» Sat Feb 09, 2013 9:16 am If you have absolute no interest in reading this entire large post, feel free to find your favorite faction and/or race and just read that part. Also, I do not think of myself as a loremaster or anything close to it, I just REALLY haven't seen any faction discussion more thought out than "EP svcks cuz of skyrim kiddies and overpopulation" and "Aldmeri dominion svcks cuz altmer r racist -insertthatsracistgif-"
So here is a multi-pronged approach to what each faction REALLY brings to the table. Please feel free to add things I missed and your opinions/observations and I may update the OP. PLEASE do not turn this into a crapslinging contest.
Some of my conclusions will come from my love of history, and my entire families views on the races from their proffesional Anthropological and Archeological standpoints.
Ebonheart Pact
Nord: The Nords are a hardy people, primarily based off of the Norse/Viking archetype. You can also see very clear influence from Celtic/Scottish/Irish culture (though some of this can be tied back into the Viking archetype, as the Celtic culture influenced the Vikings as many races did.)
What does that mean? Viking+Celtic = Hardy and warrioristic, with a heavy emphasis on tribes/clans rather than a Kingdom.
What does this mean? Nords are very potent warriors. They idolize battle, and their culture reflects that. They are also a very prideful race and often are not quick to trust others outside of their race or even their own clan. However, Nords are incredibly blunt and honest on average. A Nord would much rather kill their foe in plain sight in a legitimate confrontation of might rather than use trickery. That is one of the reasons you see so much less traditional murder in Skyrim than you did in Oblivion. Most Nord tribes highly value 'honor', in which they feel like using tricks (or what many other races would consider tactics) is dirty fighting and holds no Honor. Magic at least in Skyrim's time was primarily viewed as unnatural and not Honorable. 'Coward' is one of the worst insults you can get from a Nord.
Now for the war. Nords bring a lot of direct combat prowess to the field. Nord warriors are among some of the fiercest and strongest there are. Their potency in combat is not the only thing they bring to the table though. As hardy adventurers used to rough climate, they make pretty decent scouts as many of their people have to hunt for a living (Skyrim is a harsh land to cultivate fields in). Nords are also talented crafters, as it is seen as an honorable profession. They also have a powerful Nautical resource to bring to the table, meaning they can get supplies to coastlines much more easily.
They are also incredibily skilled in wood/timber construction, which is much faster than stone and surprisingly durable as well. Forts/outposts could be built fairly quickly out of wood and well defendable.
Dunmer/Dark-Elves: The Dunmer are a cursed people, and often return the hatred their race often is targeted with. Prideful, many Dunmer strive to prove themselves. They are highly intellectual, often becoming spellcasters. Their skills with both blade and bow are definitely not to be ignored either. Morrowind even has a legal Assassin's guild, and due to their agile nature make great assassins and scouts.
What does this mean? The Dunmer bring a balance to the Ebonheart pact. Many archers and spell-swords will add variety to the otherwise warrior-dominated army of the Nords. Their prideful and distrustful nature puts them at odds with the Nords, who are very much alike in that respect. This will cause some inner turmoil within the Pact for sure, but the Nords and Dunmer that ally themselves on the battlefield will be a force to be reckoned with.
Argonian: A race enslaved and fought many times over, the Argonians often are reserved and keep to themselves. Their long use as slaves by the Dunmer make the Ebonheart Pact even more unlikely, causing likely even more rifts within this alliance. Their biology and evolution within the harsh swamps of Blackmarsh have turned them into arguably the hardiest race. They were often used as slaves in situations where no other race could have worked in. They are resistant to disease and poison, and are both intelligent and agile, making them great scouts and spell-swords...
What does this mean? The Argonians are amazing scouts, and also have a good capacity to be capable mages. Their bitterness towards the other races, Dunmer in particular, causes even more problems for this Alliance. They are masters of guerilla warfare and have many advantages physically that other races would not have (a powerful, prehensile tail and strong jaw of sharp teeth).
Army: While exceptions are guaranteed, this statement is true in a sense of bulk. Hardy, durable, and strong Nord warriors make the Ebonheart a powerful direct force. The Dunmer with their balance supplements all areas, and helps make up for the lack of magic from the Nords. The Argonians hardiness and freedom in water make excellent scouts and guerilla fighters, and their well roundedness also supplements the Ebonheart. Both the Argonians and Nords tend to become fiercely loyal and attached to friends and brethren in battle.
However, the Ebonheart has the most political issues out of any faction, and that is surely a weakness. In the end though, the combined races, when they work together, is arguably the most balanced faction.
Daggerfall Covenant
Bretons: Being Manmer (part elf), Bretons have an unnatural affinity for magic and out of the races of man have the strongest tie to it. They are slighter of build on average when compared to Nords and Redguards, and are possibly less physically imposing than Imperials. However, their culture consumes knowledge with amazing fervor, making them one of the more educated and intelligent peoples. Their on-average slighter builds inspired an impressive amount of agility and athleticism, although they more commonly prefer using intelligence rather than martial might. Talented in magical arts, as well as fairly diplomatic and arguably the most friendly out of the nine playable races, they are a great addition to the Daggerfall covenant.
Their intelligence would also make them skilled traders, and crafters. Their versatility brings a much needed balance to the warrioristic Orcs and Redguards. Their love of learning and adventure would likely create many skilled and well rounded adventurers.
What does this mean? Since there are no Imperials to play as, Bretons are arguably the most balanced race. Their diplomatic skills (and European themed influence, from a cultural view) make them likely a strong leadership for the faction (as opposed to the less agreeable Nords and Altmer).
Redguard: Proudly known as 'the most naturally talented warriors in Tamriel', the Redguards definitely bring an immense amount of combat-power to the table. However, they are often fiercely independent and adventurous, meaning they do not make for the most organized soldiers. as Skirmishers and scouts, the average Redguard could take any other *average* warrior of another race in one on one martial combat. Their culture is fairly alien as far as humans go, but there are obvious middle-eastern influences as well as some slight African ones (yes i know being black does not mean they are inspired by Africans. that is not what i am talking about, before anyone flames me). They are far from stupid, but the average Redguard is not going to be as intellectual as the average Breton. Redguards adapt well, and would likely not cause too much trouble for the Breton's leadership under High King Emeric.
What does this mean? The Redguards bring a hardy race of warriors with great constitution and athleticism to the table, while also not causing too much political strife within the faction. as skirmishers and scouts, they are arguably the greatest warriors.
Orc: Considered some of the finest frontline soldiers, Orcs are incredibly strong and well suited to be heavy warriors. While they are not stupid, their grasp of magic is often lower than other races due to not being as scholarly on average. They often have a certain amount of distrust towards the other races, as they are a prejudiced and outcast people. However, much like the Nords, they are often honorable and fair. Their ways contrast greatly to the other races, not believing in imprisonment and holding martial might in a higher value than political skill. Chieftains are decided by the strongest, and even 'city-orcs', the ones that do not belong to these kind of tribes, believe in a glorious death in battle as the only true way to die. Their berserker rage, immense strength, and toughness makes them one of the scariest direct opponents on the battlefield. They are also incredibly talented smiths, orichalcum and ebony being among their specialties.
What does this mean? Orcs add SOME political instability to the faction, but more than make up for it in strength and crafting. They also will serve as powerful direct warriors.
Army: The combination of Orc and Redguard make this arguably the strongest faction for direct warfare. Bretons bring a nice balance with great magical capacity, agility, and intelligence. The political strife for this particular faction is low, despite some of the Orcs past conflicts with the other two races. In large scale battles, they would have a lot of strong warriors wearing great equipment. Head on, their army's steel would overwhelm either of the other two factions. Breton intelligence ensures the army does not suffer the 'brute' mentality. It is arguably the deadliest combination of the three factions.
Aldmeri Dominion
Altmer/High-elf: While all what the Altmer would see as 'lesser races' tend to dislike the Altmer, the High Elves are prideful for a reason. Their culture is the basis for the basic language across Tamriel, as well as many of the advancements the Empire sees as so important. Altmer are generally extremely intelligent, with the highest natural connection to magic of all the races. Due to their weaker physical strength, in direct combat they likely turned to finesse and technique to overcome opponents. This likely means that in addition to amazing magical ability, they are likely fairly skilled swordsman and archers. However, their arrogance likely causes some abrasion between the Altmer and the other two races allied with the aldmeri dominion. They are also under-rated crafters, given that elven arms and armors are impressive.
What does this mean? Altmer lead the Dominion with confidence, and their incredible intelligence and history of large scale wars likely gives them a huge wealth of tactics. Their magical prowess means that the direct might of Daggerfall and Ebonheart could be swept away by magical destruction, which tends to be the bane of direct heavy soldiers. Bosmer and Khajit may share little affection for the Altmer, but it is likely they understand the superiority of Altmer leadership.
Bosmer/Wood-Elf: Excellent archers, scouts, and rogues, the Bosmer are incredibly agile and quick. They are not very physically imposing, which means in combination with Altmer make the Aldmeri Dominion the least direct army of the three factions. They are not a fan of central authorities, likely meaning there is some tension between them and the Altmer. Wood elves are fairly easy to see how they add to the faction, but stereotyping them is as bad as stereotyping any other race. The typical wood elf would be an archer or light scout, however.
What does this mean? the Aldmeri Dominion has incredible range, mobility, and offensive power... the addition of amazing archers would also make keep defense a little easier. They are also quick of wit, making the Aldmeri a tactical and intelligent force to reckon with.
Khajit: Incredibly agile and fierce, the Khajit make great rogues, skirmishes, and ferocious warriors. Their ability with stealth, coupled with the Bosmers, make the Aldmeri Dominion a terrifying force of potential ambushes. Their claws and fangs make them dangerous even when disarmed, and with the unnatural agility also likely comes a surprising amount of strength (if their make-up is at all like cats, the speed of their muscle movements would increase quick bursts of force and strength. allowing for tall jumping and likely very hard tackles). They have some bad past with the Bosmer, but it is not as notable as many of the other issues the other races face. Khajits can learn magic, as they are often quite intelligent, but it is not common for them to wield it to an extent where it would be dangerous or an asset in combat.
What does this mean? Khajits round out the rest of the Dominion, likely serving as the strongest direct martial fighters. Bosmer-Khajit ambushes are likely quite deadly, and the Khajits would also add an enormous bonus to all around combat, whether it be direct or indirect.
Army: The altmer add a strong magical side to the army, but with these three races together this army really comes down to an amazing ambushing and guerilla warfare army. The political tension is somewhere in the middle between Ebonheart and Daggerfall. While in a direct charge or seige they are likely at a disadvantage, they could catch huge amounts of enemy soldiers off guard and route them quickly with a well timed ambush.
TL;DR?!?!?!
Ebonheart Pact: Well rounded, great direct team, tough and durable, suffers from tension between the races and lack of dedicated magic.
Daggerfall Covenant: Fairly well rounded (thanks to Breton), amazing direct team, great crafting, suffers from having two extremely specialized roles rather than more balance.
Aldmeri Dominion: Not well rounded, Magic helps the direct potency of their armies but still pales to EP and DC, Incredible ambush potential, great range, great mobility.
Now I say this as an Ebonheart player: ... without outside influence or cause (plague, empire, etc) I would see Daggerfall Covenant winning. The political issues with Ebonheart makes them harder to unite, and possible backstabs and infighting. Daggerfall is also incredibly strong in direct open combat because of the orcs and redguard (combined, this overpowers the Nord). The Breton magic helps ease them against the Altmer, and ties out or even surpasses the Dunmer magic equation. They win because they are balanced, and because they would likely be the most stable. The Aldmeri just do not have the muscle to dominate in this three-way war. But this is just my personal view...
Thanks for reading everyone! please feel free to share your thoughts, this took some time.
As an Ebonheart player, I was really getting sick of the 'skyrim kiddies will flood it har har' yet people tend to forget that all ES races that were playable in the past were playable in Skyrim. In fact, in my circle of friends, I am the only Nord player! lol.
