Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-26145872-20190209104136

So I was just quietly doing my Stormcloak playthrough earlier since I couldn't sleep, and since I'd never done the Stormcloaks before, and heard a few NPC's make some racial comments. It got me thinking about how Nords treat foreign races and overall what their opinions are on each of them.

To try and keep a fair playing field, let's assume the Nord attitude we're using comes from your average and generic Nord family in Skyrim, something akin to Riverwood. Nothing extreme or particular about them. I want to give a list of what I think this average Nord would see in other races, then I'll encourage you to do the same. I'll start with the easy ones first.

-Altmer (High Elf)-

I think it's safe to say that Nords in the current Era and for much of time are not fond of the Altmer. The reasons are too many to list, but needless to say they oppose one another on more than a handful of policies and issues. Magic, religion, history, the race itself, you name it. While I don't think it would erupt in outright violence given a Nord's high respect for honor, there would be some disdain. More tolerant areas of Skyrim or open-minded Altmer would naturally perform better.

-Dunmer (Dark Elf)-

The same overall story applies to the Dunmer much like the Altmer, but it's focused more on the religious and historical side. The Dunmer naturally have had more conflicts and war stories involving the Nords than any other besides the Dwemer. On top of that they directly worship and praise the Daedra, which in itself alienates them from other cultures save the Orsimer and some Khajiit. I still think they're favored over the Altmer however due to a former High King bestowing Solstheim upon them, allowing them to build a shrine to Azura, giving them their own district (albeit poor) in Windhelm, and naming a small landmark from the eastern border Refugees' Rest. The Nords may be stubborn or cold, but they can show sympathy, and it shows here.

-Imperials-

Needless to say their relationship with the Imperials and their Empire is...complicated. There are plenty of Nords who still respect and outright praise the Empire's rule of law and order, wanting to bring strength and glory for Men, whereas others see them as weak and cowardly, or incapable of keeping a grip on their land. It's a split and indecisive opinion, really. There would be either disdain or warmth depending on the area of Skyrim and Imperial visits.

-Khajiit-

The cat folk of Elsweyr are more or less in the same boat as the two previously mentioned Mer but for different reasons. Instead of being frowned upon for the use of magic, historical tensions or their religion, many Khajiit are simply seen as thieves and dishonest. To give you an idea of the distrust, it stretches to a point where Khajiit traders are not allowed within city walls at all.

-Orsimer (Orcs)-

Though being directly descended from the Elves, the Orsimer hardly resemble much of traditional Elves at all save their signature ears. In fact, much of the Orsimer lifestyle and ideals follow the Nords. They emphasize traditional warfare, stick to a code of honor, remain close as a family, and have a more primitive culture like the Nords. They're also similar physically, being tall and muscular. Their talent for smithing is also a shared trait with the Nords. I think if they shared drinks with one another and worked together in the smithing trade, they'd make good friends. They also have a good relationship with the Empire, further improving their relationship with Nords loyal to the Empire. At worst, the opinion is neutral save the odd outlier.

-Bretons-

Despite being part Elf, the Nords have worked with them a handful of times. One instance being taking control of High Rock (albeit slowly) from the Direnni and without much violence. Bretons are often turned to for magical assistance or diplomacy since they excel in both. Many of them even hold the position of court mage or organization leaders. Aside from having some Elvish features and a more natural talent for magic, many Bretons choose to live a simple lifestyle quite close to the Nords. While some may call out the Nords' hatred for them in Markarth, this is due to the fault of the Forsworn. The Forsworn in it of themselves are very distinct from traditional Bretons, and I have a feeling that any group acting so aggressive and radical would earn the Nords' hatred regardless of race. Ultimately, I consider the two decent friends.

-Bosmer (Wood Elf)-

There really isn't much discussion between the Nords and Bosmer. The Bosmer are seen as the best archers in Tamriel and love hunting, two things that the Nords traditionally respect. Many Bosmer are also much more light hearted than other Elves, giving them a friendly disposition and giving them good chances with the Nords. Some Bosmer are aligned to the Dominion, it's true, but they aren't seen as the main threat to the Nords. Ultimately the two are either neutral or decent friends.

-Redguards-

Much like the Bosmer, there simply isn't much to say or much interaction between them and the Nords. Aside from a handful of Nords seeing their culture as alien or odd, they don't seem to hate eachother or have much disdain. The only instance of negative attention seems to be when they were snooping around Whiterun. The Nord law enforcement naturally saw this as suspicious and had to intervene seeing as how the Redguards refused to offer any major context to them.

-Argonians-

And lastly, there also isn't much at all to say about the Argonians save once instance in which they are not allowed within the city walls of Windhelm. One theory is due to the Nords' racial hatred, another theory is due to the Argonians' racial hatred to the Dunmer. Quite frankly the latter is far more likely due to their invasion of Morrowind. Aside from this segregation there really doesn't seem to be much outright hatred or praise for the Argonians in any capacity.

So...what do you think? 