L O R E

History

Redguards, formerly "Yokudans," hail from the western continent of Yokuda, which sank into the sea in ancient times. The cause of Yokuda's sinking is attributed either to natural factors or to the revenge of a defeated band of Ansei called the Hiradirge. Upon the sinking of their homeland, the Yokudan fleet set sail to the east, eventually arriving in what would later be called Hammerfell. Most of the refugees remained on the island of Herne while the Ra Gada, the Warrior Wave, continued to mainland Hammerfell.
 

Imperial scholars concluded that the term "Redguard" originated as a phonetic corruption of "Ra Gada." However, Redguard myth considers it a legacy of the War of the Singers, a series of battles in Yokuda, shortly before the continent was destroyed. Their legends say the war was fought between the army of the Last Emperor Hira and the greatly outnumbered Ansei, who sought out the leadership of Lord Frandar Hunding at the onset. Hunding led the Ansei to victory using his "Hammer and the Anvil" strategy, but at great cost. Though they spared the land from Hira's tyranny, they had to leave it afterwards, for when Hunding's strategy reached fruition in the final battle, more than three hundred thousand people were killed. In the eyes of the citizenry, their guardians were red with blood. So they left Yokuda, sailing across the Eltheric Ocean, and took on new names to commemorate their final battle: their new land was Hammerfell, and their new name was the Redguards. As Yokuda sank into the sea, the Yokudans were forced to follow them to this new land or perish.
 

These were not the first Redguards to arrive in Tamriel, however. The Horsemen of the Rivenspire region of High Rock, long a myth, were confirmed to exist by scholars in the Second Era. They are believed to have migrated there from the Yokudan island of Akos Kasaz sometime in the early sixth century of the First Era.
 

SOCIETY

Like all races, Redguards have been shaped by their home. Since their arrival, they have been few in number relative to the other races of Tamriel. Their Yokudan heritage left them with advanced seafaring, agricultural, military, and even astronomical knowledge, allowing them to thrive where others merely hoped to survive. Redguard society is extremely martial, and nearly everyone is expected to have a grasp of basic weaponry and combat. However, only the rulers are generally expected to have detailed knowledge of strategy, formations, and tactics. Only the strongest, fastest, and smartest Redguards are accepted into the demanding military and are expected to prove themselves worthy by facing death. Even their entertainment, like snake charming, bears some risk to it.
 

The practice of magic has generally been frowned upon dating back to the First Era, and outsiders are not tolerated in many parts of Hammerfell. Many believe no "true" Redguard would stoop to using magic, considering it a weakness. Certain schools that teach the Way of the Sword forbid students to use magic and enchanted weapons. By the Third Era, spellcasters were shunned in Hammerfell, believing them to be wicked individuals who steal souls and tamper with minds. Necromancy has always been abhorred in Redguard culture due to their reverence of the dead. Although suspicion of magic is regarded as a hallmark of Redguard culture, it was not always so pronounced. In ancient times, although rare, Yokudan war-wizards were part of their armies. Sword-singers were said to have forged swords woven with magic; indeed, the Shehai itself is believed to be a form of magic.
 

They have a great affinity for horses and brought many with them to Hammerfell, notably the Yokudan Charger breed. The constellation of the Warrior and its charges seem to be of great importance in their ancient literature.
 

Redguards have a great diversity in styles for their clothing, though it always tends to be light, long, and flowing to best tolerate the heat and hazards of the desert. They first developed this dress style in Yokuda, known to have arid deserts similar to the Alik'r desert of their adopted homeland. The flowing curves of the Redguard dress are mimicked in their armor and weaponry designs. Imperial propaganda from the late Second Era speaks of some Redguards opting to go nude in public, particularly in Rihad. The stone-worshipping people of Hammerfell wear porcelain armor, enchanted and blessed by the Gods through the hands of its craftsman, each scale painted by hand with ocean patterns. Denizens of the Alik'r tend to favor lightweight leather armors to better cope with the heat and often wear face coverings to keep sand from their mouths. In their constant quest for water, they often employ johads, simple but effective water collectors made of sticks and fabric that gather the desert's morning dew.
 

They are highly disciplined and enterprising people, having centuries of experience with warfare in their homeland before arriving on Tamriel's shores. Their warriors are acknowledged to be among the best in the world. The Redguards are also known for their naval prowess, and their fleets have proved a match for the Empire's best armadas, as seen during the Stros M'Kai revolt. Stros M'Kai and some parts of mainland Hammerfell hold many Dwemer ruins, and some young Redguards seeking to enter military service must brave the dangers of these ruins. Most of their holidays and traditions seem to revolve around celebrating natural phenomena or commemorating great battles and warriors.