in reality, they are rarely worth anything more than a peasant.


It's also interesting to watch them attempt to prop up their egos through condescension, only proving how weak and pitiful their confidence really is.


So yeah, they are interesting in some ways.

I don't like anything about them?

They remind me of the Sun Elves from Forgotten Realms. Intelligent, arrogant, and yellow-tinted skin.

They remind me of the gayish WoW Blood Elves lmao

I like....er..... how they're good with magic?

I dont know about least popular, the last poll is saw was 3/2 'i dont hate Altmer'.

For me, they are the only race I play since Daggerfall.
I like the lore. I like how all language and arts like writing or medicine or architecture or statesmanship or magic come from Altmer.
I like the idea of a race that does not claim to be superior, but is superior.

40% said "I hate them." No other race would come close to that number.

Although I think based on polls I've seen here, Redguards tend to be the least popular to play.

As I said in the thread about this the other day, they have punchable faces, so hating on them is easy. Now in skyrim they look hardcoe so all is well. All the races look good in sr I think that will bring the % of haters down for all races.

Also 'no' hating on redguards as they are like the most underated race, looking less potatoe more bad ass now so hopefully that will slide to. Other wise red guards will have to show everyone who's boss. :run:

it's True, the Elve's are a Superior race. to even question thier Glorious Beauty and Power would be foolish!
They exemplify Great Prowess, and Beautiful Glory and Greatness of stature.
Elves are the only thing that will allow skyrim to even be seen or recognized as an actual playable RPG.
were it not for Both High and Dark Elves Skyrim would be a complete failure!

I respect, and love their intelligence, pride, and magical skill.