Altmer (Online)

For other uses, see Altmer.

The Altmer, or High Elves, are a playable race in The Elder Scrolls Online. They are members of the Aldmeri Dominion, along with the Bosmer and Khajiit, though they can appear in other Alliances for those who pre-ordered the game.

The High Elves were one of the original settlers of Tamriel and created the common tongue used throughout the continent today. They consider themselves descended from the gods, and superior to all other mortals. Elegant and sophisticated, many Altmer, as they're known in the Summerset Isles, are naturally proficient with magic.

Official description

"The High Elves, or Altmer, arrived in Tamriel thousands of years ago from Old Aldmeris. They see themselves, perhaps justifiably, as the ruling race of Tamriel. They are a highly cultured people, known for their breathtaking architecture and massive libraries of histories and creative works. They tend to be isolationists, largely remaining on Summerset Isle, and only emerge when they perceive a great threat to their homeland. They are powerful mages and warriors, and the de facto leaders of the Aldmeri Dominion."

Passive racial abilities

	Highborn – Increases your experience gain with the Destruction Staff Skill line by 15%. Increases your experience gain by 1%.
	Spell Recharge – Restore __ Magicka or Stamina, based on whichever is lowest, after activating a Class Ability. This effect can occur once every 6 seconds. Reduces damage taken by __% while you are using an ability with a cast or channel time. Rank 1: 200, 1% (Unlocked at Level 5) Rank 2: 400, 2% (Unlocked at Level 15) Rank 3: 640, 5% (Unlocked at Level 30)
	Syrabane's Boon – Increases your Max Magicka by ___. Rank 1: 600 (Unlocked at Level 10) Rank 2: 1200 (Unlocked at Level 20) Rank 3: 2000 (Unlocked at Level 40)
	Elemental Talent – Increases Spell Damage by __. Rank 1: 86 (Unlocked at Level 25) Rank 2: 172 (Unlocked at Level 35) Rank 3: 258 (Unlocked at Level 50)

Culture

Royal family

The Altmer consider themselves to be descended in an unbroken line from the Divines who created Nirn, but none more so than the royal family of Alinor. The King or Queen of Alinor rules over the Summerset Isles, basing their decisions on the precedents laid down in the Scrolls of Praxis; a tradition known as Ceremoniarchy. For a requisite 3,555 days, an heir to the Throne of Alinor will study Altmeri Regal Praxis and Ceremoniarchy at the Sapiarchs' Labyrinth. When the King or Queen ascends to Aetherius, the heir must speak an eighty-eight day Coronation Liturgy that will elevate them to the Throne of Alinor. It is the right of the eldest heir to assume the throne, as affirmed by the High Justiciar.

Protocol and propriety

Altmeri painting and props

Impressions are important to the Altmer, and there are several rules about proper behavior at a High Elven dinner table that guests are expected to follow. Using the wrong utensil for a certain food is considered barbaric, and utensils should never be rested on the edge of any vessel. The head of the table is always allowed to lead any discussion, and only the most prestigious attendee at any function can eat the most food. Finally, one should never watch another while they chew, or refill their own glass. It is expected of each individual to refill the glass of the diner to their left when it is low.

Notable Altmer

• Queen Ayrenn – Queen of Alinor and leader of the Aldmeri Dominion.
• Mannimarco – First Necromancer and Molag Bal's main agent on Tamriel.
• Vanus Galerion – Mage of the Psijic Order and founder of the Mages Guild

Personality and characteristics

Many of the Dominion's High Elves may sometimes view themselves to be superior to the other races. Some will refer to their two allying races as cannibalistic savages (Bosmer) and cat scum (Khajiit).

Gallery

Female and male Altmer

Altmer playing a lute

Altmer Mannimarco concept art

Two High Elves

Elder Scrolls Online -- High Elf Male - Character Creation

Elder Scrolls Online -- High Elf Female - Character Creation

Appearances

• The Elder Scrolls: Arena
• The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
• An Elder Scrolls Legend: Battlespire
• The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard
• The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
• An Elder Scrolls Novel: The Infernal City
• An Elder Scrolls Novel: Lord of Souls
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
• The Elder Scrolls Online
• The Elder Scrolls: Legends
• The Elder Scrolls: Blades