Tales of Tamriel
Imperial
"As a lamp lights up a dark room, so does law shine upon the people."
The Imperials are the educated and well-spoken natives of the civilized, cosmopolitan province of Cyrodiil.
Imperials are known for their enlightened rule of law and government and the discipline and training of their citizen armies.
Though physically less imposing than the other races, they are shrewd diplomats and traders. Their legions have enabled them to subdue all of Tamriel's other nations and races and erect the monument to peace and prosperity that comprises the Glorious Empire.
When roleplaying as an Imperial in The Elder Scrolls, embrace the values of diplomacy, adaptability, and loyalty to the Empire. Imperials are known for their bureaucratic skills, patriotism, and appreciation of education and culture. They have a diverse cultural heritage and respect for the customs of others.
Consider your character's social class and background within Imperial society, and embody a well-spoken and refined communication style. Determine your character's role in the world, such as a scholar, soldier, merchant, or member of a guild or faction.
HEIGHT LIMIT: 164-188 (Female), 168-190 (Male)
LANGUAGES: Tamrielic
Racial Traits
Diplomat
Imperials are naturally talented diplomats and speakers. Therefore, Imperials gain a +3 to speechcraft.
Determined
Imperials gain a natural +2 to resolve due to their culture of hard work and never giving up.
Colovian
Star of the West
Colovians can muster the energy to gain up to +5 Stamina
Battle Prowess
Colovians are known to be skilled in battle, their harsh training regiments have given them a +2 to one-handed weapons
Command
Colovians are naturally talented leaders who take control of any situation they find themselves in. Therefore, Colovians gain a +2 to command
Nibenese
Voice of the Emperor
Due to their calm demeanor, Nibenese gain the ability to calm those around them, even if the target is immune.
Scholarly pursuits
Due to their focus on the mind instead of the body, The Nibenese have a natural +1 to their mental aptitude.
Mystic Arts
Opposite of their Colovian counterparts, Nibenese are more intuned with the mystic arts giving them a +2 to Mysticism.
Description
Imperials, a prominent race in The Elder Scrolls universe, have a distinctive and varied appearance reflecting their diverse ancestry and cultural influences. Delve into the intricate details of their physical traits, including their heights, skin tones, hair, and body types, as we explore the captivating aspects of their appearance.
Imperials exhibit a wide range of heights, with the average male standing around 168-190cm, while the average female ranges from 5 164-188cm. This moderate height range reflects a balance between strength and agility, befitting their versatile roles in the empire. Imperials typically possess well-proportioned bodies, reflecting a blend of athleticism and resilience. The skin tones of Imperials encompass a broad spectrum, influenced by their diverse lineage. Ranging from warm tanned to olive-toned, Imperials exhibit a natural variety of skin tones, Some individuals may even possess subtle undertones, such as hints of gold or bronze, adding depth and richness to their appearance.
Imperial hair comes in diverse colors and textures, reflecting their cosmopolitan origins. Hair colors can range from dark brown and black to shades of auburn and even blonde. Imperials often take pride in their hair, with males and females adopting various styles and grooming practices. Depending on personal preference and societal trends, hairstyles may range from intricate braids and ornate updos to more practical and functional cuts.
Imperials exhibit a range of body types, reflecting the diversity within their culture and the varied environments in which they reside. Some Imperials possess a lean and athletic build, honed through physical activities such as combat training or agricultural work. Others may have a more solid and robust frame, indicative of a lifestyle involving manual labor or military service. These variations in body type among Imperials demonstrate their adaptability and versatility, enabling them to excel in a wide range of professions and roles.
In summary, the appearance of Imperials reflects their multicultural heritage and adaptability. Their heights range from moderate to tall, striking a balance between strength and agility. Imperials exhibit warm mediterranean skin tones, showcasing variations from tanned to olive, Their hair displays a broad spectrum of colors and textures, reflecting the cosmopolitan origins of their race. Imperials possess a range of body types, reflecting the diverse lifestyles and professions within their society.
L O R E
History
The Imperial race emerged from the original Nibenese tribesman, Nedes, and Cyro-Nords in the Merethic Era. They were subjugated by a race of Aldmer, the Ayleids, but a rebellion against these rulers, formed under the guidance of Saint Alessia in 1E 242, would prove so successful that Ayleids were driven to extinction (though they left behind many treasures). The Alessian Empire united Imperials and pursued campaigns in other provinces, but when the Colovian west broke away, the resulting civil war in Cyrodiil ended the Empire.
The eastern Nibenay Valley region and the western Colovian Estates developed distinct cultures. Still, they united under the Colovian Reman I to repel an Akaviri invasion in 1E 2703, creating the Second Empire. The Akaviri had devastated many human lands, and Reman feared invasion from the Summerset Isle, so he allowed the remaining Akaviri to live and fight for him against the Elves. Soon, the Second Empire controlled every province of Tamriel except Morrowind. The events surrounding the attempted conquest of Morrowind led to the end of the Reman emperors and the First Era in 1E 2920: the Akaviri Versidue-Shaie, who had earned a position as a trusted advisor, took control following the deaths of the Remans and the disastrous Four-Score War.
The Akaviri Potentates would rule until 2E 430, but eventually, assassinations and poor leadership would make the Empire crumble, leading to the Interregnum: for four hundred years, petty states all over Tamriel quarreled with each other, especially Cyrodiil. The Imperial Province devolved into a collection of warlords squabbling over a no-man's land of cultural stagnation. Eventually, it would take a Nord to reunite the Imperial Province: Tiber Septim was appointed general of the forces of Cuhlecain, a petty Colovian king. He routed all of Cuhlecain's enemies who would face him and his armies on the battlefield, quickly reuniting Cyrodiil. When Cuhlecain was assassinated in 2E 854, Tiber Septim assumed the throne. In a few decades, the provinces would be reunited once more under his Third Empire, and this once-outsider to Cyrodiil had become the symbol of the whole realm.
Ironically enough, most, if not all, of the Emperors of the Third Age would be Nordic or Breton, not Imperial.
SOCIETY
The defining feature of Imperial culture is its cosmopolitanism. Culturally, the Imperials are conciliatory and congenial, making them skilled diplomats and traders. Even Imperial Vampires claim some semblance of civility. Cyrodiil's geography and cultural schisms have shaped their identity, as they border almost every other province, fostering interactions and the need for order. The two most powerful regions, the western Colovian Estates and the eastern Nibenay Valley, effectively controlled their respective areas.
Early Imperials in eastern Cyrodiil firmly adhered to the Alessian Doctrines, favoring mercantilism over farming. They became a wealthy merchant power known for vibrant society, colorful clothing, elaborate ceremonies, and an affinity for tattoos and philosophy. Their river network facilitated the export of textiles, moon sugar, rice, and armor. While their beliefs were monotheistic, diverse cults dedicated to animal spirits, hero-gods, and ancestor worship thrived openly. In contrast, the Colovians, influenced by their Nordic ancestry, embraced a more austere and adventurous lifestyle, often becoming mercenaries and pirates. Reman I's unification did not erase these differences, although the worship of the Eight Divines became predominant throughout the province by the end of the First Era.
Imperials greatly respect and admire Tiber Septim, venerating him as a god of the Nine Divines despite heretical beliefs. His accomplishments inspired them to believe in their own potential. The end of his dynasty was met with mourning and pride as Martin Septim, his last known descendant, sacrificed himself to save Tamriel. Imperials understand that dynasties rise and fall and anticipate the Glorious Empire's eventual return to reign over Tamriel.
For more lore on Imperials, go here.