Breton (Skyrim)



Bretons are humans of both human and elven ancestry. They populate the province of High Rock. They are capable mages with high magicka resistance but have few other distinctive features. They are considered an intelligent race in Tamriel, known for a proficiency in abstract thinking, a possible reason for their adeptness in the magical arts. It is suggested that they may also carry Aldmer blood, accounting for their magical prowess.

Skill Bonuses

 * +10 Conjuration
 * +5 Alchemy
 * +5 Alteration
 * +5 Illusion
 * +5 Restoration
 * +5 Speech

Starting Spells

 * Conjure Familiar (Conjuration)
 * Flames (Destruction)
 * Healing (Restoration)

Special Abilities

 * Dragonskin : Absorb 50% of magicka from hostile spells for 60 seconds. (FormID 0x000aa022)
 * Magic Resistance : Breton blood grants a 25% resistance to magic. Note: In the loading screen trivia, it says the Bretons have a 50% magic resistance. 25% is the correct level. (FormID 0x000aa01f)

===Gameplay

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 * During gameplay Bretons make excellent warriors, as well as mages. Though they start focused heavily on magic, switching them to a combat style is incredibly effective. This is somewhat tedious at higher difficulties, due to their lower starting combat skills and the power of enemies on the Master difficulty.
 * Magic resistance does not block friendly spells, only hostile ones. This differs from the magicka absorption ability, making resistance more useful for mages and Breton warriors who augment their physical durability with spells.
 * The magic absorption provided by Dragonskin is rendered somewhat obsolete by the fact any race can achieve 80% absorption as a permanent effect through use of the Atronach Stone and the Atronach perk. They can then receive the remaining 20% needed for 100% from Ward Absorb. Wards can then be used an unlimited number of times per day, as opposed to just once.

In Skyrim
Unlike the neighboring Redguard and Dunmer populations, the Bretons don't have many of their number in Skyrim. Some, however, do take to city life and are a minority in settlements.

In the Reach, the native Bretons were involved in an armed uprising against the Nords that rule Markarth. They took the city by force due to a belief that it belonged to the native population, but were driven out by Ulfric Stormcloak prior to his own conflict with the Empire. This group call themselves the Forsworn and are active to this day. The Dragonborn is able to assist the Forsworn during the quest No One Escapes Cidhna Mine, this results in the normally hostile Forsworn settlement of Druadach Redoubt becoming friendly.

Beyond this Bretons often take the role of court wizard to a Jarl or study as scholars at the College of Winterhold.