Dan2277 - your reasons for your belief-system in this game are your own, and you are welcome to them for my part. In essence though, you need to come up with some reason that fits your own playstyle as to why your mage toon would be Dovahkiin - but still a race NOT Nordic. That's the ongoing RP aspect of the game. Have fun with it, and don't agonize over it.

My first playthrough was as a Dunmer and I did notice some character interaction in that many of the guards would often say something along the lines of "watch where you're going, elf." But that was about it.

The more I delve into the game (and I am playing as a Nord this time), the more I can understand the OP in that playing as a different race from the Nord doesn't quite feel right. Or maybe a better way of looking at it is there is more lore associated with being Dragonborn related to the Nords. You can obviously be any race you want, and anyone who wants to can find a way to justify their character being the Dragonborn. The simple fact is that your Bosmer or Argonian is not going to receive any additional special content related to their race. I would simply argue this is the one disadvantage of being a Dragonborn who is not a Nord. Less personal content.

I honestly never really thought about it till reading this thread though.

I'd beg to differ. If Skyrim becomes an independant state that greatly effects the dominion/empire power balance for the next TES incarnation.

the answer is simple: inter-breeding.

The septims were dragonbornes. Don't think any much the dragonborn must be nord by lore porpuses.

Hmm... No.

There isn't a lore or cannon Hero (Apart from older titles), the Elder Scrolls's Hero can be of any race, gender and name. His fate is to be almost forgotten and just be remembered by his titles, in this case, Dragonborn.

You mean why was every Dragonborn recorded in Nordic history a Nord........

Dont confuse what people consider to be legend, which could very well be heresay or one sided with what is factual.
Remember how people thought the earth was flat, and that you'd fall off the edge if you went too far?

According to legend, the dragons were supposed to be gone forever. But wouldn't you know, they returned- hence everyone being all like ""WTF? Dragons were all supposed to be dead"

Mis-information and legend on the game worlds side of the fourth wall does not necessarily equal lore on our side.

Where'd you hear that? Ma'iq the Liar?

Nothing wrong with defying canon. But I don't think playing as another race is defying canon anyway.

Well thank you very much.

You heard it, folks. I'm the most interesting Dragonborn!

I'd like to remind everyone that Reman Cyrodiil was a dragonborn

It's the gods who choose the dragonborn, it can be any race.

This. Who cares if Nords have the most lore on it, maybe the Gods felt like being ironic so why not have an Altmer Dragonborn.

Need a dragonborn? Why not Zoidberg?!

Also, weren't you captured trying to illegally immigrate into Skyrim? Is there anything to imply that even choosing to roll a Nord means that you're a native? Yeah your ancestors were probably from Skyrim, but everyone's ancestors were, so, really, aren't all the origin stories the same as far as the canon is concerned?

Did the Nerevarine have to be a Dunmer? Of course not. It fits a little better, but it isn't necessary at all.

Reman was Dragonborn, and he was from Colovia (well... Hrol was. Reman's mommy was Hillock). But Colovia was very Nordic at the time. Mankar may also have been Dragonborn.

Martin = Imperial. Uriel septim = Imperial.
And Akatosh chooses who He wants to have dragon blood.

Like someone mentions above, Mankar was probably Dragonborn to be able to wear the AoK. The Nerevarine is mentioned as "Dragonborn" as part of those prophesies though that might not have meant the same thing. and plenty of of Imperials have been Dragonborn over the years, its not a Nord specific thing, they might just give the title more weight and importance than other races have. Aside from that i do agree though, the game just feels more "right" if you play as a nord, but then Morrowind just felt more "right" for me played as a Dunmer.

according to the lore akatosh gave the dragonspeak to mortals, the nords, and it is an ancient nord art, but akatosh gives the power of the dragonborn to be born with the blood and soul of a dragon but stuck in a mortal body to whoever he chooses.

Nerevarine: Orc
Champion of Cyrodil: Orc
Dragonborn: Orc

There is nothing saying that you have to be a Nord, a dragon born is a mortal with the soul of a dragon, saw what i said a MORTAL, not a Nord.

Tiber Septim was born in High Rock, so where are you getting the idea he was a Nord? You can actually meet Tiber Septim in Morrowind and he ain't no Nord.

Because your making things up to support your argument. Its flat out stated any race can be a Dragonborn.

Wulf is an avatar, show it shouldn't be taken as his actual appearance. And "Hjalti Early-Beard" sounds like a very Nordic name.

This is the best I came up with, I though it fit best as a Nord, though obviously you can be any race you want.

And Talos, Tiber Septim was born in Atmora, why does everyone keep saying he was born in High Rock? Plus being born somewhere does not make you the same race as the race that calls that land home.

And Mankar was NOT Dragonborn, he was in no way related to the Septims and why the hell would Akatosh give him the gift of Dragonblood?