Board Thread:Lore Discussion/@comment-186.215.22.127-20130215011559/@comment-17114085-20140619023708

VanguardSoul wrote: I believe Tiber Septim was a Nord, for the following reasons.

1. His bravery. Nords are well known for their bravery and courageous in battle. This sense also comes from Tiber, as his conquest of Tamriel as a whole is very daring and it would be more Nord-like behaviour, rather than Breton.

2. Speech. Nords are also known for having a slightly better way with words compared to most of the other current races inhabiting Tamriel. Tiber demonstrated this talent when his conquest reaches Valenwood. Knowing he would never be able to truly conquer Valenwood's untameable nature, he made a deal with the Bosmer and convinced their leader to swear fealty to him, although they would be allowed to stay an independent province.

3. Weaponry and armour. Tiber is often depicted holding a one-handed sword, as well as what appears to be heavy armour. Both these things are Nordic traits, especially the heavy armour when compared to a Breton.

For these reasons I strongly believe Tiber Septim was a Nord. Though, this does not rule out that he could have been an Imperial as Nords and Imperials share many traits. I'm a little on the fence with this one, as to whether he was Nord or Imperial. If there's someone who can confirm he's not Imperial or have strong evidence he's not, that would pretty much solidify him being a Nord. 2. Bretons are renown for their diplomatic skills, in fact they are know to be the race with the most diplomatic skill. Nords are know to be lacking in this aspect, so this is a point for the Breton theory not the Nord theory.

3. Nords are known for their exceptional use in Two-Handed Weapons and use of Light Armor. Imperials are the ones that use One-Handed and Heavy Armor very well. So this is not a point for the Nord theory.

The only thing that points to Tiber Septim being an Imperial is that his grandson and his brother's granddaughter were Imperials. But that is likely due to the fact that he most likely married an Imperial woman, just like why he took the imperial name Tiber Septim. (To be excepted by the Imperials, which is one of the biggest points against him being an Imperial.)