- For other uses, see Bosmer.
- "The clanfolk of the Western Valenwood forests, also known as "Bosmer." Wood Elves are nimble and quick, making them good scouts and thieves, and there are no finer archers in all of Tamriel. Their ability to command simple creatures is well-known."
- ―In-game description[src]
Across the Empire, the various barbarian Elven clanfolk of the Western Valenwood forests are collectively referred to as "Wood Elves." They also call themselves "Bosmer" - which, roughly translated, means "Tree-Sap/Wood People," denoting their wild vitality and youthful energy. The curious and adventurous nature of the Bosmer contrasts with that of their more dour "cousins," the Altmer and Dunmer.
Culture and traits
Wood Elves reject the stiff, formal traditions of Aldmeri high culture, instead preferring a romantic, simple existence in harmony with nature and its creatures. These "country cousins" of the High Elves and Dark Elves are nimble and quick in body and wit, and because of their curious natures and natural agility, they excel in Stealth roles, such as Scouts, Agents, and Thieves. Above all, Wood Elves are known for their skills with Bows; there are no finer archers in all of Tamriel.
Character creation
Attribute modifiers
| Attributes | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Agility | 50 | 50 |
| Endurance | 40 | 30 |
| Intelligence | 40 | 40 |
| Luck | 50 | 50 |
| Personality | 30 | 40 |
| Speed | 50 | 50 |
| Strength | 30 | 30 |
| Willpower | 30 | 30 |
Skill bonuses
| Skill | Modifier |
|---|---|
| Acrobatics | +5 |
| Alchemy | +10 |
| Alteration | +5 |
| Light Armor | +5 |
| Marksman | +10 |
| Sneak | +10 |
Special abilities
- Beast Tongue
- Resist Disease (75 pts, constant)
- Disposition +5 with other Bosmer.
Usage
Wood Elves are considered ideal for "sneaky" character builds, due to their excellent skill bonuses and attributes. Sneak attacks with poisoned arrows (poisoned via Alchemy) are superb for covertly eliminating enemies, and Acrobatics can sometimes aid them in "sniping" opponents from locations where they cannot be reached. Their skill with Light Armor also helps ensure that any close encounters won't get them killed.
Birthsigns
- The Thief birthsign is popular for Wood Elf builds, due to the substantial bonuses it provides in Agility and Speed - attributes which benefit the player through skills such as Marksman and Light Armor. The Luck bonus also benefits their Expert and Master Marksman skill perks.
- The Warrior birthsign is a decent counter for the low Strength and Endurance attributes. It may prevent your Wood Elf from inflicting more damage, but you will still be able to hold your own at a lower level.
Drawbacks
Mysticism and Illusion are particularly useful for "sneaky" characters, but Wood Elves don't gain bonuses to these skills. This lack can be slightly alleviated by choosing either The Lady or The Mage as birthsigns.
Also, while Light Armor is certainly safer than no armor at all, it wears down quickly and provides little protection. Wood Elves also begin the game with low Strength (i.e. less carrying capacity), and female Bosmer also have reduced Endurance (i.e. dramatically lowered health).
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
External links
- The Elder Scrolls - Official Codex
- TES Treasury II: Common Names In Morrowind - Bosmeri Names
- Imperial Library's entry on Bosmer
- Wikipedia article on Bosmer
| Races in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion | |
|---|---|
| Humans | |
| Mer | |
| Beastfolk | |